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What is the Clean Lakes and Watersheds Association Conference?
The OCLWA is a non-profit organization that "provides a forum for scientists, citizens, and professionals to exchange ideas, receive education, and form partnerships to foster sound management and protection of lakes and watersheds." The conference is held annually to present information about water resources and management in Oklahoma and surrounding regions. The conference promotes the exchange of research and knowledge to protect water resources. The location was moved to Stillwater to increase student and researcher involvement in the conference. Faculty, students, and individuals from state water agencies present their research at the conference and researchers from academia and state and federal agencies, also consultants register to attend. The OCLWA Board raises $15,000-$20,000 to sponsor students so they can attend the event at no charge. The conference consists of posters and presentations that cover a wide variety of topics concerning water issues.
The Environmental Science Graduate Program (ESGP) at Oklahoma State University is one of the sponsors of the conference. This OCWLA conference allows students in this program to present and learn more about environmental issues, while meeting future employers.
The program is directed by Dr. Scott Stoodley and coordinated by Dr. Kerri Farnsworth-Hoback. Students are equipped with the tools necessary to become "environmental scientists" that can solve "complex environmental issues." Students in this program undergo a research based program that is focused on the individual's interests in order to obtain their masters or doctoral degree. The student determines the classes he/she wants to undertake, however, it must be approved by the advisor and committee. The lack of scripted classes allows the students to formulate research and career goals. The ESGP provides networking opportunities for students to allow them to obtain jobs after school. The students learn all the environmental entities and get to network with agencies.
What are the "Big Three Water Agencies?"
There are nine agencies in Oklahoma that deal with water quality, but the main three include the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and the Department of Environmental Quality. All water-related agencies must adhere to the Clean Water Act (1972). The states have to adopt the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency. The states can create more rigorous laws but they cannot create lax laws that undermine the passage of the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act implements water pollution programs and establishes water quality standards.
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) works to "protect and enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans by managing and improving the state's water resources to ensure clean and reliable water supplies, a strong economy, and a safe and healthy environment." The OWRB collects data from lakes and rivers in Oklahoma to develop water quality standards. The board has a wide variety of duties that include the following: water use permitting, water quality standards, dam safety, floodplain management, groundwater and surface water studies, drought monitoring, etc.
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission "protects, conserves, and restores Oklahoma's renewable natural resources." The establishment of this government agency dates back to the 1930s when the Dust Bowl hit Oklahoma. Due to the severe droughts and floods that occurred, soil conservation districts were created to implement policies regarding soil and water. In 1937, the agency was named the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. The agency is separated into divisions: abandoned mine land reclamation, conservation programs, district services, financial management and human resources, office of geographical information and technical services, and water quality services.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) works to "protect people through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land on which we thrive." The Water Quality Division maintains clean water resources for Oklahoma. Water quality is handled by point source discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). These point source pollutants are an identifiable source where the pollution is discharged such as a pipe. Non-point source pollutants do not have a direct source where the pollution is discharged. Pollutants are monitored and a Discharge Monitoring Report is sent to the DEQ. In addition, the DEQ monitors the Total Maximum Daily Load program (TMDL). The TMDL program assesses impaired water bodies and determines where the pollution is coming from and how to reduce it to meet water quality standards.
For More Information:
The Oklahoma Clean Lakes and Watersheds Association.
See the OCLWA page for more information regarding the conference.
Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA covers a multitude of topics concerning water issues.
U.S. Geological Survey
Explore a collection of water topics that obtain "data, news, images, video, social media, and much more."
The Oklahoma State Library has a copy of Lakes of Oklahoma from the Water Resources Board
The book contains maps of Oklahoma lakes, reservoirs, hydrology, water supply, and water resource development. You can find this resource on the fifth floor of the library using the call number M394 W81 L192 OK55 Okla. Oversized.
~Emily Hancz
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