WVFA eNews Weekly

Attached is the NCASI Special Report on Forest Roads and BMPs for your review. The following information should help us all understand the issue of EPA's notice for information on road BMPs in the Federal Register.

First, a little background on why the roads issue is back in front of us again... In 2003, EPA's Phase II stormwater regulations were challenged in Environmental Defense Center v. US EPA, 344 F.3d 832 (9th Cir. 2003) (EDC v. EPA). In that case, EDC contended that EPA arbitrarily failed to regulate discharges from forest roads under the Phase II rule. The court held that EPA failed to consider the petitioners’ comments and remanded the issue to EPA ‘‘so that it may consider in an appropriate proceeding Petitioner’s contention that section 402(p)(6) requires the EPA to regulate forest roads. The EPA may then either accept Petitioners’ arguments in whole or in part, or reject them on the basis of valid reasons that are adequately set forth to permit judicial review.’’ Since 2003, EPA did nothing to address the 9th Circuit Courts remand. Fast forward to December 2014. EDC and the Natural Resources Defense Council filed a petition with the 9th Circuit to compel EPA to respond, within six months, to the question remanded in the 2003 EDC v. EPA decision of whether section 402(p)(6) requires regulation of stormwater discharges from forest roads. Following execution of a settlement agreement that was filed with the court on Aug. 26, 2015, the court entered an order establishing a schedule requiring EPA to issue a final determination by May 26, 2016.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=350453&issueID=41996 to view the full article online.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the remaining Area meetings near you:
Area 4 -- Dec. 02 -- 6:00 p.m. -- Ryan's Restaurant, Beckley
Area 6 -- Jan. 07 -- 5:00 p.m. -- 4-H Camp Grounds, Wood County

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=350943&issueID=41996 to view the full article online.

* The Insurance Commission advises though there is a Business Self-Insured "rule," there is no Group Self-Insured "rule," and that - although such a rule can be made without legislation - it can take 10 years to accomplish, with no promise of success. Plus, loggers would be ‘jointly and severally liable’ to one another, as Group Self-Insured & that’s OK. But we think they shouldn’t be ‘jointly and severally liable’ to/with existing Business Self-Insureds or other Groups. However...

* Possibly will not take legislation... Under the direction of the WV Loggers Council, loggers will soon receive request-forms to submit to their WC carrier to receive their "Loss Run" (claim histories).

* Depending on quantity (Loggers Council needs loggers to participate) and quality of results, the self-insured company will make a proposal for loggers’ WC premiums in WV.

* This company helped to successfully reduce problematic WC premiums for loggers in other states.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/articles/?aid=350947&issueID=41996 to view the full article online.

The Standards, which are revised every five years, serve as the basis for the ATFS program, which is internationally recognized by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™), the world’s largest forest-certification system. Landowners who follow these Standards are recognized around the world as ambassadors for sustainable woodland stewardship. Participation in the ATFS program and management to the ATFS Standards is voluntary. Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a woodland owner to ensure that your management plan and on-the-ground activities enhance the long-term sustainability of your woodlands.

Visit https://www.treefarmsystem.org/about-2015-2020-standards?utm_source=standard1&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=2015ForestsandFamilies to view the full article online.

The Export Promotion Program of the West Virginia Development Office is committed to assisting small and medium-sized West Virginia companies as they navigate the global marketplace.
Provides export counseling
Recommends translation services
Recommends reliable freight forwarders
Organizes trade events
Simplifies the exporting process.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/wvf-nwl/pdf/2016_Mission_to_UAE,_Qatar,_Oman_&_Bahrain.pdf to view the full article online.