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CHROME PLATERS MAY TUNE IN NOV. 15 FOR CLEAN AIR ACT UPDATE
A free closed-circuit satellite TV conference will provide information on how recent changes in the federal clean air act affect the chromium electroplating industry. The conference is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15. Viewing sites will be set up in Kirkland, Lacey, and Spokane:
Ecology also will provide video cassettes of the teleconference free of charge to those who cannot attend the viewings. To reserve a seat at a viewing site, to order a video tape, or for any further information, please call Bernard Brady at 360-407-6803.
CONTACT: Bernard Brady (360) 407-6803 or Ron Langley (360) 407-6162.
ECOLOGY GRANTS $80,000 TO YAKIMA HEALTH DISTRICT FOR HAZARDOUS SITE INVESTIGATIONS
Ecology has awarded $80,000 to the Yakima Health District to investigate suspected hazardous waste sites. The Health District plans to use the grant to collect information about environmental conditions and the types and quantities of wastes at sites throughout the county. The information collected will be used to evaluate the risks the sites pose to the environment and human health.
CONTACT: Steve Loftness (360) 407-6060 or Jerry Gilliland (360) 407-6149.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION GETS GRANT TO REDUCE NITRATE POLLUTION
Ecology offered a $210,695 Centennial Clean Water Fund Grant to the Washington State University Cooperative Extension in Bellingham. The extension service will develop methods for reducing agricultural source nitrate pollution to the Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer. Nitrates typically come from failing septic systems and fertilizers used in agriculture. The nutrients can be harmful to human health and the environment. The extension service will develop and demonstrate for the area farmers the effectiveness of soil testing and record keeping as a means of managing cost-effective nitrate applications for corn production and manure management.
CONTACT: John Glynn (206) 649-7033 or Mary Getchell (360) 407-6157.
SPECIAL MEETING SET FOR THE WASHINGTON COASTAL PROTECTION FUND STEERING COMMITTEE
The Washington Coastal Protection Fund Steering Committee will hold a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 30, to discuss proposals received for restoration of resources affected by the 1993 Nosac Forest oil spill. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Greenwood Community Center, located at 59707 Highway 410 in Greenwood. The meeting will involve several field visits to potential restoration sites.
CONTACT: Paul Heimowitz at (360) 407-6972 or Ron Langley at (360) 407-6162.
LOW INCOME RESIDENTS MORE LIKELY TO LIVE NEAR WASTE FACILITIES
Ecology released an environmental equity study on October 19 announcing that Washington communities with many low income residents are likely to have more facilities that manage and/or release hazardous wastes than communities with higher income residents. The study examined the entire state, utilizing the 4,620 communities identified in the 1990 U.S. Census. Nearly 900 facilities and contaminated sites were included. About 39 percent of the communities had higher-than-average numbers of low-income residents. The low income communities were hosts to 47 percent of the state's hazardous waste and solid waste facilities and toxic waste cleanup sites. The study did not examine when the waste facilities were first created, as compared to when homes were built near them.
CONTACT: John Ridgway (360) 407-6713 or Jerry Gilliland (360) 407-6149.
NEW DANGEROUS WASTE RULES REDUCE CONFUSION AND IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Ecology adopted new dangerous waste rules aimed at reducing confusion and improving environmental protection. The rules apply to more than 7,800 businesses and agencies that generate or manage more than 200 pounds of hazardous waste each month. In addition, portions of the rules also apply to more than 10,000 auto repair shops, printing firms, dry cleaners and other firms whose activities result in smaller amounts of hazardous wastes. The new rules:
Copies of the new regulations may be obtained by contacting the Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47658, Olympia, WA 98504-7658.
CONTACT: Megan White (360) 407-6702 or Jerry Gilliland (360) 407-6149.
PUBLIC COMMENT NEEDED FOR PROPOSED CHANGES TO HANFORD CLEANUP AGREEMENT
Changes are being proposed to cut costs and speed up work by reducing regulatory red tape and pushing decision making authority downward to individual projects in the Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order or Tri-Party Agreement. The U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Ecology are seeking public comment on the proposed modifications for 45 days starting November 1. The modifications include:
The draft changes can be reviewed by any Hanford Information Repository. More information is available by calling the Hanford toll-free hotline: 1-800-321-2008.
CONTACT: Jerry Gilliland (360) 407-6149.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
