Hazardous Waste > Local Source Control Partnership > Background

Background 

The Local Source Control (LSC) Partnership began in 2007 with a $2.1 million commitment. Governor Chris Gregoire and the 2007 Legislature recognized that the economic vitality and viability of the state’s small businesses is critical to the overall economy and is directly tied to healthy and diverse ecosystems that have their basis in clean water.

The LSC Partnership is part of the Puget Sound Initiative, and includes specialists working to protect the Spokane River Watershed. The LSC Partnership uses a unique team approach, working with local jurisdictions to solve pollution problems through source control. This approach is expected to save businesses money while protecting our state’s urban water quality.

In January 2008, Ecology awarded 14 contracts to local government jurisdictions—13 in the Puget Sound region and one in eastern Washington. This funding enabled the jurisdictions to hire LSC Specialists in their communities to provide one-on-one technical assistance to small businesses to properly manage their business wastes. This approach is expected to save businesses money while protecting our state’s urban water quality.

Twenty-three LSC Specialists are currently providing on-site, no-charge technical assistance visits to small businesses whose operations are considered potential small-quantity generators (SQGs) of dangerous wastes. They are looking at business practices and offering solutions and alternatives to the hazardous materials that are used, stored, and disposed of by each business. The specialists have exceeded by 15% the target number of 2,040 site visits for the 2007-09 biennium.

The LSC program is eager to share its resources and expertise to preserve water quality and enhance Washington business. If you are a small business owner or manager, or if you represent a local jurisdiction who would like to become a partner, please see Projects and Contacts for the Local Source Specialist nearest to you.

Local Source Control Partner Jurisdictions map (PDF 709K) displays the areas covered by LSC Specialists.

Related Information:

Environmental Results Program Auto Body Pilot LSC governments and industry partners are working with Ecology in this EPA-funded compliance-assistance and pollution-prevention program for Washington’s automotive collision-repair industry.

Ecology Initiatives

Protecting Our Urban Waters
Saving Puget Sound
Reducing Toxic Threats
Spokane River Basin