Environmental Watch: Meetings on Madsen Creek sewer options

RENTON -- The first of three public workshops will be held on July 26 to discuss possible solutions for an unstable sewer pipeline in the Madsen Creek ravine. Representatives from the King County Wastewater Treatment Division will host and present a list of options regarding the pipeline. All interested businesses, groups and individuals are invited to attend the workshop to suggest alternate ideas, provide feedback or ask questions about the Madsen Creek Interceptor Project.

On Aug. 16, the county will host a second workshop at which the list of options will be narrowed down. At the final workshop on Sept. 27 the preferred alternative will be identified.

The first workshop will be held in Renton at Lindbergh High School, 16426 128th Ave. SE from 6-8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Stan Hummel at (206) 684-1844 or Kathy Albert at (206) 269-5041 (TTY:1-800-833-6388).

Classes cover Nationwide Permits changes

SEATTLE -- Classes about the new and modified Nationwide Permits will be held throughout Washington over the next three weeks. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Environmental Protection Agency, is sponsoring the classes which will be highlighted by coverage of rules on filling wetlands, mitigation, Endangered Species Act requirements and biological evaluation/assessments. The Seattle class is scheduled for Aug. 8 at Seattle District Corps of Engineers Galaxy Room, Federal Center South, 4735 E. Marginal Way S.

Classes throughout Washington are scheduled for July 19, in Bellingham; July 20, in Olympia; July 24, in Vancouver; July 27, in Yakima; July 28, in Wenatchee; and July 31, in Spokane. For information on locations contact Evan Lewis at (206) 764-6908.

All classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendance is on a space available basis.

State offers $89M to protect water quality

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Ecology is proposing to spend $89 million to help Washington communities improve and protect water quality. The grants and low-interest loans would be used to clean up polluted water and to prevent further pollution throughout the state. This year, communities have asked for 221 projects totaling $267 million for pollution control.

Send comments on the proposed projects to Kim McKee, Dept. of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600 through Aug. 2.

State drafts new lake weed rules

BELLEVUE -- Two open houses will address issues regarding the use of chemicals to control growth of lake weeds. The Washington Department of Ecology is asking for comments on the updated draft of the Aquatic Plant Management Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

The open houses will take place in Lacey on Monday, July 24, in Ecology's Southwest Regional Office, 300 Desmond Dr., and in Bellevue on Wednesday, July 26, at Ecology's Northwest Regional Office, 3190 160th Ave. S.E. People may visit an open house 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 4-7 p.m. on either date.

Hart Crowser adds personnel

SEATTLE -- Aaron Bradshaw, a staff engineer who holds an M.S. in ocean engineering from the University of Rhode Island, has joined Hart Crowser. Bradshaw has field and laboratory experience in sediment coring, consolidation and triaxial testing, slope stability modeling, and construction monitoring. He is already involved with remedial designs for the Fox River in Wisconsin and the Hylebos and Thea Foss Waterways in Tacoma.

Additionally, the firm has added three professionals to its Boston offices.

Also announced by Hart Crowser is the transfer of Iliana Alvarado, a project geotechnical engineer. She has moved from the Seattle office to the firm's Northeast Regional Office in Jersey City, N.J., and is currently working on remediation of contaminated sediment at Superfund sites on the Delaware and Housatonic rivers as well as a major channel improvement project in Jersey City.

10 join Landau staff

EDMONDS -- Boosting its staff to 75 members, Landau Associates, Inc. has added 10 technical and administrative personnel. New to the Edmonds office are Tim Syverson, a senior geologist with 14 years of experience managing site investigations and remedial actions, and Sean Cool, a geotechnical engineer supporting geotechnical field activity during construction. Gary Andres, a project hydrogeologist with 14 years of experience in groundwater, surface water and in-stream flow studies has joined Landau Associates' Spokane office.

Also new with Landau are Allison Reak, associate and senior fisheries biologist; Brad Thiele, project environmental scientist; Jennifer Weitkamp, project fisheries biologist; Mike Shaw, senior staff aquatic biologist; Dennis Hobbs, financial and administrative manager; Diana Badowski, marketing specialist; and Julie Self, project coordinator.

Ecology releases Hylebos cleanup plan

TACOMA -- The Washington Department of Ecology is taking public comments on its proposed consent decree and State Environmental Policy Act determination of non-significance for the cleanup proposed in Hylebos Waterway.

The proposal requires the Wood Debris Group (Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Manke Lumber Co., Inc., and Weyerhaeuser Co.) to dredge selected areas of the Hylebos Waterway; recycle logs and wood debris; relocate dredged material that meets qualifications for open-water, unconfined disposal in Commencement Bay; dispose of remaining sediment; remove arsenic-contaminated sediments from the intertidal and shallow subtidal area beneath Manke Lumber's dock; and to continue log rafting in the Hylebos Waterway while reducing wood debris into the waterway.

Requests for updates should be directed to Russ McMillan, Site Manager, at 300 Desmond Dr. SE, P.O. Box 47775, Olympia, WA 98504-7775 or call (360) 407-6254.

Senate okays Portland estuary study

PORTLAND -- The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee authorized a reconnaissance study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether estuary restoration measures should be taken in the Lower Columbia River.

Funded entirely by the Corps, the study would consider restoration measures consistent with the Lower Columbia River Estuary Program Management Plan and the terms and conditions of the Biological Opinion on the Columbia River Deepening Project. The study, which could begin as soon as Oct. 1, is estimated to cost $100,000.

Survey shows men litter more

SEATTLE (AP) -- Men drop more roadside litter than women, young people drop more than old, and almost half of it is dropped accidentally. Those are just a few of the findings of a $170,000 comprehensive survey of litter and litterbug habits in Washington state recently completed by the Department of Ecology.

The money paid for a consultant to determine what kinds of litter lines the roads and where it comes from. It also covered the cost of focus groups and a telephone survey aimed at figuring out why people litter in the first place.

The survey found about 40 percent of roadside junk gets there accidentally -- tire shards tear off of semi-trucks, Drywall blows out of pickup beds.

The rest is tossed more by males than females and more by the young than the old.

Litter accumulates along the state's urban freeways at an annual rate of 1.5 tons a mile, with rural county roads taking on a little more than 300 pounds of per mile per year.

In one year, 260 million cigarette butts -- or about 65 tons -- are tossed along the state's roadsides.

Add to that 415,000 pounds of paper packaging, 136,000 pounds of magazines and newspapers and the equivalent of nearly 90,000 tons of car tires.

But despite the huge amounts of trash, only 38 percent of people thinks the litter problem is "very important," the survey found.

Most respondents also said it will take a hard-edge ad campaign -- something that focuses on the health and safety risks of public trash -- to shame people into cleaning up their acts.

"Slogans such as `Keep America Clean' don't cut it anymore," Ecology Litter Programs Coordinator Megan Thomas said. "The focus groups said we have to be hard-hitting."

Ecology concluded that a three-pronged approach is needed to reduce the litter load, combining a media campaign with public education programs and stiffer enforcement of litter laws.

Litterers currently face a minimum $50 fine under state law. Counties and cities can pass ordinances with stiffer fines if they want to.

The State Patrol issued 3,900 litter citations in fiscal 1998-99, but 75 percent were only warnings.

But with trash cleanup costing Ecology $5 million to $7 million a year, there will not be much to spend on media campaigns or education unless private industries and other public agencies help out.

The state Department of Transportation spends another $610,000 a year to pick up and dump all the trash bags filled by cleanup crews.

Environmental Watch: Locke 'extremely disturbed' by shooting quote

OLYMPIA (AP) -- Gov. Gary Locke has demanded an apology from state Sen. Harold Hochstatter, who reportedly said property owners might have to take up arms in a battle over shoreline regulations.

Hochstatter, a Moses Lake Republican who is running for governor, appeared at a property rights rally Thursday at the offices of the state Ecology Department, which proposed the new rules.

The Olympian newspaper Thursday quoted him as saying, "It's not time yet, but it's getting close to time for shooting."

In a telephone interview Sunday night with The Associated Press, Hochstatter would not comment further, saying he would respond directly to Locke.

Locke said he was "extremely disturbed" by what Hochstatter reportedly said.

"This statement apparently suggested to the public that in the near future employees of the Washington state Department of Ecology, who are doing their jobs, should be shot. If this is an accurate quote, it is an appalling, grossly irresponsible statement for anyone, especially an elected official, to make," he said in a news release.

Locke urged Hochstatter to apologize to Ecology employees "for inciting people to turn to firearms to resolve their differences. These hard-working public employees are deeply upset, and even fearful, because of this statement attributed to you at public event."

The proposed regulations include waterfront buffer zones, restriction on dock and bulkhead placement and preference for "water-dependent" uses long shorelines. The department is holding public hearings around the state and accepting comments on the new rules through Aug. 7.

Ridolfi heads People for Salmon

NORTH BEND -- People for Salmon, a statewide community-based salmon habitat restoration program, has elected Callie Ridolfi as its new president and Chantal Stevens as the new executive director.

Ridolfi is a principal at Ridolfi Engineers in Seattle. She represents the Consulting Engineers Council of Washington on the People for Salmon committee and is a registered civil engineer, involved in nearshore and upland salmon restoration projects. Stevens joined the organization as executive director after working with the Muckleshoot Indian Fisheries Department as manager of its environmental division.

Crowley wins environmental award

SEATTLE -- The United States Coast Guard presented Crowley Marine Services, Inc. with the William M. Benkert Award, a national award recognizing excellence in marine environmental protection.

The Coast Guard said Crowley was selected because as vessel and facilities operators, the firm had "implemented outstanding marine environmental protection programs -- programs that far exceed mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards."

Crowley followed a risk assessment approach that targeted critical areas by defining its goals and management practices to achieve a goal of zero pollution. Crowley developed a "root-cause" incident

investigation and analysis program to identify correctable problems and also established clear environmental performance measures as a part of its business plan.

The application of the company's environmental protection programs includes all of the Crowley Marine Services' Alaska, U.S. West Coast, East Coast and international operations.

Crowley Marine Services' U.S. West Coast operating headquarters are in Seattle. East Coast and International Operating headquarters are in Jacksonville, Fla. It has one of the world's largest fleets of

DNR public lands map available

OLYMPIA -- The newest edition of a map showing most of the public lands in Washington is available from the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It has been published since the 1960s and offers a view of state, federal and municipal lands. The new edition also has topographic shading and narrative information about the state's public lands.

The report shows that most public lands are in elevations higher than 3,000 feet.

For information about the map, contact the DNR Photos and Map Sales at (360) 902-1234 or write to the department at Box 47031, Olympia 98504-7031.

Open houses at two treatment plants

SEATTLE -- Open houses will be held July 12 at the South Treatment Plant and July 19 at the West Point Treatment Plant to celebrate King County's Earth Legacy 2000. Both are walking tours. The South Treatment Plant tour begins at 4:30 p.m. and includes a question and answer session with King County Executive Ron Sims. The West Point plant tour begins at 5 p.m.

Ecology says litter is picking up

OLYMPIA -- The Ecology Youth Corps has put its crews of 14 to 17-year-old students to work cleaning up the winter's accumulation of litter from the state's highways. Along with crews from local groups and other state departments this means there are more people than ever working on the state's litter problem.

The haul is expected to reach four million pounds, but a survey showed that is only about a quarter of the litter on the roadways.

"Crews are picking up three times as much as they used to, but trash is piling up on the highways faster than they can pick it up," said Cullen Stephenson, manager of the solid waste program for the Department of Ecology. The state cannot reach the legislative goal of zero litter through cleanup efforts alone, he said, calling for better public education and more enforcement of litter laws.

Casino owner cited for shoreline violations

OLYMPIA -- The owner of Luciano's Casino and Ristorante , H & H Partnership, has been fined $25,000 and ordered to halt its gambling operation because it fails to qualify as a water-oriented use under Tacoma's shoreline regulations.

Gale Blomstrom of the state Department of Ecology, which has authority to prevent shoreline development that is not consistent with local regulations and state policy, said allowing the casino to remain would open the door to piecemeal shoreline development.

Tacoma's shoreline regulations don't allow new restaurants to be built over the water along Ruston Way. Existing over-water restaurants such as Luciano's can continue to operate as long as they are not changed or expanded to a less-conforming use.

The owner has 30 days to ask Ecology to reduce the fine or appeal the order to the state Shorelines Hearings Board.

Environmental Watch: Pollution preventers honored with awards

Three local businesses and organizations and three individuals recently received WIN Environmental Achievement Awards from the Waste Information Network. Those recognized for efforts to prevent pollution include: Aldercrest Auto Rebuild, Bernard Imports Inc., Renton Technical College, Molly Cadranell, John Ketola and Madeline Sten.

The Waste Information Network began in 1987 as a forum for small business, environmental service vendors, public interest groups, trade associations, government agencies and others to collaborate on waste management issues. WIN has sponsored the Environmental Achievement Awards since 1990. Winners minimize use of hazardous materials, develop less hazardous products and foster an environmental ethic among employees, industry and the community. WIN reports the following are award winners:

Aldercrest Auto Rebuild is the first autobody shop in Snohomish County to qualify as meeting hazardous waste and air quality standards set by the EnviroStars Program and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Among its many innovations, Aldercrest installed a still for paint gun washer solvent, saving $2,000 on solvent disposal each year and qualifying the shop as a “small quantity generator” of hazardous waste. The shop’s stormwater management system helps protect local waterways from potential contamination.

Bernard Imports, Inc. is the first auto dismantler to qualify as an EnviroStar, earning the highest 5-star rating and demonstrating how the vehicle salvage process can incorporate environmental protection. In an industry at high risk for pollution, Bernard’s careful dismantling practices prevents automotive fluids from leaking into the environment. The Tukwila company uses alternatives to hazardous products and recycles waste oil, antifreeze, freon and scrap metal. Owner Eric Bernard plays an active role in the Automotive Recyclers of Washington and offers tours for auto shops and regulators.

Renton Technical College made changes in hazardous waste management after participating in the statewide School Sweeps campaign. Pollution prevention is now part of the college’s vocational programs, including autobody, auto repair, equipment repair, machine shop, musical instrument repair, dental and science programs. For instance, installing wastewater treatment systems and an evaporator cut disposal costs $3,000 per year and allowed the college to reduce its regulatory status from large to small quantity generator. Renton’s instructors share waste reduction information with small businesses.

Molly Cadranell, owner of Cadranell's Yacht Landing, has been a longtime champion for environmentally responsible boating. Her Lake Union facility was one of the first marinas to design best management practices to protect Northwest waterways. She worked with Puget Soundkeeper Alliance to produce a statewide manual for marinas and helped lead local activities for the National Clean Boating Campaign.

John Ketola, owner of Ketola/Targus Painting, has pursued and promoted a goal of zero waste for much of his 25 years as a painting contractor. As past state president of the Paint, Decorators and Coatings Association, he developed training programs for painters to teach waste management and reduction. His shop, one of the largest in Olympia, is a model for integrating waste reduction, reuse and recycling into everyday business practices.

Madeline Sten has served the Puget Sound region as executive director of the nonprofit Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center since its inception in 1991, making it a resource for pollution prevention around the nation. Her work has spurred the growth of a national network for P2 information exchange.

WSU to hold three watershed meetings

PULLMAN -- Washington State University is sponsoring three regional watershed roundtable meetings to be held in Portland, the Spokane area, and Boise, with the goal of bringing diverse interests together to help create a sustainable future for fish, water and people.

Donald Nelson, WSU Cooperative Extension specialist, said WSU wants to help build consensus and foster creative solutions to old conflicts.

"We especially want farmers and ranchers to attend," Nelson said. "I hope about 100 land owners will attend each meeting."

"These are not meetings at which people come and give some brief testimony that will be ignored. Everyone will have an opportunity to speak more than once, be listened to and be involved in small group discussions. Reports from these meetings will identify strategies and actions to achieve."

Representatives of all private and government organizations with an interest in watershed issues also are invited.

WSU's Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources is conducting the meetings, which will be held Sept. 6-7 in Portland, the Spokane regional meeting will be held in Post Falls, Idaho, Sept. 13-14.

The Idaho meeting will be Oct. 3-4 in Boise. They are free. Attendance is restricted to the first 150 people who register.

Documents reporting results of the meetings will be posted on the CSANR Web site about a month after the meetings, Nelson said.

The University of Maryland will hold a related watershed funding workshop Sept. 8 in Portland.

Complete information is available on the CSANR web page. Click on "What's New." You also may e-mail Nelson at nelsond@wsu.edu or call him at (509) 335-2922.

Nuke fuel waste fertilizer OK to sell

RICHLAND (AP) -- A nuclear fuel fabrication plant has received state approval to sell ammonium hydroxide as a liquid fertilizer.

The state Department of Agriculture last week registered the waste product from the production of low-enriched uranium reactor fuel after a review by four state agencies.

"We're pleased with the decision," said Wayne Baker, a spokesman for Siemens Power Corp. here.

The department in February had ordered Siemens to stop selling the solution because it was unregistered. The registration lifts that order.

Siemens has sold 390,000 gallons of the waste ammonium hydroxide since the mid-1990s.

The company had considered the ammonium hydroxide a commercial chemical, rather than a fertilizer, and it was sold to distributors who in turn resold it to other industries.

But under the 1998 Fertilizer Regulation Act, all waste-derived fertilizers must be reviewed by the state to make sure they do not violate restrictions on disposal of hazardous wastes.

"The reviews of all four state agencies (Agriculture, Ecology, Health and Labor & Industries) conclude the Siemens industrial byproduct meets state waste and radiation standards by a large margin and poses no environmental or health concerns with normal usage of the product," said Ted Maxwell, registration program manager for the agriculture department.

Under its license with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Siemens is required to ensure that each batch of ammonium hydroxide solution contains no more than .05 parts per million of uranium.

A state Department of Health sample showed the level of uranium measured was 250 times less than the .05 parts per million limit.

Environmental Watch: Hanford sludge not an immediate danger

RICHLAND (AP) -- Some plutonium-laden sludge in an underground storage tank at the Hanford nuclear reservation does not pose an immediate threat, Energy Department officials say.

The agency has advised the Environmental Protection Agency that removal of the sludge from Tank 241-Z-361, buried in a corner of the Plutonium Finishing Plant complex, can safely be delayed up to five years.

The tank, which contains 20,000 gallons of radioactive sludge, including 55 pounds of plutonium, sat almost forgotten for two decades until it came to attention following the explosion of a smaller chemical tank at the same complex in 1997.

Tank Z-361 is about the size of two backyard swimming pools stacked on top of each other. The sludge is about 7 feet deep and contains wastes from plutonium refining during the Cold War.

Experts were worried about the distribution and quantity of plutonium and the potential for explosive gases to accumulate in the tank.

Sims honors 2 'Earth Heroes'

SEATTLE -- As part of his Earth Legacy 2000 Initiative, King County Executive Ron Sims will recognize Jim and Nancy Roberts of Kirkland and Seattle Goodwill as King County's Earth Heroes for the month of June. In a ceremony today, Sims will honor them for their dedication to protecting the natural environment.

Launched in May of this year, the King County Earth Legacy Initiative celebrates the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment, engaging the involvement of businesses, local government, organizations and youth.

Seattle Goodwill is being recognized for collecting a variety of materials for reuse. Proceeds from these sales are used for education and job training programs. Seattle Goodwill has collaborated with King County Solid Waste on a number of projects, including a reusable collection project at the Shoreline transfer station where more than 22 tons of furniture, clothes

and other items have been redirected from being dumped, a computer recovery project where disabled computers are safely handled and discarded, and other special recycling events.

Jim and Nancy Roberts are familiar faces on the beaches of King County. For the past two years, they have committed themselves to working with the Beach Naturalist Program, designed to educate beach visitors about the unique plants and animals that inhabit the shore, and encourage the public to help protect the fragile ecosystem.

They also have been involved in the Nature Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, Audubon Society and other environmental organizations.

"Honoring quiet, unsung heroes is part of this legacy," said Sims. "Jim and Nancy Roberts and Seattle Goodwill are shining examples of an Earth Hero."

Earth Hero nominations are submitted monthly by King County employees.

State okays Siemens fertilizer

OLYMPIA – A liquid fertilizer produced by Siemens Power Corp. at its commercial nuclear fuel plant in Richland has been registered by the state Department of Agriculture following a three-month review involving four state agencies. The agencies concluded that the product, a waste material from production of nuclear reactor fuel, has value as a fertilizer and is safe when used as directed.

The Department of Agriculture issued a statewide stop-sale order to Siemens Feb. 11 regarding the unauthorized distribution of the previously unregistered fertilizer and, following an investigation, issued a Notice of Correction June 5 for legal infractions. Agriculture had learned of the distribution to Eastern Washington outlets, prompting the stop-sale order. With registration complete, the stop-sale is now rescinded.

"The reviews of all four agencies conclude the Siemens industrial by-product meets state waste and radiation standards by a large margin and poses no environmental or health concerns with normal usage of the product," said Ted Maxwell, registration program manager for the Department of Agriculture.

"The liquid nitrogen product contains very low levels of metals and meets the metals standards by a wide margin."

With enactment of the Fertilizer Regulation Act of 1998, Washington became the first state in the U.S. to monitor, evaluate and inform consumers about levels of heavy metals in fertilizer products.

In analyzing the product for radiological constituents, results showed the solution contains significantly less uranium than found naturally in soil and is exempt from the Department of Health's radioactive materials licensing requirements.

"By comparison, DOH estimated the radiation dose to an agricultural worker using the ammonium hydroxide as a fertilizer is much less than exposure received from watching television," Maxwell noted.

Meeting tonight on 3rd runway study

BURIEN -- The Department of Ecology will hold a public meeting tonight on the findings of a year-long study about the hydrogeologic effect of constructing an embankment of 16.5 million cubic yards of fill for the proposed third runway at Sea-Tac.

The study was commissioned by the Legislature and managed by Ecology. Pacific Groundwater Group of Seattle conducted the $250,000 study which looked at the effects of the fill embankment on surrounding ground water, streams, wetlands and fish.

Tonight's meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Highline Performing Arts Center at 401 S. 152nd St. in Burien. For information contact Dave Garland at (425) 649-7031.

Erosion threatens Shoalwater reservation

TOKELAND -- The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been discussing erosion on the tribe's reservation and the Corps is investigating the feasibility of a shoreline protection project to combat the effects of coastal storms on habitat and reservation property.

The 245-person tribe is located on a spit of land known as Tokeland, at the northern end of Willapa Bay. Their reservation is one square mile of property which lies in an offshore marine estuary.

As a sovereign government, the tribe has exercised its powers and requested the assistance of the Corps through politicians who have agreed to sponsor legislation to help the tribe.

"The Shoalwater Bay Tribe faces some of the most difficult erosion challenges I have even seen." said Col. Mike Rigsby. "I am extremely pleased and proud that the Army Corps of Engineers has the ability to assist them in meeting these challenges."

Nurseries big business in Oregon

BEND, Ore. (AP) -- It's early on a weekday morning, but cars already are beginning to fill the parking lot at Landsystems Nursery on Highway 20 east of Bend.

As at nurseries elsewhere in Central Oregon, customers are here for flowers or fertilizer, or trees, or maybe to order deep green rolls of grass for instant lawns.

Nurseries are big business for Oregon. For five consecutive years, the nursery and greenhouse industry has been the state's largest agricultural crop.

With $532 million in sales in 1998, up about 8 percent from 1997, nursery and greenhouse sales far outpaced other top agricultural crops in Oregon.

Number two was cattle and calves, at $365 million, followed by grass seed, $346 million and hay, $343 million.

Not surprisingly, most nursery products are raised in the Willamette Valley, where soils are richer and climates more moderate than in Central Oregon.

In 1998, Clackamas, Marion, Washington, Yamhill and Multnomah counties accounted for 87 percent of all nursery sales.

But that doesn't mean nursery sales aren't important in Central Oregon. While Crook and Jefferson counties together sold less than $1.5 million in products in 1998, Deschutes County's 36 nurseries and greenhouses did a total of $3.4 million in business.

Sales have been growing throughout the 1990s, statistics show.

Cascade Gardens owner Gregg Miller said his business has grown 10 to 15 percent every year since he opened in 1978.

That includes landscape maintenance, landscape construction, and his wholesale and retail nursery and greenhouse operations.

Environmental Watch: WDOT director wins environmental honor

OLYMPIA -- The state’s transportation department’s environmental affairs director is receiving a national award for his response to ecological challenges in Washington. Jerry Alb was recently selected by the Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials to receive the 2000 L. I. Hewes Award.

Alb is being honored for his work in sponsoring 16 statewide initiatives, including legislation involving environmental studies, permit streamlining, resource planning and watershed management. He is also credited with using state dollars efficiently, partnering for stewardship and advocating flexible interpretations of existing regulations.

Sid Morrison, state transportation secretary, said of Alb, "Our environmental credibility within state government, and our capactiy to address issues, increased under Jerry’s leadership. This was especially significant with the recent listing of salmon under the Endangered Species Act." He credited Alb with keeping projects "moving forward" after the listing.

Kathy Fletcher honored as 'Environmental Hero'

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has honored People for Puget Sound Executive Director Kathy Fletcher as an "Environmental Hero," recognizing her efforts to protect Puget Sound.

Dr. Usha Varanasi, director of the National Marine Fisheries Service's Northwest Fisheries Science Center, nominated Fletcher for the award. In presenting the award, Varanasi cited Fletcher's leadership as the first chair of the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority and as the founder and executive director of People for Puget Sound. People for Puget Sound works to restore lost habitat, educate the public and advocate for protection of the Sound.

ATC appoints new NW executive

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Earlier this month, ATC Associates Inc. named Michael Burt

vice president of its Northwest Operations. Burt has been with the company for five years and most recently served as its director in this region.

ATC Associates Inc. provides environmental, building sciences, infrastructure, geotechnical/construction services, information management technology and environmental training services. The company’s 65 branches and regional offices in 34 states serve 8,000 clients.

Burt has worked in the environmental, safety and health industry overseeing projects related to regulatory compliance, training, account management, contract administration, environmental assessment and

remediation, and management of asbestos, lead-based paint, and other hazards in occupied buildings. He earned his B.A. degree in History from Central Washington University.

As vice president, he will be responsible for ATC branch offices in Seattle, Portland, Denver and Salt Lake City, and a satellite office in Wenatchee.

Europe confronts computer recycling

SAN JOSE, Calif.-- Despite lobbying from some computer trade associations, the European Commission proposed an environmental directive on June 13 that would essentially obligate computer manufacturers to "take back" electronic and electrical products when the consumer is ready to dispose of them.

According to Ted Smith of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition based in San Jose, one-third of a billion computers in the U.S. will become obsolete in the next five years. Upon disposal, they will release over a billion pounds of lead and other toxic wastes in the form of gases, metals, acids and other additives. Only about 6 percent of computers are currently being recycled in the U.S., said Smith. SVTC is voicing its support for the EC initiative and is lobbying for similar measures in the U.S.

The EC’s directive to manufacturers establishes recycling rates and standards for computers, as well as appliances such as refrigerators and laundry machines. Proponents say recycling these items will create jobs.

To learn more, log on to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition Web Site: http://www.svtc.org or to the European Environmental Bureau Web Site at http://www.eeb.org.

Tahoma school plan seeks comments

MAPLE VALLEY -- If a plan goes through, renovations to Tahoma Junior High School, Dist. No.409, will consist of improvements to the gym, shop and music building and other areas; demolishing the existing administrative and science buildings; creating a new bus lane; installing additional fire hydrants and a new fire lane; and upgrading the water system.

The district has determined the proposal will not have an adverse impact on the environment and has officially issued a Determination of Nonsignificance, per state law. As required, the district is taking public comments on the plan through June 28. Call (425) 432-4481 Ext. 250 for more information.

Help for telecommuters

OLYMPIA -- Washington State University’s Energy Program and the Oregon Office of Energy Telework Resources have created a kit for use as a management tool for corporate telecommuting programs. Case studies, a "how-to" video, testimonials and resource guide are included in the kit.

Corporations such as AT&T, Boeing, Microsoft and Pacific Telecom have used it, as have federal agencies like the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of State. Contact WSU or OOE at (360) 956-2217 or (503) 378-4040, respectively, for more information.

State to collect pesticides

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with local agencies, will collect unusable pesticides free of charge at various sites in the coming months, as follows: Snohomish County on Aug. 22; Bellevue on Aug. 23; in Puyallup Aug. 24; in Tukwilla Sept. 18;

and, in Bremerton on Sept. 19.

Assistance is also available at no cost to help businesses identify unusable pesticides, sample containers with unknown contents or overpack deteriorating containers for safe transport to a collection site. However, empty containers and other wastes such as fertilizer, motor oil, antifreeze and paint will not be accepted.

The Waste Pesticide Program was established 12 years ago and 70 free collection events have been held since that time. A total of approximately 975,300 pounds of pesticides have been collected from over 3,250 participants. WSDA is identified as the waste generator and participants’ names do not appear on any reports.

The service is open to all Washington businesses, which usually have to pay disposal fees for toxic materials. Call WSDA at (360) 902-2056 for information.

EPA says no to human tests

WASHINGTON D.C. -- The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness responded to a Washington Post report on June 7 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will no longer use any industry-submitted human volunteer test data to set regulatory limits for pesticide-use.

CRE says this would be in violation of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which requires use of all available and relevant data, as well as the federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, which allows use of human test data under conditions of free and informed consent.

In a white paper now available for review, CRE presents its conclusions based upon its "comprehensive and historical review of this issue." The paper can be reviewed on-line.

Irrigation settlement for Walla Walla

SEATTLE -- Conservation groups supported a settlement agreement between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and irrigators in the Walla Walla River Basin.

The one-year agreement, signed June 9, requires irrigators to keep a minimum water flow in the river to protect federally listed bull trout and steelhead. The agreement settles an enforcement case brought by USFWS against three irrigation districts.

The agreement was reached as the result of negotiations between state and federal biologists, regional tribes, conservation groups and irrigation district representatives.

Under the agreement, irrigators will leave at least 13 cubic feet per second (about 5,800 gallons per minute) in the river, to stop making abrupt changes in water levels that can strand fish, as has happened in the past. The districts have also agreed to the formulation of long-term plans with these groups and agencies.

Call the Center for Environmental Law & Policy at (206)223-8454 for more information.

EPA exempts timber from water rule

SEATTLE -- The U.S. EPA said it will exempt loggers, tree farmers and other forestry operations from a pending rule aimed at reducing water pollution on private lands. A rule proposed last August would require states to submit plans to cleanup every waterway that does not meet various standards.

Criticism on the forestry portion of the plan was distracting from its purpose of cleaning up waterways and prompted the exemption, an EPA spokesperson said.

Environmental Watch: Landau appoints principals

EDMONDS -- Landau Associates, Inc., a geotechnical and environmental sciences consulting firm, recently announced two managing principal appointments.

Larry Beard, P.E. and Julie Wilson, Ph.D., C.I.H. will jointly manage the firm's activities. Beard will direct technical services and oversee the firm's Portland, Spokane and Tacoma branch offices.

Wilson will direct the firm's corporate client services and financial, administrative and human resource activities. Both will continue to provide senior review services on projects relative to their expertise.

Beard is a geological engineer specializing in site investigation and remediation. Wilson is a human health toxicologist and risk assessment specialist. Both have more than 18 years of consulting experience, mostly in the Pacific Northwest.

"Their first challenge will be to manage our growth in several emerging service areas, including natural resource assessment and Endangered Species Act response, sediment remediation and management and environmental permitting," said Landau's Steve Johnston, director of Client Services.

Landau Associates is headquartered in Edmonds. Its staff of 75 specialize in geotechnical engineering, site investigation/remediation, environmental design and natural resources permitting. For more information on the company, or the new appointments, contact Susan W. Kemp, marketing manager, at (425) 778-0907.

Update on Bellingham Bay cleanup

BELLINGHAM -- The Bellingham Bay Pilot Team, a partnership of 15 federal, state, tribal and local groups, has agreed on a conceptual framework for the Bellingham Bay Comprehensive Strategy.

This is both a short and long-term plan that prioritizes the cleanup of contaminated sediments, pollution controls, habitat restoration and approaches to aquatic land-use considering the needs of all those connected with the bay.

The Environmental Impact Statement draft analyzing this strategy was presented to the public for comment one year ago.

An informational meeting on the status of this plan is being held today at 6 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 335 Harris Ave. in Bellingham. Call Lucy Pebles at the state Department of Ecology at (425) 649-7272 for details.

Master Builders kickoff Built Green

The Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties will hold a kickoff meeting for the Built Green program at 7:30 a.m. June 14 at the Wyndam Gardens Hotel in Bothell.

The program encourages the use of environmentally friendly construction materials and techniques by offering certification for builders who meet certain criteria.

Topics are addressed including fish habitat, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The program is based on other green building programs in Kitsap and Clark counties and in Denver, according to Doug Lengel, education director for the Master Builders.

Lengel said the program offers advantages to consumers because such homes are easier to maintain and loans are available for homes built to meet "green" standards.

Guppy hosts new cable show on salmon

SEATTLE – The new Salmon Information Television Network will air its pilot episode at 7 p.m. on June 16. SITV is a monthly half-hour program, hosted by former “Almost Live” comedian Nancy Guppy, that consists of field reports, interviews and educational segments about Northwest salmon recovery efforts.

SITV is voluntary group of non-commercial cable stations pooling local resources in an effort to distribute news on salmon to the public. It is a product of the Tri-County Endangered Species Act Recovery Executive Committee and is supported by a host of partners, including Washington’s cities, counties, the state, federal agencies, tribes, universities, conservation groups, corporations and professional associations, such as the Master Builders and the Northwest Realtor’s Association.

“We have the potential to reach 600,000 households…this just hasn’t been attempted at this level before,” Bellevue Mayor Chuck Mosher said about the program. For information contact Cornell Amaya at Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 684-7688.

Hanford Reach monument cheered

SEATTLE – Conservation groups, such as the Sierra Club and the Northwest’s American Rivers, applauded Vice President Al Gore’s announcement last week to give the Hanford Reach a National Monument designation. This segment of the Columbia River is home to fall runs of Chinook salmon and supports commercial, sports and tribal harvests.

In the past, landslides that resulted from irrigation systems and development discharged sediment into the river, smothering spawning areas. The designation was made under the 1906 Antiquities Act.

The 51-mile-long Hanford Reach is the last non-tidal, free-flowing stretch of the nation’s third longest river. For more information, call the Sierra Club’s Bill Arthur at (206)378-0114 or American Rivers’ Katherine Ransel at (206)213-0030.

Economic impact of ‘roadless forests’

SEATTLE – A University of Montana economist will report on the impact of preserving roadless national forests on Washington’s rural economies today from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Patagonia store at 2100 First Ave., near First & Lenora streets.

Dr. Thomas Power’s study evaluates the potential economic impacts of protecting all roadless national forest areas from logging and commercial development.

He points out that for over a century, the economic value placed on forests has been derived from associated commercial revenues: lumber, forage, minerals and recreation. Power said his study dispels myths surrounding the "jobs versus environmental" debate. The full report will be available on-line.

Contact Liz Banse or Allison Davis at Environmental Media Services at (206) 374-7795 for more information.

Railroad fined $800,000 for 7 fuel spills

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- Union Pacific Railroad will pay $800,000 in fines and install fuel tank patch kits on its trains to make up for seven crashes in recent years that spilled an estimated 14,000 gallons of fuel and hundreds of tons of acid across the West, the U.S. Justice Department said last week.

That oily fuel was enough, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates, to spread a sheen of petrochemicals over roughly 90 square miles of water surface.

The crashes, between 1992 and 1998, didn't involve Union Pacific trains, but that company merged with the offenders, Southern Pacific Transportation Co. and the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Co.

Under the agreement reached with the Justice Department, Union Pacific will require that each locomotive it buys or leases over the next five years be equipped with fuel tanks meeting crash-worthiness standards set by the Association of American Railroads.

The company also will equip its vehicles with fuel tank patch kits and teach operators how to use them. It agreed to prepare emergency response plans for spills in areas along the Colorado, Gunnison and Spanish Fork rivers that parallel the company's lines.

The Justice Department noted that oil spills pose a serious threat to human health and the environment, and according to the EPA, one pint released into water can spread to cover one acre of water surface.

The federal government in 1997 sued the two railroads for Clean Water Act violations.

One of the worst was in February 1996 when a train carrying sulfuric acid derailed near historic Camp Hale on Tennessee Pass in Colorado and spilled an estimated 800,000 pounds of sulfuric acid in the White River National Forest.

Two other accidents in Colorado, including one in the Royal Gorge, were triggered by fallen rocks. They spilled 3,450 gallons of fuel. Another in 1994 was caused by a runaway train that spilled 3,990 gallons of diesel, also on Tennessee Pass.

In Utah, a train derailed in 1992 next to the Spanish Fork River, spilling 1,470 gallons; a 1993 accident spilled 2,900 gallons; and in 1998 a Provo railyard accident spilled 1,512 gallons.

Bromley noted that the Tennessee Pass and Royal Gorge routes, which accounted for three of the seven accidents cited, have since been taken out of service.

Environmental Watch: State has two plans for runoff

OLYMPIA -- Recognizing the differences between stormwater runoff on either side of the Cascade range, the state Department of Ecology has announced it will manage the two areas of the state differently. The agency is publishing two manuals to help Washington's communities control stormwater. Stormwater is runoff containing dirt, bacteria and other pollutants when it rains or snows into water sources.

In western Washington, runoff is primarily a surface water problem. In eastern Washington, runoff is mainly a groundwater problem; however, it can become a surface water problem in areas with highly erosive soils. Ecology plans to ask for public comments on the final draft of its stormwater manual for the western part of the state in August. Contact Tony Barrett at (360)407-6467 or Mary Getchell at (360)407-6157 for details.

Hart Crowser hires senior geologist

SEATTLE -- Hart Crowser has hired Bill McClenney as senior associate geologist in Long Beach, Calif.

McClenney brings nearly 25 years of experience designing remediation systems for various types of contaminated industrial and municipal waste sites, including chemical manufacturing and processing plants.

In his new position, McClenney will be responsible for handling industrial redevelopment projects in southern California. Hart Crowser is a 250-person environmental and engineering consulting firm based in Seattle, with 10 regional offices nationwide. For more information, call Carla Thompson, marketing director, at (206) 324-9530.

Clinton calls for fishing and drilling bans

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. -- President Clinton pledged last week to stop fishing, drilling on stretches of sea and beach on the nation's coasts.

Calling oceans "immensely powerful, but very very fragile," Clinton proposed creating a network system of protected marine areas, to resemble the national parks system.

Clinton cited concerns about pesticides and runoff into the Gulf of Mexico and Hawaii's coral reefs, which make up 70 percent of all reefs in the U.S. and are home to endangered species.

Land and water at Assateague are already under federal jurisdiction.

Specifically, Clinton called for a federal proposal within 90 days that would include bans drafted by the U.S. Interior and Commerce departments on such activities. He proposed creating a federal office to administer subsequent plans. Currently, the federal government does not have administrative powers over private waters.

Entranco names southwest director

BELLEVUE -- Entranco, a 350-person engineering, planning and construction management firm based in Bellevue, has named Michael Dawson as its new southwest environmental services manager.

Dawson's long list of specialities includes Environmental Impact Statements, assessments, categorical exclusions, hazardous materials investigations and government reporting and transportation-program analysis. He is an expert in water and air quality and noise analysis. He will perform similar duties relative to existing projects and new clients for Entranco from the company's office in Phoenix, Ariz. Call Sue Lewin in Entranco's public relations department at (602) 889-7000 for more information.

EcoChem welcomes specialists

SEATTLE -- EcoChem Inc., an environmental firm specializing in data quality assurance and data management, added two database experts to its staff: John Leavell and Jeremy Web. Prior to joining the firm, the two were database programmers in the analytical chemistry services industry. Patricia Sanders has also recently joined EcoChem as an associate chemist to support the company's data validation services. Contact Gary Fox for more information.

Residents say strip mine will affect salmon

SEATTLE -- For the past three years, residents of Maury and Vashon Islands have opposed the establishment of a strip mine proposed by Glacier Northwest near the islands' aquifer.

Residents say the site is critical habitat for threatened chinook salmon and that the proposed site is a recharge zone for the island's aquifer and nearby springs. They fear shade from barges, propwash from tugboats, noise and gravel spills would have a negative impact on salmon, herring, geoducks and other species, as well as on water quality.

State representatives obtained $250,000 to fund a study on citizens' objections. Residents say the conclusions of this study, conducted by the state Department of Ecology, supports their claims and reverses "no impact" conclusions of the mining company's consultants, as well as those of King County.

The question remains as to how extensive the damage will be to the islands' water supply, say members of Deep Impacts, the group representing residents. The group has hired its own consultant to address this question. For more information, call Sharon Nelson of Deep Impacts at (206) 463-7296.

Aboretum EIS open for comment

SEATTLE --The draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Washington Park Aboretum Master Plan is available for public review.

The plan would update the existing master plan adopted by the city in 1979. A public hearing for comments will be held at 6 p.m. on June 15 at the Mountaineers Club Headquarters, 300 Third Ave. W. A copy of the plan can be viewed on the department's Web site. Go to the link "What's New."

ARI destroys Cold War waste

KENT -- ARI Technologies of Kent has successfully destroyed solid and liquid PCBs with a new technology it calls "HazMaster."

The company has been operating a Model 900 HazMaster system, which has processed asbestos containing PCB wastes at the U.S. Navy's shipyard in Bremerton. The company had to successfully demonstrate the destruction of PCBs to fulfill a prerequisite to obtain a permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to construct and operate mobile systems of this type.

Federal representatives say they hope this new technology will allow for cheaper and safer disposal of hazardous wastes produced during the Cold War. Local authorities hope this technology will soon bring jobs to the region. Contact Craig Rowley, ARI operations manager, at (253) 796-5995 for more information.

New 'green' building software

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Green Buildings Program, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has created a software program called BEES, or Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability, to determine the correct balance between the environmental and economic performance of building products.

BEES measures product performance based on an environmental life cycle assessment approach. All stages are analyzed: raw material acquisition, manufacturing, transportation, installation, use, recycling and waste management.

Economic performance is measured using a method that covers initial costs, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair and disposal. These two measurements are combined into an overall measure.

The software is available for free by e-mail or by calling the EPA's Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse at (202) 260-1023.

Environmental Watch: Council taking comments on Columbia plan

PORTLAND -- The Northwest Power Planning Council received 55 proposals for amending its Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program by the May 12 deadline from tribes, industry associations, environmental groups and citizens. Now it is taking comments via electronic mail or through the U.S. Postal Service until June 20.

The Council has produced a CD containing recommendation documents, which total about 2,000 pages. The CD is available for review.

After the comment period, the Council will develop a draft program amendment that will also be made available for public comment after Aug. 10. A final program amendment will be adopted by the Council in October.

The Council was created by Congress and authorized through the Northwest Power Act of 1980 to give citizens in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington a voice in determining the future of Columbia River Basin hydropower dams in terms of their impact on fish and wildlife.

To request the CD, contact the Council at its central office, 851 S.W. Sixth Ave., Suite 1100, Portland 97204 or call (503) 222-5161. To comment online, send an email to programcomments@nwppc.org.

Ecology focuses on painters

OLYMPIA -- The state Department of Ecology is working with painting contractors to increase awareness and improve practices to protect the health of residents and conserve natural resources.

Ecology's hazardous waste business service targets a particular industry each year to help reduce its environmental impacts. Ecology estimates Washington has 4,000 registered painting contractors, as well as more that are not registered. The impact of thousands of painting operations add up, the agency says.

Ecology will be working with painters in a non-enforcement manner to teach them how to save money through practical improvements and educate them on their legal responsibilities in connection with waste generated at job sites, on transporting waste and flammable materials, on how to manage wash water at a site with a septic system, how to determine whether waste is hazardous and how to manage leftover paint.

For more information on this program, contact Scott Lamb at (425) 649-7268 or at slam461@ecy.wa.gov.

National Dam Safety Awareness Day

SEATTLE -- Wednesday, May 31, is National Dam Safety Awareness Day. It marks the worst dam disaster in U.S. history: the South Fork Dam failure above Johnston, Penn., in 1889.

A spokesperson for the Federal Emergency Management Agency said the observance is part of FEMA's nationwide program called Project Impact: Building Disaster Resistant Communities. This initiative encourages individuals, business and local officials to form partnerships to prevent future disasters.

Ecology, GP plan log pond cleanup

BELLINGHAM -- Ecology is proposing to enter an agreement with the Georgia Pacific Corp. to conduct an Interim Remedial Action at its Log Pond, part of the Whatcom Waterway Site in Bellingham Bay. It is taking comments from the public on the plan through June 23.

The agency wants to expedite cleanup of this site to take advantage of clean dredge materials from other dredging projects. These materials would be used to cap and contain existing contaminated sediments.

In 1996, Ecology and Georgia Pacific entered into an Agreed Order to study the waterway and found that Log Pond contained high levels of mercury, as well as elevated phenol concentrations and greater than 50 percent wood material by volume. This environmental study was issued for review last summer.

Log Pond is part of the Whatcom Waterway, which consists of intertidal and subtidal aquatic lands within and adjacent to the Whatcom and I&J Street Waterways in Bellingham.

Forward comments to: Lucy Pebles at (425)649-7272 or lpeb461@ecy.wa.gov.

Solving water intrusion and mold problems

SEATTLE -- A seminar on water mold problems that result from failing building envelope systems will take place June 13, 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., in the Washington Athletic Club's Noble Room in downtown Seattle.

"From Fungus to Funding" is being sponsored by Prezant Associates, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Building Owners and Managers Association, the city's Design Construction and Land Use agency, the Evergreen Safety Council, the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau and Safety & Supply Co.

Building industry leaders will discuss topics such as legal and insurance considerations, building envelope analysis, mold, repair and remediation and quality control issues. Call Prezant Associates, Inc. at (206) 281-8858 to register. Cost of the seminar is $235.

Local firms to construct brigantine

GRAPEVIEW -- Seattle-based Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. will assist project engineers with electrical engineering and marine mechanical services during construction of a 119-foot sailing brigantine by J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding of Tacoma.

A brigantine rig uses fore-and-aft sails on an aft mast and square sails on the foremast. The vessel will carry 731 square meters of sail. It will be powered by sail and diesel engine, a 455-hp Caterpillar 3408 driving a Hundestad CRP propeller. Alaska Diesel Electric of Seattle will provide two Northern Lights M439T electrical generators rated at 55kW each.

The rig is being built for the Sea Education Association of Woods Hole, Mass., which currently operates two sailing ships that take researchers on expeditions worldwide. SEA is directly affiliated with a number of university oceanographic programs. The new vessel will replace one of the older ships.

For more information about GPA, call (206) 382-3949. To obtain information about the vessel and Martinac Shipbuilding, contact Joe Martinac at (253) 572-4005.

PSE recognized for Tree Watch nursery

SEATTLE -- Puget Sound Energy was recognized for its nursery program, part of a five-year Tree Watch program launched in 1998 to reduce tree-related power outages.

Through Tree Watch, arborists work with property owners and community residents to remove dead or dying trees that could potentially fall on power lines.

Since its inception, the nursery has planted 200 Douglas fir seedlings on Vashon Island, 2,000 cedar and red twig dogwoods near the S'Kallum Tribal Center, and numerous cedar along Crystal Springs Road and Miller Road on Bainbridge Island.

PSE was recently recognized by the Washington Arbor Day Council for establishing a 5,000-plant nursery in Bremerton to grow lower-height trees which naturally remain clear of electrical power lines. PSE estimates the shorter trees will reduce power outages by 55 percent annually.

EcoChem adds specialists

SEATTLE -- EcoChem, Inc., a local environmental firm specializing in quality assurance and data management, has added two database specialists to its staff.

Specialists John R. Leavell and Jeremy M. Webb are both former database programmers in the analystical chemistry services industry. In addition, EcoChem is adding Patricia Sanders as an associate chemist. She will provide support to EcoChem's data validation services.

Environmental Watch

EPA targets two more cleanup sites

SEATTLE -- The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing that one site in Washington be added to the National Priorities List and is officially listing another. Listing a site makes it eligible for federally funded cleanup actions under the Superfund program.

EPA has proposed listing Hamilton-LaBree Roads Groundwater Contamination Site in Chehalis, where leaking drums of chemicals threaten local municipal drinking water wells. Last year, approximately 63 buried drums containing carcinogenic compounds were excavated. The state Department of Ecology is supplying bottled drinking water for some families and businesses in the area.

The newly listed site is the Midnite Mine in Wellpinit on the Spokane Tribal Indian Reservation. The U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Geological Survey collected samples that indicate that seeps, ground water and pit water there are contaminated with heavy metals and radionuclides.

For more specific information on the Hamilton-LaBree Roads site, contact Sally Thomas at (206) 553-2102. For details on the Midnite Mine site, contact Ellie Hale at (206) 553-1215.

Design for Nez Perce hatchery approved

PORTLAND -- Last week, the Northwest Power Planning Council approved the final design of a salmon production facility to be built and operated by the Nez Perce Tribe in the Columbia River basin. The Bonneville Power Administration is funding the $16 million project, which will enable the tribe to raise juvenile salmon for release into the Clearwater River and its tributaries, where runs are in decline.

The new complex will include a central incubation and rearing facility, an adult fish-holding facility and five acclimation/release facilities.

The project is the result of studies conducted throughout the 1990s that identified the unique genetic risks of local chinook populations. The plan incorporates recommendations by the Council's Independent Scientific Review Panel about the need for genetic monitoring capabilities at the facility.

Through the Northwest Power Act of 1980, the council is charged with developing a program to protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife of the Columbia River Basin that have been affected by hydropower dams.

Contact John Harrison at (800) 452-5161 for more information.

Energy efficient utilities get BPA discounts

SEATTLE -- The Bonneville Power Administration will invest $15 million over five years to weatherize low income houses in the region. This announcement came as part of BPA's Record of Decision on how much the agency will charge utilities for federal power from 2002 to 2006.

Utilities that buy power from BPA can take advantage of its Conservation and Renewables Discount program. BPA will discount rates for utilities that invest in energy conservation, including weatherizing low income homes and utilizing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Utilities can supplement the agency's direct $3 million annual investment in weatherization by participating in this program.

The offer is being promoted by the NW Energy Coalition, a regional alliance of over 95 community organizations and utilities. Call Mark Glyde at (206) 621-0094.

Seminar series on reducing medical waste

SEATTLE -- The American Hospital Association has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in working to reduce hospital waste by 33 percent by 2005. Finding environmentally-sound, cost-effective ways to do this is the focus of a seminar series provided in partnership with the King County Department of Natural Resources, the EPA and other organizations. The seminars will provide an opportunity for medical institutions, manufacturers and waste disposal contractors to discuss the issue.

"Exploring Alternative Products: Durables and Reusables" is the subject of an upcoming seminar on Thursday, May 25, 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 1301 Fifth Ave., Suite 2400.

This seminar is offered at no cost. Contact Kinley Deller, Solid Waste Division, King County DNR at (206) 296-4434 for details or log on to: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/.

Pacific Rim forestry experts visit NW

SEATTLE -- Twelve forestry experts from Pacific Rim countries are visiting Oregon and Washington May 20-June 4 to examine ways to make global trade involving forests more sustainable and democratic.

Representatives from nations ranging from Chile to Russia are working with local experts to develop a better model for the international forest sector. They will tour mills, ports, treatment facilities, timber-dependent communities, university forestry departments and meet with representatives of these institutions.

Delegates will specifically address the need for safeguards to prevent exotic pests from invading forests; how to reduce trade in unprocessed wood and endangered species; control illegal logging and trade; and, promote sustainable management practices such as certification.

The visit is hosted by the Pacific Environment and Resources Center, a nonprofit group based in Oakland which has been working to reform timber trade policies since 1996.

For information, call Paige Fischer of PERC on her cell phone at (206) 730-1323.

Federal funds for NW brownfields

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced four entities will receive funding as part of its brownfields community revitalization project.

The Washington Community Trade and Economic Development organization will receive $1.2 million for its revolving-loan fund to finance local re-development projects. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kitsap County and the city of Tacoma will received $200,000 each for cleanup, economic diversification and job training, respectively.

More information can be obtained by contacting Mark MacIntyre of the EPA's Public Affairs office at (206) 553-7302.

Exhibit looks at the art of recycling

EVERETT -- The Arts Council of Snohomish County, with support from Rubatino Refuse, Inc., is sponsoring an art exhibit of works created with recycled materials this summer. Delivery dates for artists are July 31 and August 1. All work must be for sale at 35 percent commission unless an exception is made by the gallery director.

Those interested in showing their work can call Carie Collver at (425) 257-8380 to learn more.

Farallon Consulting hires 2 geologists

ISSAQUAH -- Farallon Consulting, an Eastside environmental consulting firm in Issaquah, has added two geologists to its staff.

Kim A. Saganskijoined the staff as a project geologist. Saganski has more than five years of experience conducting phase one and two environmental site assessments.Jeffrey Kaspar joined the staff as an associate geologist, with more than 10 years of experience in environmental investigations and site remediation.

Salmon expert Roy Jackson dies

JUNEAU, Alaska -- Roy Jackson, former executive director of the International North Pacific Fisheries Commission and deputy director of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, died of a heart attack last week. Jackson led efforts to restore sockeye and pink salmon runs throughout the Fraser River system in British Columbia. The Juneau, Alaska, native once said, "There's a little bit of salmon in everyone's soul." Jackson was 83.

Oregon beach one of nation's healthiest

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- The Surfrider Foundation, an ocean watch group based in San Clemente, Calif., has named Seaside in Oregon one of the nation's 10 healthiest beaches. Beaches in Hawaii, California, Florida, South Carolina, Texas and New Jersey are also on the list.

A spokesman for the group said Seaside was selected because it "meets the profile of good water quality, good hotels and restaurants" and has other amenities.

Environmental Watch: Consultant chosen for Hylebos cleanup

SEATTLE -- Hart Crowser, Inc., a Seattle environmental consulting and remediation design firm, announced it is working with the Occidental Chemical Corp. and Port of Tacoma for Phase I of the proposed $25 million cleanup of the outer Hylebos Waterway in Tacoma.

The project will be the third major cleanup in the Commencement Bay Nearshore Tideflats since the bay was declared a Superfund site by the U.S. EPA in 1981. Hart Crowser also provided design services for the now-completed Sitcum Waterway for the Port of Tacoma and the Thea Foss Waterway for the City of Tacoma, where the cleanup efforts continue.

If approved by the U.S. EPA, the Hylebos project could begin this year and be completed by 2002.

Phase 1 involves cleanup of the mouth of the Hylebos. Plans call for contaminated sediments to be dredged and deposited in the Port's Slip 1 facility at the north end of the Blair Waterway. The dredged material will be placed in a nearshore confined disposal facility, which will be covered and sealed with a thick cap of clean material and pavement.

Hart Crowser will design both the dredging and the confined disposal facility.

Volunteers needed to combat coastal weeds

SEATTLE -- The King County Noxious Weed Board, the state Department of Agriculture and Adopt A Beach, a nonprofit group, are sponsoring Coastal Weed Watch Workshops throughout the county in the coming weeks.

Coastal Weed Watch is a voluntary monitoring program where citizens survey a selected section of shoreline twice a year for aggressive invasive species such as Spartina, purple loosestrife and Phragmites. These species threaten the health of invertebrates, birds and fish in the ecosystem. The workshops are scheduled for May 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Public Library; May 20, 10:00-12:00 p.m. at KVI Park on Vashon Island; and, June 14, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at REI in Seattle. Call Lizbeth Seebacher at (206) 632-1390 for more information.

Lead paint requirements

SEATTLE -- The U.S. EPA-Region 10 is taking questions about lead-based paint training requirements for inspectors, project designers, workers and contractors that went into effect last March, per the Pre-Renovation Rule of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Action of 1992. These requirements deal with notification to tenants in residential facilities where children may be present. Lead can have dramatic impact on children's health and development.

For more information, call lead coordinator Barbara Ross, M.Sc. at (206) 553-1985.

Two win recycling industry awards

PASCO -- Two recycling professionals were recently recognized at the Washington State Recycling Association's Annual Conference and Trade Show in Pasco.

Sego Jackson, principal planner for the Snohomish County Waste Management Division, received the "Recycler of the Year" award for his "Soils for Salmon" program. This program calls for developers to heavily amend disturbed soils with compost during the construction process to address water issues. Thrift Rak, a second-use store in Richland, received the "Recycling Business of the Year" award for its leadership for eliminating 90 percent of its waste by recycling it.

In addition, the new recycling "Hall of Fame" was introduced this year. The first panel of inductees is comprised of individuals who have promoted the growth of the recycling industry in Washington.

Call Janet Nazy at (206)244-0311 for details.

Mothers against toxins

OLYMPIA -- Representatives of the Washington Toxics Coalition, a nonprofit group, and other organizations will soon release a report on how toxic chemicals harm children and interfere with their ability to learn. The report was authored by Physicians for Social Responsibility, another nonprofit organization. Research study links common household and industrial chemicals to behavioral and learning disabilities in children, according to the report.

Gov. Gary Locke is set to release a plan in June to address chemicals like dioxin that persist in the environment and build up in breast milk. In view of this, mothers and other concerned citizens gathered outside Gov. Locke's campaign headquarters last week to call for a strong plan to expeditiously eliminate these poisons in Washington.

Call Laurie Valeriano or Erika Schreder of the Washington Toxics Coalition at (206) 632-1545 or Tim Greeff of WashPIRG at (206) 568-2850 for more information.

Pollution prevention award applications due

OLYMPIA -- The state Department of Ecology is now accepting applications for the 2000 Governor's Award for Achievement in Pollution Prevention through June 19.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges in September. State businesses, government facilities or schools that address toxins or waste reduction issues, resource conservation or product stewardship are eligible. Winners will receive a plaque, publicity provided by DOE and recognition in its newsletter. Past winners include Apollo Spas, Birmingham Steel, Canyon Creek Cabinet Co., Eden Advanced Pest Technologies, Elliott Bay Marina, Inc., EnviroStars Cooperative, Hytek Finishes Co. and Omega Pest Management.

For an application, call Joanne Phillipson at (360) 407-6740.

Ex-federal nuclear chief joins tech firm

NEW YORK -- Former Reagan administration Assistant Secretary of Energy Shelby T. Brewer, Ph.D. has joined Commodore Applied Technolgoies, Inc. as chairman and CEO of subsidiary Commodore Nuclear, headquartered in Alexandria, Va. In this position, Brewer will oversee subsidiaries Commodore Advanced Sciences Inc. and Commodore Solution Technologies.

Brewer is credited with the passage of the 1982 Nuclear Waste Act and with streamlining federal nuclear regulatory processes. New York-based Commodore Applied Technologies is an environmental solutions company focused on the processing and management of high-end hazardous waste from nuclear, radioactive, toxic and chemical sources.

Environmental Watch: Order landscape materials online

RENTON -- Landscapers in the Puget Sound area can now order materials from suppliers online from a new Web site: www.SoilsOnline.com.

Users simply enter their zip code to determine the best deal from suppliers in their area. Materials are delivered within 24 to 72 hours.

"People can pick and choose the product, price and supplier for the landscaping material they're looking for," said Jeff Lowry, owner of Internet Engineering Services in Renton, who developed the site. Ordering online, Lowry said, alleviates time spent calling various suppliers in search of a product or price.

Credit card information is required to order. Promoters of the site say the server is secure.

Companies such as Pacific Topsoils, Cedar Grove Composting, Red-E Topsoil and Palmer Coking Coal Co. are among those represented.

Tacoma has plugged a lot of leaks

TACOMA -- A new book highlights Tacoma's water conservation successes during the past decade. "Conservation Accomplishments 1987-1999," published by Tacoma's Water Conservation Office, contains information on citizens' efforts to reduce leaks and other causes of water losses.

The report says since 1987, Tacoma's 84,000 residential and business water utility customers have saved 17.8 million gallons of water per day. By repairing leaks in its own transmission and distribution system, Tacoma Water has saved 6 million gallons per day since that time.

Tacoma Water was presented with two first place awards on May 5 in a communication competition sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association. Tacoma Water was recognized for its newsletter, "Green River Currents," which explains it habitat conservation plan process and also for the quality of its 1998 annual report.

Call (253) 502-8723 to obtain a copy of the book.

Questions? Just ask Dr. Universe

PULLMAN -- Washington State University's "Ask Dr. Universe" Web site has achieved international recognition by winning an Council for Advancement and Support of Education award. CASE is an organization comprised of educational institutions worldwide.

The site, staffed daily, allows anyone to submit science questions. WSU professors also provide answers in a biweekly column, which appears in 25 newspapers. Of the 143 applicants, two received gold medals; three, including WSU, received silver medals; and three received bronze medals.

Anyone who needs the answer to a science question can access the site.

ULI workshop on green development

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Urban Land Institute is holding a workshop on "The Practice of Environmentally Sensitive Development" in San Francisco on June 22 and 23. The workshop will cover the economic and design principles of this type of development.

The workshop is designed to help builders, developers, lenders, economic developers, realtors and others identify best practices; define short and long-term cost differentials between sensitive and conventional development; and, learn how to stimulate market, community and public sector acceptance of environmentally sensitive projects.

Registration is currently underway and workshops are limited to 50 participants. Registration fees are $700 for members, $800 for non-members and $550 for nonprofit or government attendees. To enroll, call (800) 321-5011.

EPA help on toxic release reporting

The Environmental Protection Agency-Region 10 is offering workshops to instruct businesses and government facilities on how to complete EPA Form R -- The Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reporting Form, addressed under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986.

Employees of the following industries are encourage to attend:

• metal mining
• coal mining
• electric plants
• hazardous waste
• treatment and disposal facilities
• chemical wholesale distributors
• bulk petroleum
• industrial wholesale distributors
• solvent recycling facilities, general manufacturing operations and
• federal facilities

New developments associated with the form include the addition of seven chemicals and two chemical compounds categories; lowering reporting thresholds for 18 chemical categories; and new qualifiers and fewer exemptions from persistent bioaccumulative toxic chemicals (PBTs). Annual reports for the 1999 calendar year are due July 1.

Two-day workshops will take place May 11-12 in Portland and May 17-18 in Seattle. A one-day workshop will be held in Spokane on May 15. To enroll, call (703) 318-4505 or submit an e-mail to: Training@EPCRA-TRI.com.

Workshop May 15 on Everett cleanup

EVERETT -- The state Department of Ecology Toxics Cleanup Program will hold a workshop on May 15 at 7 p.m. at the Everett Senior Center, 3025 Lombard, to clarify the roles of various agencies involved in the cleanup of the Everett Tire Fire/Landfill Site and Simpson property. These properties are also known as the Riverfront Properties.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has provided brownfield grants to enable local agencies to study development issues on these properties, which are owned by the city of Everett. The workings of the cleanup/development process; organizations involved; and, how and when citizens can participate in the process comprise this workshop's agenda.

Particulars of the actual cleanup and redevelopment actions will be discussed at a later date.

For more information, contact Sunny Lin at (425)649-7187.

Pollution solutions explored at UW

SEATTLE -- A coalition of renewable energy representatives participated in a tour yesterday sponsored by the National Environmental Trust at the University of Washington. Attendees viewed the latest technologies designed to save money, cut pollution and prevent global warming. These included alternative fuel vehicles, solar and wind energy devices, fuel cells and thermal energy tools used to audit energy loss in the home and utility restructuring methods.

To combat global warming at home, presenters showcased compact fluorescent light bulbs, better insulation and energy-efficient windows. In addition, the event featured the Honda Insight, an electric-gasoline hybrid vehicle capable of getting 70 miles to the gallon.

The tour's trailer is powered by solar panels that provide enough electricity to meet the entire electric demand of the trailer, including its air-conditioner, computer and refrigerator.

For more information on the tour or products, call Eric Rardin (202) 887-8839.

DDES opens School of Land Use

SEATTLE -- Because land use regulations have become increasingly complex due to conservation efforts in unincorporated King County, the county's Department of Development and Environmental Services has created a School of Land Use. This school is recognized by the state and is certified for real estate and appraiser continuing education clock hours.

On May 11, a one-day class will be offered to educate the public and professionals on special issues related to buying or selling rural land. This class will cover topics such as water rights, wastewater treatment, tax incentive programs for forestry and agriculture and other issues.

The class will take place at the Lake Wilderness Community Service Center from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Real estate professionals who attend will receive 7.5 clock hours.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Karen Blyler, (206) 296-7020.

Lab opening marks Drinking Water Week

SEATTLE -- Mayor Paul Schell is recognizing the high quality of the city's drinking water and encouraging residents to do the same May 9 during National Drinking Water Week.

Experts will be on hand May 10 to provide tours of Seattle Public Utilities' new water quality laboratory at 800 S. Stacy St. to the media. The new facility features microbiology, chemistry and limnology laboratories.

Seattle is recognized for having some of the purest drinking water of any major metropolitan area, because its source is the protected wilderness surrounding the Tolt and Cedar river watersheds, city officials say.

Contact Cornell Amaya (206) 684-7688 for more information.