Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts

Preparing your garden for a changing climate, soil

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Photo by Lee Keim
By Lee Keim

Have you noticed unusually early Spring blooming shrubs and trees in your yard? 

Do your berries and apples show signs of low fertilization, more sun scald and drought and earlier leaf drop? 

Is your water bill higher each year? 

Is your house being invaded by brown stink bugs this fall like mine? 

What is happening here?

These subtle seasonal changes are being noticed by those of us lovingly caring for our gardens and yards. 

It is predicted that the US Hardiness Zone in our area will increase by 1/2 zone in the next few decades due to global warming.

The realization that changes to the earth’s climate will affect all aspects of our lives is a hard lesson to accept. When we recognize the grave danger on a personal level, learn what can be done to restore earth’s natural systems and resolve to act our part, there will be reason to believe our world, can be prepared for the changes to come.

One of the most important activities to prepare your property is to make sure you have healthy soil.

“Healthy soil can store more carbon; absorb water like a sponge before becoming saturated, making it more resilient in a dry year; and improve water quality by retaining more water, which reduces runoff ..” April Simpson PEW Stateline article 8.23.2019

Plant dense plantings and mulch thickly with leaves or wood chips. No bare soil! Use cover crops in the garden during dormant periods and roughly chop them in two weeks before spring planting. This will decrease winter compaction and increase organic matter and carbon dioxide up take.

With these techniques you will be creating healthier soil and doing your part to reverse the damages to our planet’s precious ecosystems.



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‘Salmon SEEson’ returns: Where to spot fish as they come home to spawn in King County rivers and streams

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Salmon are coming home to spawn in King County’s rivers and streams – find details on self-guided and interpretive viewing opportunities on the Salmon SEEson website.


Pacific salmon – including sockeye, Chinook, coho, pink, and chum – have begun the journey from the open ocean to their birthplaces to spawn in streams and rivers that feed into Puget Sound. Lake Sammamish kokanee, which are landlocked sockeye salmon that spend their entire lives in freshwater, will soon move into streams along the lake to spawn.

The Salmon SEEson program helps people witness the amazing migration salmon make each fall at locations around King County.

Find viewing locations as well as virtual viewing opportunities on the Salmon SEEson website. These salmon-viewing locations offer the best chances of seeing salmon. Some sites are self-guided while other locations have opportunities to interact with volunteer naturalists on specific dates to help visitors spot fish and learn about the salmon’s life cycle and efforts to protect and restore salmon habitat.

Each year, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife count the number of salmon returning through the Ballard Locks fish ladder from mid-June to early October. Sockeye typically migrate through the Ballard Locks from May to August, followed by Chinook from July to September, and coho from late August to November.

In recent years, sockeye numbers have declined substantially in the watershed. Chinook returns remain well below population recovery goals. Lake Sammamish’s native kokanee population has been in decline for the last few decades, and King County and partners continue to take actions to avoid possible extinction.

Salmon are sensitive to the changing climate, including warming water temperatures which stresses salmon and can increase salmon susceptibility to disease and increase predator metabolism and consumption of juveniles as they migrate out to saltwater in Puget Sound and the ocean.

Salmon are a Pacific Northwest icon and a vital cultural, economic, and environmental resource for our region. Local governments and community groups around King County and Puget Sound are working to recover salmon populations by protecting and restoring habitat, managing stormwater runoff from streets and other hard surfaces, and educating the public about what they can do to help.

Working to recover salmon is about more than salmon – it is fundamentally about caring for our home and making our communities sustainable for the long-term. Protecting and restoring salmon habitat also improves water quality, reduces flood hazards, protects open space, helps manage stormwater, sustains and improves our quality of life, and promotes a proud legacy of stewardship for future generations.

Practicing water conservation and pollution prevention year-round helps salmon thrive, which means more fish can survive and continue their journey to the ocean and back to local streams and rivers.

Salmon SEEson is sponsored by the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council as part of its effort to recover salmon in the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish (WRIA 8) Watershed. Additional sponsors include the Saving Water Partnership, Duwamish Alive Coalition, the Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed, the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum, and King County.

The WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council is a partnership between 29 local governments, community groups, and state and federal agencies in the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish (WRIA 8) Watershed, working to recover salmon populations by protecting and restoring habitat, applying best available science, and educating the public about what they can do to help.



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NextCycle Washington grants available for incubating a new innovative business or project

Saturday, October 29, 2022

NextCycle Washington is a statewide circular economy accelerator program. 

By nurturing projects that incorporate waste prevention, repair, reuse, recycling, and organic recovery, NextCycle Washington helps reduce waste, keeps materials in use longer, and regenerates natural systems, while developing equitable local economies.

More information about the program here.



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Caring for our Environment, Urban Forests and Trees

Friday, October 28, 2022

Boeing Creek Park photo by Melody Fosmore
By Melody Fosmore

Whether it’s your own backyard, neighborhood or neighboring park, the first step is to become aware of the environment around you. 

Why should we care? Because we are a part of this ecosystem, we all call home. Imagine if we had not enough trees to provide shade or filter the stormwater which runs through our watersheds and into the Salish Sea which in turn provides nutrients to our local sea life - or imagine the loss of birds which keeps the insect population in check or provide bird songs? Even when weather is changing, make time to visit nearby woods alone and spend time in quiet observation.

Illustration courtesy 
https://www.traversotree.com/mature-during-drought/
Wildlife
: Get to know the wildlife that comes into your yard or neighborhood. What birds, squirrels and other larger mammals do you see? 

Do you live near a bog or water – do you observe otters, beavers, snakes, frogs, salamanders or fish? Do you see or hear owls? Bats? 

All of these animals and amphibians need the ecosystem to survive and our trees play a major role in their survival. And frankly, so do we. 

If you are lucky to have tall trees on your property you can help with habitat diversity in your yard. 

Suggestions include having a good ground layer including some downed wood for hiding and nests; a shrub layer for the birds to hide; and a strong overstory with mixed species of trees including broadleaf trees as they provide the most food and nesting value for birds and squirrels. 

Also, try not to rake up all of your leaves as that provides nutrients for the soil and hiding places for our wildlife.

Flagging on cedar trees
photo by Melody Fosmore
Trees and water
: During the fall you will see ‘flagging’ on our cedar trees. This is a healthy part of the cedar tree's life cycle. 

However, the heat waves of the past couple of years have affected the health of our tall trees and you can help by watering these trees during the warmer and dry spells. 

Once a week, about an inch of water to the soil, under the entire canopy diameter, is adequate. No need to overwater – and don’t let water sprinklers hit the bark of trees, they can physically damage the bark, causing fungus disease, and algae, inviting insect trouble.

Are you seeing signs of tree stress? Trees gain their growth from the crown, and so it’s at the top of the tree where you might see distress. No new growth, or the tip dying back is a warning sign. The heat dome of 2021 is really showing up now in our tree canopy. Even with the rain now here, continue to water just to re-saturate the water table. Monitor your tall trees for hazard branches that may require removal and always consult an arborist before you take a tree down. There may be hope!

 
Wildlife snag
photo by Melody Fosmore
A Wildlife Snag: Do you have a dead or dying tree in your yard? Ask the tree cutter to leave a 10-15’ snag. Bats, pileated woodpeckers, even raccoons love these snags for food and nesting. Bats love snags for their daytime sleep. Birds and bats help keep our insect populations in balance. 

The snags may not look ‘pretty’ but they provide an essential service to our local wildlife. I personally have enjoyed many moments of observing all the animals and birds enjoying a snag in my yard. The pileated woodpeckers are especially wonderful to observe.

Nesting boxes: Birds love nesting boxes in safe locations high enough off the ground from predators (including house cats). The boxes will need to be cleaned every year. See the attached resource in the list below for safe ways to hang a birdhouse.

Root damage
photo by Melody Fosmore
A kind note about dogs and our parks
: I am a dog lover so I understand the joy of walking your dog in our open woods. 

However, please bear in mind their impact - dogs running through salmonid bearing streams don't just spread disease to the water, they also tear up the reeds where the fish lay their eggs. 

And, they can expose tree roots which then become non-functional and compromise the health of the tree. 

Best to control their footprint and keep our woods healthy. 

Keeping on the trail and not creating new trails also protects nesting, trees and the entire ecosystem. Leaving no trace and a light footprint protects our parks for all to enjoy.

Enjoy the bounty of our environment and remember - everything works together and mankind benefits from the ecosystem, not the other way around!

Resources:
Melody Fosmore is the Co-Chair of Save Shoreline Trees



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Shoreline has a new herbicide-free solution to address hard to reach weeds on City property

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Shoreline grounds maintenance crewmember
using the new foam produce
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
The City of Shoreline stopped using herbicides on a general basis years ago - which is why there are so many volunteer groups happily taking care of Shoreline parks.

There had been some limited, targeted use of herbicides for the control of noxious weeds in inaccessible natural areas or ROW, which required director approval. 

However, the city now has a new solution.

You may soon see grounds maintenance crews using a new technique to get rid of weeds. 

We have recently purchased Foamstream by Weedingtech. Foamstream is a herbicide-free solution to getting rid of weeds by using hot water (208°F) and a plant-based oil to create a foam that covers plants. 

The foam creates a barrier keeping the heat in giving it time to kill the leaves and move down the roots killing the weed. The foam dissipates within 10 to 20 minutes and is harmless to people and animals. 

We will be using Foamstream in the City’s rights-of-way to start but additional applications are in the works for some park areas.

Crewmembers applying new foam treatment
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
Foamstream is the world’s leading herbicide-free weed control solution. It kills unwanted vegetation, including weeds, moss, and algae, using the precise application of hot water insulated by a specially formulated biodegradable and organic foam. 

The purchase of the Foamstream is intended to allow for a different approach to weed control while continuing with the pesticide/herbicide-free approach residents, and workers, have been accustomed to. 

In addition to our new tool for fighting weeds, we have also just received our first all-electric mower made by Mean Green Electric Mowers. It has a run time of up to 8 hours and will be deployed into parks for mowing as early as next week. 



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Virtual open house to review the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency draft strategic plan

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has developed a draft strategic plan.

The plan will chart a course for the Agency to improve air quality, address climate change, and engage with communities across King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

We've created a virtual "open house" where you can view the plan, make comments and suggestions, and ask questions. 

Your input will help shape the Agency's priorities through 2030.

Visit the virtual open house

You can also visit the open house at pscleanair2030.com. Please share the site with your neighbors, friends, and family.

Plus everyone who provides feedback on the plan automatically has a chance to win a $50 gift card!

The draft strategic plan is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese (see links below).

Timeline
After the virtual open house, we will share community input with our Board of Directors for them to consider in the winter of 2022/2023.

Additional feedback
Questions or additional comments? Please contact us at strategicplan@pscleanair.gov or (206) 343-8800.

Who we are
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is a special purpose, regional government agency chartered by state law in 1967 under the Washington Clean Air Act. Our jurisdiction covers King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties -- home to over half of Washington State's population.


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Gov. Inslee: World’s largest melter of radioactive waste now heating up at Hanford

Monday, October 24, 2022

Hanford crews conduct routine maintenance of a waste tank containing radioactive waste.
Image courtesy of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The world’s largest melter of radioactive waste is now heating up near Richland after more than 20 years of construction. 

The melter will be used to glassify radioactive waste from Hanford tanks, preparing the waste for permanent disposal. The melter will first create practice glass before processing real Hanford tank waste by the end of 2023.

The Hanford Site is a decommissioned nuclear production site. Between 1942 and 1987, the facility produced plutonium for the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Radioactive waste was stored and remains today in tanks with a lifespan of only about 25 years. 

Leaking tanks and other problems pose enormous risks, threatening the local community and environment. Adequate, stable federal support is vital to clean up the site.

Earlier this year, the federal government took the unprecedented step to amend a funding proposal for the Hanford cleanup, adding $191 million to the effort over the next fiscal year. State leaders have petitioned the federal government for decades for more funding to support the cleanup. 

The federal adjustment to the funding proposal was an encouraging step, one that Gov. Jay Inslee hopes will be followed by continued support.

"Things are heating up in this Hanford cleanup," said Inslee. "This melter has been a long time coming - its activation is a big leap forward for the project. Likewise, we hope this recent federal support is a sign of greater commitment."



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Lake Forest Park Climate Action Committee wants your input, take the survey today

Sunday, October 23, 2022

The Lake Forest Park Climate Action Committee is drafting a Climate Action Plan.
 
The objective of the plan is to reduce our community’s use of fossil fuels and help us adapt to our changing climate.

The survey will help shape the response to the climate crisis. Click here to take the survey

Help us spread the word! We want to hear from every neighborhood in Lake Forest Park. Encourage friends and neighbors to participate.

If you want to be kept informed about the committee work, join the Climate Action Committee Notify me list here.



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King County Wastemobile will be in Bothell October 21-23, 2022

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Do you have Household Hazardous Waste that needs disposal? 

The King County Wastemobile is making a stop in Bothell this weekend, Friday – Sunday, October 21 – 23, 2022 from 10:00am to 5:00pm, to provide household hazardous waste disposal services for King County residents. 


You may drop off items such as antifreeze, batteries, gasoline, fluorescent lights, and pesticides. 

To view the full list of what you can and cannot bring and learn some safety tips visit the King County Household Hazardous Waste webpage or call the Household Hazards Line with King County at 206-296-4692.

If you cannot make it to the Wastemobile, do not dispose your hazardous waste like cleaning products, batteries, or pesticides in the garbage or down the drain. 

Take your hazardous waste to the North Seattle Hazardous Waste drop-off site for safe disposal. 

12550 Stone Ave N Seattle, WA 98133
9am - 5pm
Closed on July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.




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Former Public Information Officer explains Bolt Creek fire

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Sunday on Hwy 2. Photo courtesy WSDOT
By Amanda Monthei

Happy Sunday—it’s still smoky in Northwest Washington and the frustration is palpable as we approach six weeks of high AQI. With all the questions I’ve been seeing on this, I’d like to try to explain why the smoke is so bad and why we need to prepare for more smoke now

The #BoltCreekFire is just one of multiple fires actively burning in the Cascades right now, all of which are contributing to the smoke we’re seeing on the coast. An east wind yesterday didn’t help our cause and it straight up smells like fire camp outside my house right now.

The smoke sucks but it’s important to note that these fires aren’t really moving much—maybe 100-200 acres a day on the now 14k+ acre Bolt Creek. They’re also burning in remote places that aren’t conducive with putting resources on the ground.

Also, this is the west side, and fires here are fought differently than on the east side. People were demanding retardant while I was a PIO for the BCF-but on top of being a pollutant and requiring significant pilot hours, retardant just doesn’t work that well in timber.

Similar with h2o—it’s a lot of risk on the part of pilots, and for what reward? Maybe calming parts of the fire down for a few hrs before it flares back up because no ground crews could access those areas for mop up? and that’s assuming the water even makes it through the canopy!

However, water drops have been used on the edges of the Bolt Creek where firefighters can engage and actively mop up. Some small burn operations have also taken place to create clean containment lines along roads and near values, which creates a buffer should anything act up.

Another thing worth noting here is that all of these fires, and the Bolt Creek especially, are being somewhat allowed to burn (in certain places) in order to create a buffer against future fires. The more fuel that burns this year is less fuel that can burn next year!

This helps protect the US 2 corridor from future fire impacts from the north, and is especially useful as a buffer for the communities in that stretch (Index, Skykomish etc). The Bolt Creek burn area might not see fire again for decades because of the fire effects we’re seeing

The last thing I want to touch on is why it’s taking so long for this to wrap up. For one, the unseasonable lack of rain. Two, the difficult terrain in the areas where these fires are burning. But there’s one more reason that hasn’t gotten much attention lately—

And that is that the mgmt strategy used—a consumptive strategy, as it’s called—is a strategy that requires patience but has huge payoffs down the road. In this case, letting the bolt creek burn to US 2 on its own terms meant that the fire behavior was very mellow.

This means that some ground vegetation burned but the larger vegetation that holds the slope together didn’t. Allowing it to burn itself out as it approached the road resulted in less intense fire than, say, if they’d burned off the road because they wanted a black edge ASAP.

This strategy requires so much patience and people are understandably running out of it. But it will pay off, I promise. The slope above the road has vegetation that will keep it together once the rain comes, and US 2 will undoubtedly have less mudslide closures this winter.

When I was working the Bolt Creek as an info officer, it was clear that the people employing this strategy knew what the long term benefit was and also just how hard it would be to maintain patience as they allowed the fire to move at its own (admittedly very slow) pace.

But they also understood that this strategy produces smoke—and something I think everyone in the NW should be thinking about right now is how to prepare for more days like this next year and the year after.

It’s easy to think this is a fluke year but without getting too deep into fire ecology and our history of suppression, it’s veryyyyy likely we will see impacts like this during most summers/falls moving forward. The time to prepare for that reality is right now.

Proper filtration systems, air purifiers, N-95 masks etc are all good steps. Clean air shelters might be something we need to consider in places where people don’t have access to expensive filtration systems in their homes. Support for vulnerable communities will be essential.

We have to start thinking and acting like we live in a fire adapted ecosystem, because we do—despite that we’ve done a great job of hiding that fact through a century of fire suppression. Built up fuel, prolonged droughts and more people will inevitably result in more large fires

Start planning for that future now, and consider learning more about how to build fire resilience in your community/neighborhood/life. Here are some resources for that:
Amanda Monthui is a former public information officer for the Department of Natural Resources, assigned to the Bolt Creek Fire.



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Air quality on Saturday was pretty terrible

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Puget Sound air quality 10-15-22
Air quality was terrible on Saturday, but anyone who looked outside will have figured that out.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency said,

Air quality in much of the Puget Sound Region is UNHEALTHY for everyone. 
In the Cascades and along US 2, SR 530, and Darrington, the air quality is reaching VERY UNHEALTHY or worse. Everyone should be taking steps to reduce their exposure.
The current conditions are expected to continue through Sunday. There may be some improvement in Pierce County on Sunday. We will continue to update as the conditions change. Visit http://pscleanair.gov/wildfires for steps on how to reduce exposure.


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Reception honors Stewardship Leader Mamie Bolender

A new plaque honors volunteer Mamie Bolender

Story and photos by Kim Josund

On a lovely autumn afternoon at Grace Cole Nature Park, a large group of people gathered to witness the unveiling of a new plaque honoring volunteer Mamie Bolender.

An appreciative crowd attended the reception

Mamie, now in her 90s, is a founding member of the LFP Stewardship Foundation and oversaw the volunteer restoration of the park for decades, before stepping down just a few years ago. 

Saving the land that is now Grace Cole Nature Park (map link) was the very first project for the LFP Stewardship Foundation, which formed back in 1998 in Mamie’s living room. 

During that long fight to protect the wetlands and steep forested slopes from becoming a housing development, Mamie’s strong leadership brought together neighbors and support from City, County and State elected officials. 

Mamie shares some of the history of her advocacy

Mamie wrote grants for acquisition, and later, wrote and managed grants for restoration work. In those early years, the Stewardship Foundation was dubbed “a scrappy band of neighbors” a.k.a. “Mamie’s Gang.” Once the land became a public park, Mamie stepped up to lead regular volunteer work parties to create what we all enjoy today at the Nature Park.

Mamie has always had the wisdom and the fortitude to know that partnering with Mother Nature is always a good investment; that big things can happen with persistent advocacy for what you know is right. Mamie is known for her way of speaking up, kindly, asking questions, countering with gentle logic to make her point. 


She is reliably the definition of a good neighbor. She was out in the park pulling ivy and blackberry, putting native plants in the ground, and teaching others how to do it, until well into her 80s. Her steadfast determination is an inspiration to all, building a strong base of support for stewardship in Lake Forest Park, which continues today.

Mamie’s impact on Lake Forest Park goes well beyond the protection and restoration of Grace Cole Nature Park. She has mentored students from Shorecrest high school on trail building and habitat restoration. Mamie coordinated with Volunteers for Outdoor Washington, Friends of Cedar River Watershed, Adopt-A-Stream and other groups to help improve the park.


She studied environmental issues such as the City Comprehensive Plan, Sensitive Area Ordinances, and the Urban Tree Management Plan, strengthening her advocacy for the natural resources of our watersheds. 

In addition to the Stewardship Foundation, where she served as Treasurer, Vice President and Co-President, Mamie was active for many years in planning the LFP Secret Gardens Tour, and guided the Community Wildlife Habitat certification through the National Wildlife Federation with Libby Fiene. Mamie also served on several City Commissions and Boards over the years.

Mamie and Chuck Bolender, son-in-law and daughter

Mamie attended the September 25th reception with her husband Chuck, and her daughter and son-in-law. She enjoyed visiting with long time friends and supporters of the Stewardship Foundation, including a few members of the original “Mamie’s Gang.”

Jean Reid, Mamie Bolender, Jean Robbins

LFPSF founding Board member, Dr. Jean Reid, spoke about Mamie’s legacy and LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson thanked Mamie. 

Jim Mead with Mamie Bolender

Current volunteer park restoration leader Jim Mead (a neighbor of Mamie’s recruited by her) had Mamie unveil the plaque which is mounted atop the park kiosk. Mamie shared some memories of work to save the park, and appreciation to those who have joined to help the cause.

Now whenever Mamie passes by the Nature Park, she can see that plaque as a heartfelt THANK YOU for her advocacy and leadership over the years!

Volunteer work parties continue monthly at Grace Cole Nature Park on the third Saturday from 9am -12noon. More information available on the Stewardship Foundation website at lfpsf.org

Grace Cole Nature Park is located at 16735 30th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155


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U.S. Attorney Nick Brown names both Civil and Criminal Division attorneys to focus on Environmental Justice

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Seattle – U.S. Attorney Nick Brown has named two veteran Assistant United States Attorneys to lead the Western District of Washington Environmental Justice Initiative. 

Criminal AUSA Seth Wilkinson and Civil AUSA Kayla Stahman will lead the district efforts on environmental prosecutions and civil enforcement.

“Both these attorneys have deep experience not only with investigating and prosecuting environmental crimes, but with the Affirmative Civil Enforcement the Justice Department uses to hold companies accountable for their conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. 
“As we look at issues surrounding Environmental Justice in disadvantaged communities, it will take all our tools, civil and criminal, to make positive change and protect our fragile Northwest environment.”

For example, AUSA Wilkinson previously prosecuted the CEOs of Total Reclaim, the Northwest’s largest electronics recycler, for secretly exporting mercury-laden electronics to Hong Kong, potentially exposing local workers and residents to toxic material. 

AUSA Wilkinson is currently prosecuting the owners of a Washington company for removing federally-required emissions control devices from diesel vehicles in violation of the Clean Air Act.

AUSA Stahman has handled a variety of affirmative civil litigation from protecting the elderly from financial scams to holding medical labs accountable for overbilling government programs and accepting kickbacks.

AUSAs Wilkinson and Stahman recently coordinated the civil and criminal prosecution related to steel that did not meet military requirements being sold to the Navy. Coordinating the civil settlement as well as the criminal case required the close coordination that will now be brought to the environmental justice work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The district’s Environmental Justice Coordinators will lead efforts to enforce environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste laws. 

An intentional decision to violate these laws may be a federal crime. For example, intentionally discharging pollutants into a river without a permit, or bypassing a required pollution control device, is a criminal act that carries the possibility of incarceration and monetary fines.

The district’s Environmental Justice Coordinators also will lead efforts to remedy environmental violations and contaminations by pursuing actions under the civil rights laws, worker safety and consumer protection statutes, and the False Claims Act. 

For example, a federal contractor who violates a contractual provision mandating the proper disposal of hazardous waste may be subject to liability under the False Claims Act; a landlord who leases a home without disclosing known information about lead-based paint may violate federal lead disclosure rules.

Other examples of civil or criminal environmental misconduct include:
  • Air emissions of toxic pollutants resulting from inadequate or nonexistent pollution control
  • Illegal asbestos removals that expose and create health risks for workers and the public
  • Illegal discharges into waters or sewer systems that threaten public safety and cause damage to our water infrastructure
  • Illegal handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes and pesticides
  • Oil spills or other incidents that compromise the fishing rights or practices of indigenous or disadvantaged communities
  • False statements to the EPA or other regulatory agencies that threaten the integrity of environmental protection programs
More information about the environmental justice initiative is on the Department of Justice website



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Safer cleaning for a healthy home class at Shoreline Recology store October 19, 2022

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Skip the chemicals with safer cleaning tricks and recipes to make your own cleaning products! 

Learn how to shop for safe products that keep your home clean and your family healthy. 

Attend a class to receive a FREE cleaning kit! 

Shoreline Recology Store, 15235 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 5 - 6pm.



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Washington finalizes historic cap-and-invest plan to slash carbon pollution

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Gov. Jay Inslee signs Climate Commitment Act legislation
at Shoreline Community College on May 17, 2021.

The Washington State Department of Ecology has finalized regulations for the state’s first cap-and-invest program, which will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. 

The program is a result of the Climate Commitment Act passed by legislators and signed by the governor last year. Under the cap-and-invest program, firms responsible for 75% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions must obtain allowances to cover their emissions. Over time, these allowances will be reduced, incentivizing businesses to cut emissions.

“This policy is among the most decisive actions we’ve taken in our history to confront climate change and protect our collective future,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. 
“This new program will help us decarbonize our economy, improve air quality, and put Washington at the forefront of the fast-growing global era of clean energy.”

This is among several policies passed in recent years aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions 95% by 2050. Ecology is required to implement the landmark program – only the second of its kind in the nation – by Jan. 1, 2023. The first auction is planned for February 2023.

The revenue will be invested in activities that further reduce emissions and benefit communities disproportionately harmed by climate change. 

One example of how these revenues will be used is in this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package that includes unprecedented investments in transit – including free transit for all youth ages 18 and younger, electrification of ferries and cars, and other non-highway modes of travel.



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Lake Forest Park - Kenmore combined Recycling Collection Event October 8, 2022

Saturday, September 24, 2022

The Cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore are partnering for a combined Recycling Collection Event! 

Take a look at the Event Brochure to view the full list of what you can and cannot bring. Please be aware fees do apply for certain items. 

The collection event will take place Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Northlake Lutheran Church, 6620 NE 185th Street, Kenmore, WA 98028

Items you can bring (please view the event brochure for full details and information):
  • Tires*, Propane Tanks*, Electronic Equipment, Appliances and Scrap Metal*
  • Cardboard, Porcelain Toilets and Sinks* 
  • Lead Acid and Household Batteries, Mattresses*
  • Paper Shredding (4 box limit), 
  • Clean Bulky Wood, and Refrigerators and Freezers*.
*Fees apply

No flat beds or dump trucks allowed. We reserve the right to refuse over-sized, commercial, contaminated, excessive, or unacceptable loads.

NOTE: STYROFOAM BLOCKS AND PACKING PEANUTS will not be accepted. This material can be self hauled to Styro Recycle located at 23418 68th Ave S, Kent WA, 253-838-9555.



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Unhealthy air in Puget Sound

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Do it yourself air filter
YouTube video
By Diane Hettrick

Wildfire smoke came down to the ground in most areas on Wednesday. It was clearly visible between the dark evergreens and obvious to the nose.

We're had worse and I hope we don't equal that or even come close to it again.

If you do have to go outside, the N95 masks will keep a lot of the particulate out of your nasal passages and lungs.

But just in case, here is some helpful advice for coping.

Wildfire smoke is continuing to move into the Seattle area. Air quality is now Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in most areas and Unhealthy for everyone in some areas. 

While the forecast has smoke decreasing later this week, air quality may change frequently throughout the day, and may be different from location to location.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 

Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. The following sensitive groups should especially take precautions: infants, children, and people over 65, or those who are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), respiratory infections, diabetes, stroke survivors, or are suffering from COVID-19.

Unhealthy 

Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Avoid health effects from smoke by reducing time spent outdoors. 
  • Limit your physical activity outdoors (including running, biking, physical labor, and sports) when:The smoke level is “moderate” or worse if you have a health condition (like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or a cold)
  • The smoke level is “unhealthy for sensitive groups” or worse if you are pregnant, over age 65, a child or an infant
  • The smoke level is “unhealthy for everyone.”
You can improve the air quality indoors with a simple DIY Box Fan Air Filter (WA Department of Ecology YouTube).

Check with your health care provider for more specific health questions and concerns about the effects of smoke. Seek medical attention if symptoms are serious.

Air quality monitors and information

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Connecting with local actors in sustainable food

To celebrate World Food Day this year, our bilingual community school, located in Shoreline WA, will focus on sustainable food - local, seasonal, organic, zero-waste, using green energy or new technology to minimize resources.

Are you a local actor in sustainable farming? Are you producing or farming near Shoreline? We would love to learn more about what you do. And we'd be happy to communicate your support to our families.

During the week, our students will cook together, share meals, play with their senses and get to engage with our community. Contact us by email office@northseattlefrenchschool.com OR help us spread the word...

The North Seattle French School is located in the south wing of the Shoreline Center at 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155.



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Recology recycling event at the Shoreline Farmers Market on Saturday September 24, 2022

Monday, September 19, 2022


Recology says they are excited to partner with Shoreline Farmers Market with an upcoming recycling drop-off opportunity! 

Bring your household batteries, small empty propane cylinders, fluorescent lights, Brita filters, and any burning recycling questions you may have.

The Shoreline Farmers Market is held at the Shoreline Park n Ride at N 192nd and Aurora on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.



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200 volunteers help paint the Salmon Mural in LFP

Thursday, September 15, 2022

4th and 5th graders from Brookside painting blue water on the prepared surface
Community Paint Day a Huge Success!
By Kim Josund
Photos by LFPSF

Over 200 volunteers pitched in to help paint the 188-foot “Save Our Salmon” mural on the NE 178th St bridge over McAleer Creek in Lake Forest Park on Saturday, September 10, 2022. 

Kim Josund from LFP Stewardship, mural artist Austin Picinich, and Alex Nason of UrbanArtWorks lean against the prepared wall at the start of the day
From cleaning brushes, pouring paint, to putting color on the walls – every contribution mattered as we transformed the boring gray concrete barriers to this beautiful mural featuring native Kokanee salmon.

Mural designer 17 year old artist Austin Picinich painting Save Our Salmon
The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) spearheaded this project to bring young artist Austin Picinich to design the mural, which is his second Save Our Salmon mural. 

Alan Kerley General Manager of LFP Water District, Kim Josund President of the Stewardship Foundation, and LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson. A volunteer sells Salmon Mural tee shirts

In addition to the LFP Stewardship Foundation, financial support came from the City of Lake Forest Park, ShoreLake Arts, the LFP Water District, Rotary Club of LFP, and Trout Unlimited.

Shorecrest High School students were part of the crew
Volunteer help from Shorecrest High School students, Ms. Benson’s 4th-5th graders from nearby Brookside Elementary School, and a hundred community members, brought this mural to life. 

Adding the details
Thanks also to UrbanArtWorks for organizing the volunteers, Westlake Ace Hardware at the LFP Town Center for donating and discounting paint for the mural, the LFP Water District for providing cold drinking water, and Top Pot Donuts for perking up the volunteers with donuts on Saturday morning.

Volunteers clearly enjoyed their work
This stunning piece of public art highlights the salmon-bearing McAleer Creek below the road and raises awareness about the stewardship of our waterways needed to bring the salmon back.

There were tasks for everyone who wanted to help.
Kokanee, also called “the Little Red Fish,” are a type of salmon that do not swim to sea, but instead live in Lake Washington before returning to the streams to breed.

The wildfire smoke stayed in the trees
Reportedly, our local streams were once so thick with spawning Kokanee that the streams appeared red with fish. The Stewardship Foundation and others are working to bring back these iconic fish.

Fine detail work took extra time. Staci Adman lettered the end wall with contributing organizations

For more information on the Salmon Mural project see: https://www.austinsart.net/salmonmural/

Done!
We are still raising funds to help us cover the costs of the mural project (additional funding supports salmon research) at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-paint-a-save-our-salmon-mural



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