June 15, 2016 Combined Task Force Meeting and Technical Track Work Group Meeting

The next meeting of the Task Force and the Technical Track Work group is:

Date: Wednesday June 15, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Location: Washington Department of Ecology
N. 4601 Monroe St.
Spokane, WA 99205
Click here for a map.

Call In Number: 800-704-9804 Participant Code: 34863442#
This meeting is a combined Full Task Force Meeting and a Technical Track Work Group Meeting. Please review the documents prior to the meeting.

Meeting Documents:
– SRRTTF_TTWG 06-15-16 summary notes_DRAFT
–  
Tech Track WG agn 06-15-16 Revised 3
  SRRTTF-TSCA-HR-2576-letter-to-Congress-MAY-2016_Revision 1 (Discussion and Potential Decision Item)
–  “Magnitude of Source Areas & Pathways DRAFT” (Decision Item)
– SRRTTF_LimnoTech_06_15_2016b (pdf)
–  SRRTTF_LimnoTech_06_15_2016b (pptx)

Ecology News: Getting PCBs out of schools is key target of new plan

Washington Department of Ecology – NEWS
March 2, 2015

Contacts:
Andrew Wineke, Ecology communications,  andrew.wineke@ecy.wa.gov,  360-407-6149, Twitter: @ecologyWA
Nathan Olson, OSPI communications, nathan.olson@k12.wa.us, 360-725-6015
Donn Moyer, Health media relations, Donn.Moyer@doh.wa.gov, 360-236-4076

 Getting PCBs out of schools is key target of new plan
Removing old fluorescent light transformers will protect kids, save energy

OLYMPIA – Finding and eliminating the toxic chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, contained in some fluorescent light ballasts in schools is the priority recommendation of a plan released today by the Washington departments of Health and Ecology.

Although federal law banned PCBs in 1979, there are widespread reservoirs of this toxic chemical in fluorescent light ballasts, old caulk, electrical transformers, and paint. In addition, new PCBs are generated as byproducts of some manufacturing processes, such as making pigments and dyes.

PCBs are persistent in the environment, build up in the food chain, and can cause adverse health effects in humans and wildlife, including cancer and harm to immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. Light ballasts are a particular concern because they can fail, dripping PCB-laden oil in classrooms and other public areas – although they do not pose an immediate health risk if they are not leaking.

As much as 3,300 pounds of PCBs a year in Washington may be released from light ballasts, although there needs to be more research on how many PCB-containing ballasts are still in use. Some school districts have replaced these light fixtures, but there is no complete census of where they are or how many still remain. Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has a program that assists local schools in replacing these PCB-containing light fixtures with more energy-efficient lighting.

“Getting decades-old light ballasts that contain PCBs out of schools and away from kids is an investment in the future of our state,” said State Superintendent Randy Dorn. “It protects our students, protects the environment, reduces electricity use, saves money and produces higher-quality lighting. It’s a smart move every step of the way.”

Along with replacing PCB-containing light ballasts, the plan recommends a number of other measures to prevent PCBs from getting into the environment, such as taking additional precautions when demolishing old buildings. The plan also calls for more environmental monitoring for PCBs and additional research on how PCBs are generated as manufacturing byproducts.

“We need to clean up the remaining sources of PCBs that pollute our water and fish,” said Maia Bellon, Ecology’s director. “This plan gives us a playbook to do just that, protecting the environment and the health of our kids.”

Ecology and Health developed the PCB plan with input from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, local governments, businesses, and health and environmental organizations

“Widespread toxic pollution is an invisible threat to the health of people in Washington, especially our kids,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “We must continue to find and remove these sources of toxics, including PCBs. This plan will continue that work and help to prevent health effects for generations to come.”

This is Washington’s fifth chemical action plan. Previous plans have addressed toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury and the flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ether. Like PCBs, these chemicals stick around in the environment and accumulate in people and animals.

Governor Jay Inslee is proposing to expand Washington’s chemical action plan system to deal with these widespread toxic chemicals more comprehensively. Gov. Inslee’s budget proposal includes funding for the recommendations in the PCB plan, expanding OSPI’s energy efficiency grant program and a number of other measures to support eliminating toxic chemicals and preventing pollution in Washington communities.

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Opportunity to comment: Expanded Cleanup Work Proposed at City Parcel Site

The Washington State Department of Ecology proposes to extend soil remediation at the City Parcel site and to remove PCB-contaminated soil along the west fence line. Previous sampling confirmed there is residual soil contamination under the surface along the fence line in this area. The site is located at 708 North Cook Street in the City of Spokane, Spokane County, Washington.

The work will include removing the fence along the west portion of the site, removing contaminated soil, and replacing it with clean fill.
Ecology will begin remediation after public comment has been considered.
You are invited to:
  • Review the draft Work Plan for the proposed sampling and supplemental investigation along with the addendum to the SEPA checklist and DNS.
  • Send your comments to Huckleberry Palmer at Ecology for consideration.
Comments will be accepted January 30 through March 2, 2015.
See the City Parcel Fact Sheet 2015 for details about where to review documents and submit comments.

Draft PCB Chemical Action Plan- Opportunity to Comment

Draft PCB Chemical Action Plan

Opportunity to Comment

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) invites you to comment on the
Draft Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) Chemical Action Plan (CAP).
Ecolgy will accept comments by mail, fax, or email August 6 – October
6, 2014.  Comments must be received by 5 p.m. October 6, 2014.

Two public meetings to share information and answer questions will
take place:

Olympia
Date: September 15, 2014
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Ecology Headquarters and via internet webinar

SPOKANE
Date: September 24, 2014
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Ecology Eastern Regional Office

For more information and webinar registration: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/pbt/pcbComment.html

 

 

Announcement: Opportunity to Comment on Ecology’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Plan

The first draft of the State Solid and Hazardous Waste Plan (Beyond Waste) 2014 Update is now available for review and comment.

Ecology will accept comments through September 17, 2014.

This first draft is a partial draft, and contains the introduction and draft goals and actions for the next five years. The draft goals and actions are organized as follows:

  •  Managing Hazardous Waste and Materials
  •  Managing Solid Wastes and Materials
  • Reducing Impacts of Materials and Products
  • Measuring Progress
  • Providing Outreach and Information

To Comment:  download the draft plan and comment form.

The draft plan is a WORD document with embedded comment boxes.  You will need to save a copy to your computer to make your comments. When finished, email it to the address below.  You can comment on as few or as many areas as you wish, and since you download your own copy of the draft plan, you are able to take your time to review and comment.

If you prefer, you may fax or mail comments to the addresses below.  If you do not use the comment form, please specify what each comment refers to; include section title, page number, and goal or action number where applicable.

Send Your Comments To:

  • Email:  Cbou461@ecy.wa.gov
  • Fax: 360-407-6715
  • US Mail: – Cathy Bouge, Dept of Ecology /HWTR, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA  98504-7600

COMMENTS ARE DUE BY:   September 17, 2014.

You can also talk with us directly to provide your comments via email, phone or a meeting.

Contact us:

  •  Janine Bogar:  360-407-6654; janine.bogar@ecy.wa.gov  (solid waste)
  •  Chris Chapman; 360-4077160, chris.chapman@ecy.wa.gov (hazardous waste)
  • Website: www.ecy.wa.gov/wasteplan
  • WA State Department of Ecology, P.O Box 47600, Olympia WA 98504-7600

Thank you for your time and input!

Janine Bogar | Washington State Department of Ecology | Waste 2 Resources Program | PO Box 47600 , Olympia, WA 98504-7600
360-407-6654 direct | 360-407-6102 fax | janine.bogar@ecy.wa.gov e-mail

Announcement: City of Spokane Passes PCB-Free Ordinance

The PCB product purchasing ordinance passed City Council this week on June 2.

The new ordinance requires City Hall purchasing managers to give preference to PCB-free products ranging from road paint to packaging materials. The goal is to cut the amount of PCBs entering into the Spokane River and other waterways from largely unregulated sources.

Click Here to view the City of Spokane PCB-free product purchasing ordinance.

Click Here to view the Spokane City Council video (Select City Council Meetings and then June 2nd 2014). The PCB discussion starts at about 26.00 minutes.

Click Here to read the Spokesman Review newspaper article from Sunday, June 8, 2014.

January 30, 2013 Spokane River Regional Task Force Meeting

Spokane River Regional Task Force Meeting Announcement

Date: January 30, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Liberty Lake
22510 E. Mission Avenue
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Click here for a map.

Call In Number: 800-704-9804;
Participant Code: 34863442#

Please note, the conference call in number will remain open until 15 minutes until after the meeting begins. It will continue to remain open as long as there are callers on the line. If you wish to join the meeting by phone late, please notify Adriane Borgias (abor461@ecy.wa.gov) ahead of time.

Meeting Documents
–  
SRRTTF Meeting Summary 1-30-13
–  
SRRTTF Draft Agenda 1-30-13
–  
SRRTTF Dec 5 Funding WG DRAFT Mtg Notes
–  
SRRTTF Nonprofit Entity Bylaws CLEAN 8-8-2012
–  
SRRTTF note to PIOs 1-30-13
–  
TRS Report: Toxics Policy Reform for Washington State — January 16, 2013

Notice Regarding Statements of Qualifications and Proposals

The Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force (SRRTTF) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications and Proposals from qualified technical consultants to assist the Task Force as an independent community technical advisor.  The goal of the Task Force is to develop a comprehensive plan to bring the Spokane River into compliance with applicable water quality standards for PCBs and Dioxins.  This is a multi-phased, multi-year program.

Click Here to download the Request for Qualifications and Proposal packet.

Relevant data and references for this project can be found at the Spokane Regional Toxics Task Force website, see the “References and Information” tab. 

Questions regarding the RFP process will be accepted until November 20, 2012 by Adriane Borgias at ABOR461@ecy.wa.gov. Questions regarding Department of Ecology public information should be directed to KAJO461@ecy.wa.gov.

Submittals are due by 4:00 p.m. November 27, 2012 to the Washington Department of Ecology, Eastern Regional Office, 4601 North Monroe Street, Spokane Washington, 99205

SRRTTF Request for Qualifications and Proposal Packet

1. RFQ Transmittal Memo
2. Request for Qualifications and Proposals
3. Attachment A to the RFQ
4. SRRTTF First Draft Work Plan, Adopted 10-24-2012
5. SRRTTF Work Plan Milestone Schedule 10-24-2012

Click Here for additional background information and data.

Questions regarding the RFP process will be accepted until November 20, 2012 by Adriane Borgias at ABOR461@ecy.wa.gov. Questions regarding Department of Ecology public information should be directed to KAJO461@ecy.wa.gov.

Submittals are due by 4:00 p.m. November 27, 2012 to the Washington Department of Ecology, Eastern Regional Office, 4601 North Monroe Street, Spokane Washington, 99205

October 8, 2012 Task Force Conference Call Announcement

Members of the Task Force have drafted a letter to the Governor and Stan Marshburn (OFM Director) supporting the 2013-2015 Ecology budget.  This was discussed at the last meeting and there was general agreement but no firm decision was made. Please review the letter below. If you have any serious concerns with the letter please let Kelsey (gryklsy@yahoo.com) know by the COB on Friday, October 5th so any changes could be turned around and sent out on Monday morning.

This letter to the Governor and OFM is very time sensitive and needs to go out ASAP as OFM will be doing a review of the budget. In order to meet the 5 day decision making rule of the SRRTTF MOA we will need to have a short conference call on Monday to formally decide to send this letter.

Members of the Task Force are encouraged to call in on Monday as we will need a quorum to confirm the letter and agree to send it off.  The conference call meeting is scheduled for Monday at 11:00 am.

Call In Number: 800-704-9804
Participant Code:
34863442#

Conference Call Documents
–   Draft Letter for Ecology Budget Request 10 1 12 (revised 10-5-12)
–   Draft Letter for Ecology Budget Request 10 1 12 (2)
   PL AM Spokane River PCB Source Abatement
   SRRTTF Conference Call Summary 10 8 2012
   Approved SRRTTF Letter in support of Ecology budget request 10 8 12