  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - June 10, 2008
08-160
SPOKANE – The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has awarded approximately $17.5 million statewide, $2.8 million of which goes to eleven of the state’s eastern counties, to support waste reduction and recycling projects and increase enforcement of solid waste management regulations.
Every two years, Ecology awards the Coordinated Prevention Grants to local governments to help them manage solid and household hazardous-wastes, prevent illegal dumping and promote recycling and composting programs. The projects begin this year and expire Dec 31, 2009.
"Ultimately, these grants keep hazardous wastes out of our local landfills through a three-pronged approach: public education, reducing waste, and accelerating recycling efforts,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. It makes good sense, for our economy and our environment, to invest in reducing and preventing waste now, rather than paying for costly cleanups later.”
The grants are supported by a tax paid by wholesale distributors of petroleum and other hazardous materials, under the voter-approved Model Toxics Control Act of 1989.
Following are descriptions of the grant awards, by county, in Eastern Washington:
Adams
Adams County will use a $131,748 grant to continue collecting hazardous waste and recycling to divert over seven tons of hazardous waste from improper disposal. Adams County will work with local Master Gardeners to provide compost bins to workshop participants, diverting up to 20 tons of yard waste. The county will distribute information to over 9,000 residents and students to promote reuse, waste reduction, recycling, alternative products, and ideas for the diversion of organic waste. Adams County Health Department will use an $80,137 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste handling rules. These activities include conducting 24 inspections and issuing permits to solid waste handling facilities. County staff will respond to 60 complaints involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste.
Asotin
Asotin County Regional Landfill will use a $138,721 grant to continue operating and maintaining the recycling collection sites. The county will collect and transport 900 tons of recyclable commodities to market. They also will promote and operate the hazardous waste collection facility that diverts 140 tons of household and small business waste. Asotin County Health District will use a $77,808 grant to enforce compliance with WAC 173-350 and 351. These activities include inspecting solid waste handling facilities, responding to illegal dumping complaints, and providing 150 consultations to the public regarding solid waste.
Columbia
Columbia County Public Works will use a $107,250 grant to collect household hazardous waste through four free collection events. These events will divert 15 tons of household hazardous waste from improper disposal. The County will also provide recycling opportunities for residents by placing various receptacles throughout the county, collecting 168 tons of material. The County will also update their Solid Waste Management plan.
Columbia County Health Department will use a $9,000 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste handling rules. This will entail conducting six inspections and issuing permits to the county’s solid waste handling facilities. County staff will respond to 14 complaints involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste.
Ferry
Ferry County Waste Management will use a $113,763 grant to provide education and outreach, technical assistance, and update solid and hazardous waste plans. Efforts will promote waste reduction and recycling through classes, community events, and newspaper articles aimed at reaching over 4,000 residents. The county will purchase and distribute compost bins to participants who complete a composting workshop, diverting 11 tons of yard waste. The County will hold two household hazardous waste collection events, provide technical assistance to small businesses, and collect used oil for energy recovery. Northeast Tri-County Health District will use a $40,000 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste management rules by conducting inspections and issuing permits to solid waste handling facilities in its jurisdiction. District staff will respond to complaints involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste. NOTE: The Northeast Tri-County Health District serves Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties.
Garfield
Garfield County Public Works will use a $75,000 grant to continue operating and maintaining the existing recycling drop box facility, and to make changes to improve traffic flow at the facility. The drop box will recycle 78 tons of material. Garfield County also will use grant funds to update its Solid Waste Management Plan.
The county plans to increase awareness about the practices of reuse, waste reduction and recycling by continuing the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program, the 4-H Camp Demonstration for the kids, and the second annual Tire Amnesty Day. They will reach 1,000 residents with public displays, promotional items, classroom presentations, newspaper articles, and brochures.
Garfield County Health District will use a $3,750 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste management rules by conducting inspections of the solid waste handling facilities in their county. County staff will respond to 24 complaints involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste.
Grant
Grant County Public Works will use a $247,911 grant to collect 40 tons of household hazardous waste, provide technical assistance to 25 businesses, provide mercury-free thermometers and update its Solid Waste Management Plan. The county will increase waste reduction and recycling awareness through outreach and education, community events, and the Earth Feature newsletter. They will collect 168 tons of recyclables, develop a business education program, and provide sub grants to cities for recycling. Grant County will divert 157 tons of yard waste through collection locations and provide compost bins to citizens attending their backyard composting workshops.
Grant County Health District will use a $106,849 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste management rules by conducting 29 inspections and permitting solid waste handling facilities. County staff will respond to 160 complaints involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste.
Lincoln
Lincoln County Public Works will use a $118,718 grant to conduct activities that will divert 16 tons of hazardous waste, 575 tons of recyclables, and 55 tons of yard waste from the waste stream. The activities include operating a recycling facility, providing technical assistance to small businesses, and conducting outreach and education to at least 500 residents.
Lincoln County Health Department will use a $20,876 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste management rules by conducting inspections and issuing permits to solid waste handling facilities in Lincoln County. County staff will respond to 25 complaints and requests for technical assistance involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste.
Pend Oreille
Pend Oreille County will use a $122,572 grant to collect and recycle 650 tons of material. The county will continue operating and maintaining the recycling locations and will participate in several community events to promote composting. Pend Oreille County will provide recycling opportunities at RV Parks.
Northeast Tri-County Health District: See entry under Ferry County.
Spokane
Spokane Regional Solid Waste System will use a $914,427 grant to collect over 1,200 tons of household hazardous waste and recycle or properly dispose of it. The system will provide technical assistance to 100 businesses about proper waste management and disposal. The grant will pay for operating and maintaining the city of Cheney’s recycling facility. Spokane Regional Environmental Health will use a $106,849 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste management rules by conducting 56 inspections and issuing permits to 14 facilities. County staff will respond to 800 complaints involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste.
Stevens
Stevens County Department of Public Works will use a $177,259 grant to collect 49 tons of household hazardous waste at two facilities and 12 drop off locations. The County will promote public awareness of waste reduction and recycling through the print and electronic media, classroom presentations, and community events that will reach 2000 residents. The County will operate the recycling facilities, purchase replacement recycling bins, and collect waste oil used to heat County shops. Northeast Tri-County Health District: See entry under Ferry County.
Whitman
Whitman County Public Works will use a $178,543 grant to collect 162 tons of household hazardous waste at their transfer station and conduct community outreach and education. Other activities include collecting of 36 tons of tires and 5,000 tons of yard waste through community events that will reach 5,500 residents. The county also will offer competitive grants to communities for improving or building recycling centers and will offer a workshop for farmers on how to reduce and properly dispose of hazardous waste.
Whitman County Health Department will use a $106,849 grant to enforce compliance with solid waste management rules by conducting inspections and issuing permits to solid waste handling facilities. County staff will respond to 200 complaints involving illegal dumping or improper handling of solid waste. They will enforce junk vehicle removal and educate 350 residents about solid waste issues, such as burning trash and illegal dumping.
# # #
Editor’s note: Contact your local solid waste managers for more information on these programs.
###
Media Contacts:
Jani Gilbert, Ecology Communications, 509-329-3495; cell, 509-990-9177; or
e-mail, jagi461@ecy.wa.gov
Cathy Cochrane, Ecology Communications, 509-329-3433; cell, 509-290-0685; or
e-mail, ccoc461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
