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Local Contamination Topics Which Are Controversial
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For more information see:
Lewis County issues page or the Grays Harbor County Issues page or the
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for more information on issues covered on this Hot Topic page.
Learn about 700,000 sites which handle dangerous chemicals at this award winning EPA site
Learn about the Chemical Scorecard and your zip code right here
Where's the pollution? Free software from the federal government now allows anyone to pinpoint pollution sources. At www.hud.gov.emaps type in an address or zip code for a map which shows Superfund sites and environmental hazards.
Or check this Chehalis Watershed listing of known contaminated sites.
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Contaminated wells and other sources
 Jan. 28, 2005 EPA publishes a fact sheet expressing concerns and need for help to solve PCE contamination around Hamilton/Labree Berwick Creek. Can you help?
- Jan. 21, 2005 The Chronicle reports on the mysterious contamination of Berwick Creek and EPA's ineterest in who did it.
- Jun. 28, 2004 The Chronicle reports that progress is being made in cleaning up contaminated Fords Prarie aquifer.
- Apr. 30, 2004 The Chronicle reports on a cattle waste dumping situation which involves a slaughter facility in the upper Chehalis.
- Apr. 07, 2004 The Chronicle reports: "Guess what?" Your new neighbor is a gravel pit and asphalt recycler! . Some folks in Maytown are unhappy.
- Mar. 15, 2004 Continuing their fine reporting on toxic sites, The Olympian has indepth story on toxic site waiting years for cleanup and an expensive old city dump site.
- Mar. 14, 2004 The The Olympian carries a major front page story on the Thurston County hazardous waste sites. The newspaper is to be congratulated for such intense coverage of an old and ongoing issue.
- Mar. 14, 2004 The Chronicle reports on CRC public meeting dealing with the state polluted waters list and the Chehalis Basin fecal coliform study.
- Mar. 14, 2004 The Chronicle reports that state is asking to test local wells for quantity and quality of water.
- Mar. 04, 2004 WaDOE reports that land re-use uncovers additional toxic contamination.
- Feb. 19, 2004 Not too long ago EPA would send easily read notices of Hamilton Road PCE contamination cleanup and information requests. Now we get electronnic pdf images. We've converted that stuff into readable images announcing the cleanup program and request for information concerning the PCE contamination.
- Jan. 18, 2004 The Chronicle reports that that rivers and creeks in Lewis County and throughout the state are more polluted than previously known.
- Jan. 18, 2004 WaDOE says it is time to invite public comment on the state's polluted water listings. It should be no surprise that the number of polluted waterways has increased.
- Nov. 19, 2003 The Chronicle reports that City of Chehalis sewage treatment plant has been dumping partially treated sewage into the Chehalis River.
- Oct. 30, 2003 DOE, according to The Chronicle, is granting another $448,000 to finish cleanup at Lewis County Central Shop along Jackson Highway and Forest-Napavine Road.
- Oct. 28, 2003 -Decades of pollution problems are finally going to be fixed, under a final cleanup agreement for the former Roderick Timber site in b Junction City east of Aberdeen.
- Oct. 08, 2003 WaDOE says Oyster-growing and pulp-making will be able to work side by sideunder a new discharge permit that has been issued to Weyerhaeuser's pulp mill in Cosmopolis.
- Aug. 10, 2003 August 5 The Olympian reported good news for the Black River when the county rejected asphalt plant.
- Jul. 18, 2003 TransAlta assessed fine for water quality violation.
- Jun. 25, 2003 The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is adopting its first major overhaul of the state's water quality standards in a decade. "These updated rules will help us do a better job of protecting all of Washington's waters - from the Straits of Juan de Fuca to Asotin Creek, from the Dungeness River to the mighty Columbia," said Tom Fitzsimmons, Ecology director. "They reflect the latest science about how to keep Washington's waters clean and safe for people, fish and wildlife."
- Jun. 23, 2003 WaDOE states: For 2001, 22.3 million pounds of toxic chemicals were reported released to the air, land and water in Washington state. This included 15 million pounds released into the air, 5.2 million pounds distributed onto land and 2.2 million pounds discharged into water.
read it here!
- Jun. 04, 2003 Ahh, drinking from the garden hose. Is it safe? No, studies say it not a safe practice.
- Apr. 21, 2003The USGS has started a contamination study. Recent decades have brought increasing concerns for potential contamination of water resources that could result inadvertently during production, use, and disposal of the numerous chemicals offering improvements in industry, agriculture, medical treatment, and even common household conveniences.
- Mar. 10, 2003 The Chronicle reports another Chehalis property has been listed on the WaDOE contaminated site list.
- Mar. 07, 2003 EPA, according to the March 4 The Olympian , is planning a checkup of the Palermo (Tumwater) Superfund Site. Public involvement is important!
- Feb. 14, 2003 Superfund program, according to The Chronicle, hooks up 18 homes and businesses who had PCE contaminated water.
- Feb. 13, 2003 WaDOE has released (in PDF only form) a report (Effectiveness Monitoring for Dioxin Total Maximum Daily Loads in Western Washington) stating that monitoring data indicates dioxin discharges have been reduced at four mills in Washington.
- Jan. 07, 2003 The Chronicle reports on contaminated wells, meth labs, PCE and other 'nasties' as related to the most recent DOE Toxics Cleanup report data.
- Oct. 10, 2002 The CRC objects to the biosolids application in Lewis County.
- Oct. 08, 2002 The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking new water quality data from the public to be used for placing polluted waters on the state's 303(d) list.
- Sep. 23, 2002 In view of the interest in the topic of Biosolids, a copy of "Guidance for Controlling Potential Risks to Workers Exposed to Class B Biosolids." (from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ) is available here.
- Jul. 16, 2002 Ecology Department ready to issue $146.5 million to help communities improve water quality.
- Jul. 16, 2002 The public is being asked to review a proposed rule that will replace outdated regulations for collecting and disposing of solid wastes - also known as garbage.
- Jul. 15, 2002 Western Washington cities and counties have received 18 additional grants worth a combined $1.2 million from the state Department of Ecology.
- Jul. 07, 2002 The Olympian reports that all is not well as pipeline trenches and burials are forced upon property owners in an attempt to furnish natural gas to Satsop. Some question the wisdom of consuming natural gas and fresh water to produce electricity.
- Jul. 07, 2002 The Olympian story discloses the eternal debate between supposed clean energy sources and the eventual air, water and soil contamination which dervies from burning "natural" gas. Satsop's two plants can produce 2,125 NEW tons of pollutants. This is over 3 times the total now produced in all of Thurston County. Is cheap, natural gas power really cheap and natural?
- Jul. 04, 2002 The owners of the Black Lake Grocery and WaDOE have an agreement to cleanup petroleum contaminated groundwater. Public comment on the plan is invited.
- Jul. 03, 2002 This July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to begin installing a new water line for the Hamilton/Labree Superfund Site. A public meeting July 9 is scheduled.
- Jun. 29, 2002 It is rather sad to read this The Olympian story about artesian wells and contaminated sites.
- May. 30, 2002 EPA will call for nominations and select up to 20 watershed organizations to receive grants to support innovative watershed based approaches to preventing, reducing, and eliminating water pollution.
- May. 19, 2002 An interesting and painful story on contamination and water appeared during a research project.
- Apr. 29, 2002According to The Aberdeen Daily World : WaDOE, the agency everyone likes to hate, is seen as a rescuer this time in Junction City.
- Apr. 07, 2002 WaDOE has a great publication based on efforts in Thurston County: Effects of Land Application of Dairy Manure and Wastewater on Groundwater Quality: Pre- and Post-Animal Waste Holding Pond Monitoring
- Apr. 04, 2002 Trans Alta Centralia Mining LLC, a coal-mining operation in Centralia has violated its wastewater permit 12 times during November and December 2001, according to the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) and was fined for not protecting water quality.
- Mar. 15, 2002 People either love them or hate them, but one citizen initiative adopted more than 12 years ago has generated good results for the state of Washington - with nearly 5,000 toxic sites being cleaned up across the state of Washington.
- Mar. 14, 2002 The Chronicle reports that nearly a half million dollars from a state tax on petroleum and waste materials will go to continued testing for cancer-causing chemicals in the groundwater beneath Forest, a rural community south of Chehalis.
- Mar. 13, 2002 Lewis County will get another $448,000 from the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) to help clean up a contaminated aquifer at a maintenance area on Napavine Road in Chehalis.
- Mar. 13, 2002 USGS provides a nationwide look at pharmaceuticals, hormones and other organic contaminants in U.S. Streams
- Mar. 08, 2002 We've the problem here in our watershed but hazardous waste, home composting, illegal dumping and other solid- and hazardous-waste programs in seven Puget Sound counties have been awarded nearly $7 million in help from the Department of Ecology (Ecology).
- Feb. 18, 2002 WaDOE fines three industrial operations, including one in the Chehalis watershed.
- Feb. 04, 2002 Merino's Seafood, Inc. in Westport has been fined by the state for failing to protect water quality in Grays Harbor.
- Feb. 02, 2002 Two Grays Harbor events impact water quality and resulted in penalties against the violators.
- Jan. 23, 2002 The New Jersey Online Star-Ledger News, 1/23/2002, reported that "The companies accused of polluting the water in Toms River and the local water utility will pay at least $13.27 million to children who contracted cancer and to their siblings who suffered emotional distress, according to court records made public yesterday. A brief summary of the investigation reminds us of how important water quality is.
- Jan. 09, 2002 Lewis County, according to this The Chronicle article, faces important water issues. These are identified in the draft EIS statement on growth management.
- Jan. 06, 2002 Recent local radio newscasts have mentioned decisions which have been made on groundwater contamination at the Hamilton/Labree site. Here is EPA's overview of those decisions. The EPA has plans to install a new water pipe line to the affected residents. According to the EPA Fact Sheet this will be done at no expense to local government or residents.
- Nov. 16, 2001 Spokane is deeply involved in aquifer protection. We can learn from their efforts.
- Nov. 15, 2001 The Olympian reports that a battle is building over an ashpalt plant in the Black River watershed.
- Oct. 23, 2001 The Weyerhaeuser Company's Cosmopolis pulp mill has been fined $14,000 by the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) for allowing high levels of fecal coliform bacteria to enter Grays Harbor through its wastewater discharge.
- Oct. 19, 2001 The Chronicle reports that contamination (found in 1998) is a major concern to users of contaminated Lewis County aquifer.
- Oct. 18, 2001 We have an impact on our water quality. The following is out of our area. As an example only, here is a site which experienced many uses over the years. Now the soil and water show more than 60 contaminants.
- Oct. 08, 2001 Some residents near two separate Chehalis area aquifers contaminated by dangerous levels of toxic chemicals get help from EPA, county - leaving the aquifers in unknown condition.
- Sep. 18, 2001 WaDOE adds 42 properties to the toxic cleanup list but only 5 are removed.
- Sep. 11, 2001 The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has added another 22 waterways to the list of lakes, rivers and marine waters that will be cleaned up beginning this year.
- Aug. 28, 2001 While way out of our area, this contamination story from Skykomish illustrates how terribly old and complex water and aquifer contamination problems can be.
- Aug. 23, 2001 While out of our watershed, this contaminated water problem illustrates how t he agency everyone loves to hate (WaDOE) is literally left holding the bag in an attempt to resolve contamination issues caused by others.
- Jul. 18, 2001 The Chronicle reports that Lewis County will spend money to try and fix chemically contaminated well by extending City of Chehalis water line to a residence - other wells were not found to be past the contaminant limits set by the state.
- May. 30, 2001 The USGS seminar in Boston introduces papers on a number of serious water and water quality related topics.
- May. 23, 2001 Pollution of the Skookumchuck illustrates that the 'solution to pollution is dilution' and this year we simply don't have the water in our streams. Conintued demands upon surface and groundwater resources will worsen this problem in the future.
- May. 08, 2001 California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) Charitable Trust and Washington's Safe Food and Fertilizer tested 29 fertilizers from 12 states for 22 toxic metals. Their May 2001 report showed that twenty-nine tested fertilizers contained twenty-two toxic heavy metals.
- May. 05, 2001 WaDOE is now looking for assistance in prioritizing polluted waterways which are not on the TMDL lists.
- May. 03, 2001 WaDOE is looking for comments on a list of priority TMDL waterbodies.
- Apr. 13, 2001 With the recent Toxic Release Inventory report, and now a statewide fish consumption advisory, you might be interested in: The Right to know network which is user friendly and contains volumes of data, or for listings of chemicals go to: EPA Toxic Release Inventory Chemicals, or go here for a single point access to select EPA environmental data.
- Apr. 13, 2001 For the first time, Washington state has issued a statewide advisory on too much mercury from fish consumption.
- Apr. 03, 2001 Ecology Department releases required reporting of toxic chemicals tracked in Washington state.
- Mar. 31, 2001 The Aberdeen Daily World ran a story on Elma elementary school students monitoring water quality.
- Mar. 30, 2001 While addressing water quality through a new treatment plant, the City of Chehalis has to deal with wastewater rate increases.
- Mar. 28, 2001 EPA has distributed a Superfund Fact Sheet dealing with the Hamilton/LaBree Groundwater Contamination community involvement plan.
- Mar. 25, 2001 Students from schools across the watershed are involved with hands on water quality monitoring.
- Mar. 22, 2001 While outside of our watershed, this lead contamination in Tacoma illustrates how emissions to the air can severely impact surrounding people and landscapes.
- Mar. 21, 2001 WaDOE has published a list of contaminated sites which are being added to the site register. Unfortunately Thurston and Lewis counties are among the locations in which new sites are f ound.
- Mar. 09, 2001 While out of our watershed this notice about contaminated fish is important to all.
- Mar. 04, 2001 Here's a news article to answer the questions you might have concerning the earthquake and your well!
- Mar. 04, 2001 A consent decree is proposed for clean up of the Centralia Landfill. A public meeting (March 8) and a Public Comment Period are planned.
- Feb. 24, 2001 The Olympian reports on a proposed asphalt plant near the Black River which has local residents upset and concerned.
- Feb. 18, 2001 The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has adopted long-awaited changes to the state's standards and cleanup levels for toxic contamination.
- Feb. 12, 2001 Where's the pollution? Free software from the federal government now allows anyone to pinpoint pollution sources. At www.hud.gov.emaps type in an address or zip code for a map which shows Superfund sites and environmental hazards.
- Feb. 05, 2001 The Rochester Water Association is receiving over $1 million in a loan and grant to repair a failing water system.
- Feb. 04, 2001 The Chronicle reports that the Hamilton-Labree Road site is still a mystery as officials search for yet another source for the major PCE contamination showing up at that site.
- Feb. 03, 2001 WaDOE scientists develop methods and procedures for tracking down bacteria in water.
- Feb. 02, 2001 While not a local issue, some NY state residents have a unique solution for dog waste in public areas. Maybe there are some local potential applications?
- Jan. 29, 2001 Back in 1996 illness and flood recovery slowed down information added to this website. Here is the first edition of "Yesterday's News, Today". More will be added over time.
- Jan. 14, 2001 WaDNR and WaDOE have agreed to a cleanup order to deal with pesticide contaminated soil and water at WaDNR Webster Nursery in the northern reaches of the Chehalis Watershed.
- Dec. 13, 2000 The USGS has information on the role of contamination from ag sources and the impact of amphibians.
- Dec. 11, 2000 The Chronicle, on 12/8, reported that Cenex (Chehalis) cleanup enters the final stages.
- Dec. 06, 2000 The Olympian reports that contaminated well in Tumwater tests clean.
- Dec. 04, 2000 WaDOE and Cenex (Chehalis) reached agreement on a plan to clean up a contaminated site in Chehalis.
- Nov. 22, 2000 There is no direct benefit to out watershed but this is significant news. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) signed a landmark agreement to improve water quality.
- Nov. 15, 2000 Washington Fish and Wildlife, Ecology and NatureMapping have announced a new interactive data bank to hold volunteer data.
- Nov. 14, 2000 The issues surrounding the contamination related to the brownfield in Junction City were reported by The Aberdeen Daily World .
- Nov. 04, 2000 The Olympian reports continuing problems with water quality in Bucoda.
- Nov. 02, 2000 WaDOE has announced penalties for various types of violations. Here is a complete list. Most have a relationship to water quality.
- Oct. 28, 2000 The Olympian reports Bucoda has a contamination problem and water must be boiled.
- Oct. 28, 2000 The Olympian has a story about water problems in Rochester area. Contmainated wells and groundwater in the Violet Meadows Estates have been a problem for some time.
- Oct. 21, 2000 One of the responsibilities assigned to the Chehalis Basin Partnership (through the Watershed Management legislation) is an assessment of water quality and water resources. Here is a draft of the level 1 assessment. It covers hydrology, geology, water use, water quality and more.
- Oct. 12, 2000 An award to a dairy/chicken farm and clean ground water are just a part of a Groundwater Symposium October 16-18th.
- Oct. 11, 2000 WaDOE has issued results of an initial sampling for MTBE contamination.
- Oct. 10, 2000 Are you going to be planting cuttings to protect streambanks from contamination or bank failure? This article has some tips.
- Sep. 30, 2000 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that WaDOE is beginning inspections of livestock farms in the upper Chehalis area of Thurston, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties .
- Sep. 30, 2000 A report from The Chronicle discusses water treatment and sewer system issues faced by the city of Tenino.
- Sep. 07, 2000 WaDOE has added 26 new sites to the hazardous waste site cleanup list.
- Sep. 06, 2000 WaDOE has announced the availability of the Site Register through an online subscription.
- Sep. 02, 2000 Ecology recently released a report for public review and comment. The comment period ends October 30, 2000
- Aug. 30, 2000 This month, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) begins cleaning up lakes and rivers in eight additional areas of the state.
- Aug. 25, 2000 It's a wetland, a wildlife refuge, and a working waste treatment plant. This bio-reactor wetland sytem is reported to clean water, air and attract wildlife.
- Aug. 21, 2000 Lower Chehalis fecal coliform TMDL attracts attention of City of Chehalis Mayor, in this article from The Chronicle.
- Aug. 16, 2000 The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) is proposing changes to state regulations that contain standards and cleanup levels for toxic contamination. Beginning today, the public has 30 days in which to comment on the proposed changes, either in writing or at one of two public hearings.
- Aug. 11, 2000 WaDOE provided this letter and the enclosed FOCUS sheet informing stakeholders about the results of a Washington State Department of Ecology study of water quality in the Chehalis and Grays Harbor watersheds.
- Aug. 11, 2000 The April 2000 Lincoln Creek oil spill accident results in a $5,000 fine to the owner of the poultry farm.
- Aug. 11, 2000 Violet Meadows Estate (Rochester) residents have contaminated water and are told they must boil-water , according to this report from The Olympian .
- Aug. 10, 2000 The federal government may spend millions of dollars cleaning up contaminated ground water south of Chehalis, but it probably won't ever become drinkable again, according to this The Chronicle article.
- Aug. 09, 2000 USGS is unraveling clues to die-offs of frogs and other amphibians.
- Aug. 07, 2000 The Capital Press reports that OSU is finding significant groundwater contamination in a five square-mile area. While this is off topic for our watershed, it is perhaps an indicator of the risks we face in the NW.
- Aug. 06, 2000 The EPA has released a fact sheet for Hamilton-Labree Roads superfund site and annouonced a public comment meeting for August 9.
- Aug. 05, 2000 WaDOE has announced a conference, in Everett, dealing with nonpoint pollution. It is scheduled for Spet. 27 - 28th.
- Jul. 25, 2000 The City of Chehalis published this 2000 Annual Water Quality report.
- Jul. 21, 2000 The Chronicle reports that flooding and water quality issues are the subject of two recent petitions against Lewis County GMA plan.
- Jul. 20, 2000 The state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has once again fined Weyerhaeuser Company's mill at Cosmopolis for discharging high levels of fecal-coliform-laden waste water into the lower Chehalis River.
- Jul. 04, 2000 A well-written letter to the editor raises a concern: "we are planning to sell 70 million gallons of water per year to a power company that will occupy nearly 40 acres of prime land, provide 22 jobs and sell its electricity to any state in the union."
- Jul. 04, 2000 WaDOE site register report states EPA and Ecology together visited the Hamilton Labree site. After evaluating the site using the Hazard Ranking System, it was determined the site qualified for the NPL
- Jun. 29, 2000 According to WaDOE 500 stormwater permit holders (a potential source of nonpoint pollution) are receiving notices about their permit status.
- Jun. 27, 2000 A little behind this week, but here is news of a water quality fine related to gravel mining.
- Jun. 23, 2000 Grays Harbor Commissioner strongly opposed to new shorelines rules.
- Jun. 23, 2000 A recent advisory from WaDOE really symbolizes why the Chehalis River Council is concerned about our local water quality and the potential impact loss of water quality has on resources and humans. While this is a Spokane River issue, there might be a lesson for us.
- Jun. 20, 2000 WaDOE has an alert we never wanted to have happen:
Well drillers are advised to proceed with caution before drilling
wells near the intersection of Forest Napavine Road East and Jackson Highway south of the city of Chehalis.
Why? Toxic contamination!
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Jun. 16, 2000 WaDOE announces good news about dairies in our state.
- Jun. 05, 2000 WaDOE announces two solutions for stormwater management in Washington.
- Jun. 05, 2000 WaDOE site register for this week contains an update on contamination cleanup by Pacific Powder at Tilley Road site.
- Jun. 03, 2000 Saturday's mail brought official notice of EPA decision to place Hamilton Labree Roads Groundwater Site on the EPA National Priotities List. Public comments are due by July 10.
- May. 20, 2000 An easy to use computer model helps illustrate water movement through soils.
- May. 16, 2000 USGS has announced a new way to monitor ground water - ROBOWELL
- May. 13, 2000 The Chronicle reports that a contaminated well is found in the area of a Lewis County Shop and the contamination is thought to come from the shop.
- May. 10, 2000 Which waterways in the Chehalis Watershed don't meet water quality standards. Find out here!
- May. 09, 2000 The Olympian reports that Tenino residents are suing drinking water provider over bacteria and corrosion in their drinking water.
- May. 08, 2000 USGS has released information on arsenic in ground water.
- May. 03, 2000 According to The Chronicle, WaDOE states that cleaning up Lincoln Creek oil spill will be expensive.
- Apr. 28, 2000 The Chronicle reports Lincoln Creek oil spill damage is minimal.
- Apr. 28, 2000 According to the The Olympian some dead salmon are found at Lincoln Creek oil spill site area.
- Apr. 27, 2000 WaDOE Environmental assessment under way at Lincoln Creek oil spill
- Apr. 27, 2000 Lincoln Creek in Lewis County hit by large oil spill in this report from The Chronicle and this report from The Olympian.
- Apr. 18, 2000 The The Olympian reports that another Tumwater well south and west of the airport is contaminated and out of service.
- Apr. 12, 2000 The Chronicle reports a lawsuit (Clean Water Act) against the City of Chehalis because of treatment plant violations.
- Apr. 07, 2000 According to The Chronicle U.S.EPA has recommended adding Hamilton - Labree site to Superfund National Priorities List.
- Apr. 07, 2000 The Chronicle reports that a scientific survey has not turned up source for state's highest levels of perchloroethylene contamination here in Lewis County.
- Apr. 06, 2000 Want to learn about some clean water, salmon and wetland issues? Thanks to National Wildlife Federation here are some topics of local interest!
- Mar. 31, 2000 USGS studies shed no light on the role of water contamination as a a factor in frog deformities.
- Mar. 24, 2000 We've examined the WaDOE Toxics data and chose 4 images to help you decide if you want to download the entire report or ask WaDOE for a copy. Unfortunately counties within our watershed and the Grays Harbor appear high in some rankings. To view the chemicals reported on look at Chemicals reported
To view a ranking of waterbodies, look at Impacted waterbodies
To view a ranking of counties by pounds per sq. mile look at Pounds per square mile
To view a ranking of counties in pounds per person look at Pounds per person
- Mar. 24, 2000 WaDOE has a press release which indicates that for 1998, 312 companies reported releasing a total of 22.8 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the air, 4.28 million pounds onto the land, and 3.5 million pounds into the water. We will attempt to provide more information from this report later on our web site.
- Mar. 21, 2000 Washington is not one of the 31 states listed as having a problem with contaminated wells - but the problem is serious enough for you to read this.
- Mar. 20, 2000 WaDOE has released a 'draft' study of fecal coliform in Grays Harbor - here is the single section on conclusions.
- Mar. 17, 2000 WaDOE has informed us about the recently completed TMDL (fecal coliform) study in the Grays Harbor area. A workshop is planned March 31, GHCC at 1:00 p.m.
- Mar. 01, 2000 WaDOE recently began online reporting of contaminated sites. Here is our first Chehalis watershed independent cleanup report. This is not a complete listing.
- Jan. 27, 2000 The Chronicle reports that three areas converged on as WaDOE sweeps Chehalis site for toxic chemicals.
- Jan. 11, 2000 The Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA) t urned 25 years old in 1999. In December the U.S. EPA published a history of these 25 years. Here is a description of water supplies before the SWDA.
- Jan. 05, 2000 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that the City of Aberdeen and FOGH are back in court over the terms of the 1998 consent decree.
- Dec. 18, 1999 Aberdeens's wastewater treatment plant capacity is the subject of a professional peer review in this detailed report.
- Dec. 18, 1999 The Aberdeen Daily World reports on City of Aberdeen and FOGH conflict - Champions of clean water or purveyors of groundless hype?
- Dec. 18, 1999 The City of Aberdeen responds to a complaint letter contained about the Aberdeen wastewater treatment plant.
- Nov. 23, 1999 U.S. EPA announced signing of cleanup plans for the Palermo Wellfield Superfund Site.
- Nov. 07, 1999 Learn how to purify water so it is safe to drink!
- Oct. 29, 1999 USGS has tested groundwater for volatile organic compounds and is pleased with the results!
- Oct. 06, 1999The Chronicle reports on concerns folks have over the contamination from buried barrels uncovered in the Chehalis area. (Breen - Hamilton - Labree locations)
- Oct. 06, 1999 What are the risks from the chemicals found in the buried barrels? The wastes are dangerous and the risks are high. (Breen - Hamilton - Labree locations)
- Oct. 01, 1999 WaDOE announces a major contaminated site (PCE) in Chehalis. (Breen - Hamilton - Labree locations)
- Oct. 01, 1999 The Chronicle features a news story about PCE contamination a possible "smoking gun" related to water contamination. (Breen - Hamilton - Labree locations)
- Sep. 30, 1999 The Aberdeen Daily World reports that poplars are being used in an attempt to clean up a contaminated sawmill site in Grays Harbor.
- Sep. 18, 1999 Here are three reports dealing with local water systems ( Crowder Road, Loma Vista, Valley Meadows, Prairie Villa system, and Lathrop Industrial Park) which managed to make the news today.
- Sep. 16, 1999 WaDOE announces a significant fine against Weyerhaeuser Company for discharges at the Cosmopolis mill facility.
- Sep. 16, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Tenino area residents still facing boil water warning and E. coli related issues.
- Sep. 11, 1999 WaDOE is asking for comments on draft cleanup action plan for the Centralia Landfill. by September 27, 1999
- Sep. 05, 1999 Centralia brings a new well, which can overcome contamination, online.
- Sep. 03, 1999 Crowder Road and Loma Vista water systems between Tenino and Bucoda face contaminated well troubles.
- Aug. 27, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Centralia has tapped a new water well.
- Aug. 22, 1999 WaDOE has announced a public comment period for the proposed agreed order related to the investigation and cleanup activities related to Hamilton/LaBree roads contamination.
- Aug. 16, 1999 WaDOE issued a press release of fines issued in for the 2nd quarter of 1999. Here is an abbreviated listing of fines issued in Chehalis watershed counties.
- Aug. 13, 1999 The Chronicle reports that contaminants found in three barrels may have contributed to contamination of Labree Road property.
- Aug. 12, 1999 U.S. EPA has announced the availability of a drinking water contaminant occurrence database.
- Aug. 12, 1999 Lewis County accepts help from WaDOE to clean up a site county practices contaminated with volatile organic compounds.
- Aug. 10, 1999 US EPA proposes a cleanup plan for the Palermo Wellfield Superfund Site.
- Aug. 09, 1999 The Chronicle reported on another development in the LaBree road water contamination events. Some similar and related stories were:
- Jun. 02, 1999 Interested in helping address waste issues? Here is a Focus sheet public grants.
- May. 29, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Centralia is hoping to reuse the currently contaminated Eshom well on Fords Prairie.
- Apr. 22, 1999 WaDOE and WaDOH have compiled a report on 38 contaminated water sites. This is a WWW version of the PDF file. This report provides the most-current information available about the status of cleanup or remediation at each site or area, and indicates the status of human exposure to the contaminated water. Because each contaminated site is different, health risks are assessed and follow-up actions determined on a case-by-case basis. This report solely addresses chemical contamination that affects or potentially affects drinking-water sources; it does not include information about all groundwater contamination in Washington. In fact, it is likely that additional contaminated sites exist that have not been identified yet.
- Apr. 06, 1999 A potential link between pesticides, water quality and salmon.
- Apr. 06, 1999 Saddle up for horses and water quality on Earth Day 1999!
- Mar. 05, 1999 The Chronicle reports: Boil water, county advises well users of Fords and Waunch prairies.
- Mar. 04, 1999 Tumwater wells finally get cleaned up.
- Feb. 15, 1999 The Chehalis River Basin Action Plan states: "Unsuitable soil types and special hydrologic conditions limit the effectiveness of on-site sewage disposal systems in many parts of the Chehalis River Basin. More than 81% of the basin is classified as having severe to very severe limitations on septic tank operations."
- Feb. 15, 1999 On 2/13/99, The Chronicle ran two stories dealing with septic issues: Septic Systems Become Hot Topic and Couple Battles County.
- Feb. 15, 1999 WaDOE has an initiative on persistent, bioaccumultive and toxic (PBT) chemicals which is worth reviewing! PBT chemicals do impact water quality.
- Feb. 14, 1999 WaDOE and fish processors in debate over fish waste and water quality as reported in this article by the The Aberdeen Daily World .
- Feb. 03, 1999 Hamilton Road is the source of the latest PCE hotspot.
- Jan. 30, 1999 The Chronicle has more developments on the PCE contamination at LaBree road.
- Jan. 27, 1999 The Chronicle reports DOE finds major perchloroethylene contamination at LaBree road in Chehalis! Then Centralia votes money to fix up a similar site
- Nov. 19, 1998 Reserve Dec. 2 for a meeting on toxics in water, air and food.
- Oct. 28, 1998 The Chronicle reports: State funds Fords Prairie aquifer cleanup.
- Oct. 24, 1998 WaDOE issues a Drinking Water Update on Tenino wells (Pacific Powder)
- Sep. 20, 1998 Here is where you can find out what a 'brownfield site' is and how it might be redeveloped.
- Aug. 20, 1998 Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) announces a report on dioxins in Washington state.
- Aug. 15, 1998 WaDOE releases this information about contaminated wells. These wells are not in the Chehalis watershed.
- Aug. 07, 1998 Despite original optimism, carcinogens found in Tenino wells.
- Jul. 30, 1998 Tenino area wells to be tested for potential contamination by carcinogen.
- Jul. 28, 1998 On July 25th, Aberdeen Daily World , reported on a group of Ocean Shores residents concerned about water quality.
- Jul. 28, 1998 On July 28, Aberdeen Daily World reported on water quality issues brought up at Ocean Shores city council meeting.
- Jul. 02, 1998 Grays Harbor Seaport faces issues with potential contaminated brownfield site.
- Jul. 01, 1998 New information is available on the Palermo wells contamination sources.
- Jun. 18, 1998 Here is an annual report from Wa DOE on Chehalis Best Management Practices.
- Jun. 16, 1998 Ocean Shores is victim of sludge dumping
- May. 09, 1998 Pe Ell agrees to water plan.
- May. 22, 1998 Ecology focuses on Pe Ell sewers and declares moratorium.
- Apr. 28, 1998 Out of our watershed, but examples of the dangers of pesticides are these contaminated wells in Grandview.
- Apr. 24, 1998 From the Surfrider's Foundation a word or two on sewage spills and hog feces spills.
- Apr. 22, 1998 How residents of Pe Ell cope with boil-water plan.
- Apr. 22, 1998 Here is some related information on Pe Ell water quality current and past problems.
- Apr. 16, 1998 Pe Ell deluges officials with water queries about deteriorating system.
- Apr. 15, 1998 Lewis County Health Officer advises Pe Ell residents to boil daily drinking water.
- Apr. 15, 1998 In a water related battle Whatcom health official resigns.
- February 6, 1998 The Capital Press runs this story Whatcom County, Wash., denies water quality study.
- January 16, 1998 Why is the source of solvent contaminating Tumwater's wells so hard to find?
- Nov 4, 1997 The Olympian adds another story on contaminated well cleanup , a $2 milllion project
- Oct 8 The Olympian updates Tumwater contaminated wells story
- Oct 6 The Olympian reports on Tumwater contaminated wells. There is an earlier story
- Attorney wants to delay Chehalis LID decision The Chronicle
June 21, 1997
- Contaminated water forces tug-of-war The Chonicle June 1997
- Improvement District - LaBree - Hamilton Water Problems The Chronicle June 1997
- June 20, 1997 Warning issued on Hamilton and Labree area by WaDOE - "drill wells with caution" - see other news item further down the page.
- The Olympian reported, week ending Aug 8, on the contaminated wells in Tumwater. This has been updated by additional stories. These same contaminates (TCE and PCE have been found in local wells). On October 8, 1997 the most recent story dealt with cleaning the water and the use of chlorine.
- WELL USERS DOUBT DNR The Olympian 4/25/97
April 18, 1997 Several new stories have been added:
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