The Original Shelton Blog
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Port of Shelton's Hazardous Clean up Site Public comment period
OLYMPIC WOOD PRODUCTS
Why is it a cleanup site?
In the past, OWP used the site for milling and treating wood. Wood treating activities and spills contaminated areas of the site. Investigations found two types of petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH-D and TPH-O), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and di-iodo-butane above state cleanup levels. In 1995, Ecology placed the site on the Hazardous Sites List.
How was the site cleaned up?
OWP entered the Voluntary Cleanup Program in 2003. In 2004, OWP removed contaminated soil and sent it to a landfill. However, they could not remove some contaminated soil without damaging structures and machines. OWP filled the areas with clean soil and covered them with pavement.
In order to consider the site cleaned up, Ecology required the owner, the port, to record a restrictive (environmental) covenant for the site. Ecology issued a No Further Action determination in 2004.
What does the restrictive covenant do?The covenant prohibits activities that could result in the release of contaminants that remain at the site. It ensures that current and future property owners maintain and repair pavement that covers contaminated soil and inform anyone leasing the property.
While contaminated soil remains on the site, pavement prevents contact with it. A covenant is also in place. The port must continue inspecting and maintaining the pavement.
Ecology will respond to comments at the end of the comment period. Ecology will do another periodic review in five years.
SITE DESCRIPTION
The Olympic Wood Products (OWP) site is located at 30 E. Export Road in Shelton, in an industrial area. Simpson Lumber Company now rents the property from the Port of Shelton (port). Simpson uses it as a lumber mill and storage yard. Why is it a cleanup site?
In the past, OWP used the site for milling and treating wood. Wood treating activities and spills contaminated areas of the site. Investigations found two types of petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH-D and TPH-O), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and di-iodo-butane above state cleanup levels. In 1995, Ecology placed the site on the Hazardous Sites List.
How was the site cleaned up?
OWP entered the Voluntary Cleanup Program in 2003. In 2004, OWP removed contaminated soil and sent it to a landfill. However, they could not remove some contaminated soil without damaging structures and machines. OWP filled the areas with clean soil and covered them with pavement.
In order to consider the site cleaned up, Ecology required the owner, the port, to record a restrictive (environmental) covenant for the site. Ecology issued a No Further Action determination in 2004.
What does the restrictive covenant do?The covenant prohibits activities that could result in the release of contaminants that remain at the site. It ensures that current and future property owners maintain and repair pavement that covers contaminated soil and inform anyone leasing the property.
PERIODIC REVIEW
Ecology reviews cleanups at least every five years to make sure they still protect human health and the environment. The cleanup appears to be protective. While contaminated soil remains on the site, pavement prevents contact with it. A covenant is also in place. The port must continue inspecting and maintaining the pavement.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD MARCH 22, 2012-APRIL 20, 2012
A draft periodic review report is available for your review and comment. Please send comments to site manager Panjini Balaraju panjini.balaraju@ecy.wa.gov through April 20, 2012.Ecology will respond to comments at the end of the comment period. Ecology will do another periodic review in five years.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Port of Shelton prepares to log its polluted land, where will the run off go?
http://masonwebtv.com/?p=3641#more-3641
Logging means extra run off of storm water with no more trees, bryophytes or lichens to absorb the rain water. The Brownfield (sp?) report says the port property is polluted. But don't take their word for it. Take a look at the tannin filled pools of muck up there.
Logging means extra run off of storm water with no more trees, bryophytes or lichens to absorb the rain water. The Brownfield (sp?) report says the port property is polluted. But don't take their word for it. Take a look at the tannin filled pools of muck up there.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Vandalism at TESC covered up by paper with a message about "gender"
Gender is a socially constructed definition of women and men. It is not the same as sex (biological characteristics of women and men) . Gender is determined by the conception of tasks, functions and roles attributed to women and men in society and in public and private life.
The new gender politics is both refreshing and confusing. The young people are really redefining ideas about gender. I sometimes have trouble getting my head around this, but I find it interesting. I remember being denied to right to do many things that I wanted to do (such as play football) when I was a child. I think things are getting better but we still have a long, long way to go.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Whole World is Watching the Washington State's Waterfront
It seems that container haulers are finally fighting back!
Most (container haulers) are classified as independent contractors, but the state House last week passed a bill to designate them as employees, subject to state health protections and with the right to form a union.
http://seattleporttruckers.org/
Most (container haulers) are classified as independent contractors, but the state House last week passed a bill to designate them as employees, subject to state health protections and with the right to form a union.
http://seattleporttruckers.org/
Department of Nothing Remaining (DNR) Says It's All Good
State DNR biomass report says slash extraction won't hurt forests
Peninsula Daily
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20120314/news/303149982/state-dnr-biomass-report-says-slash-extraction-won-8217-t-hurt
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Response from Peter Goldman
Dear Commissioner Goldmark and DNR staff:
It is disappointing to many of us on the conservation side who have been working collaboratively on the biomass rulemaking task force to see this kind of statement right in the beginning of the Peninsula Daily News story about the release of the UW biomass study:
" A state Department of Natural Resources study has concluded that 3 million tons of bone-dry wood slash and other wood waste - double the existing amount that's extracted - can be removed from Washington forests for biomass fuel production without harming forest health."
And Brian Flint went on to say:
The report proved that doubling the slash and wood waste collected will still leave enough biomass for wildlife habitat and forest regeneration, Flint said.
In fact, the UW study did not examine the environmental impacts of forest biomass removal and, further, the study made multiple unsupported assumptions about retention levels and forest areas where biomass should not be collected. The study also made a conclusion, that approximately 33% of all forest biomass left on site after a logging operation, that needs verification and contravenes literature relative to biomass removal on flat, easily accessible sites.
May I please ask you and staff to clarify, at every opportunity you have, that DNR commits to ensuring that a precautionary regulatory framework will be developed and adopted to protect state resources, particularly before there is a doubling of forest biomass removal. Our task force is working diligently on that question and it seems like the cart is being put before the horse here.
Thank you,
Peter Goldman
Washington Forest Law Center
Peninsula Daily
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20120314/news/303149982/state-dnr-biomass-report-says-slash-extraction-won-8217-t-hurt
---------------------
Response from Peter Goldman
Dear Commissioner Goldmark and DNR staff:
It is disappointing to many of us on the conservation side who have been working collaboratively on the biomass rulemaking task force to see this kind of statement right in the beginning of the Peninsula Daily News story about the release of the UW biomass study:
" A state Department of Natural Resources study has concluded that 3 million tons of bone-dry wood slash and other wood waste - double the existing amount that's extracted - can be removed from Washington forests for biomass fuel production without harming forest health."
And Brian Flint went on to say:
The report proved that doubling the slash and wood waste collected will still leave enough biomass for wildlife habitat and forest regeneration, Flint said.
In fact, the UW study did not examine the environmental impacts of forest biomass removal and, further, the study made multiple unsupported assumptions about retention levels and forest areas where biomass should not be collected. The study also made a conclusion, that approximately 33% of all forest biomass left on site after a logging operation, that needs verification and contravenes literature relative to biomass removal on flat, easily accessible sites.
May I please ask you and staff to clarify, at every opportunity you have, that DNR commits to ensuring that a precautionary regulatory framework will be developed and adopted to protect state resources, particularly before there is a doubling of forest biomass removal. Our task force is working diligently on that question and it seems like the cart is being put before the horse here.
Thank you,
Peter Goldman
Washington Forest Law Center
Monday, March 12, 2012
Seattle Biomass Developer Threatens to Sue Biomass Opponent
Seattle Biomass Developer Threatens to Sue Biomass Opponent
Cross-Posted from THE BIOMASS MONITOR
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- by Josh Schlossberg
An attorney for the Seattle Steam Company sent a letter to biomass opponent Duff Badgley of Seattle, Wash. forbidding him from making certain public statements—including use of the term “incinerator”—in reference to air pollution threats from the company’s existing downtown biomass incinerator and another proposed natural gas facility.
“The language you have used publicly is a commercial disparagement of Seattle Steam’s legitimate business and will cause it harm,” reads the letter from Edward W. Pettigrew of Graham and Dunn law firm to Badgley, coordinator for No Biomass Burn and a member of Occupy Seattle. The letter warns that “having advised you of the falsity of your statements, your continued use of them will render you liable for defamation and commercial disparagement.”
“This is a national story about toxic incinerators and freedom of speech and the right to protest—anywhere,” wrote Badgley via email.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to “incinerate” is to “cause to burn to ashes.” “Incinerator” is defined as “a furnace or a container for incinerating waste materials.”
“Approximately 10 to 12 truckloads of clean urban waste wood will be delivered to the site daily. Seattle Steam will use approximately 250 tons per day,” reads a “Frequently Asked Questions” link on Seattle Steam’s official website under the heading “Where does Seattle Steam get the wood it burns and how much will it use?”
Seattle Steam’s letter also takes issue with a statement allegedly made by Badgley that the existing biomass incinerator emitted particulate matter at levels so “lethal it can kill ‘on the very day’ of exposure.” An American Lung Association report State of the Air: 2008 claims “First and foremost, short-term exposure to particle pollution can kill. Deaths can occur on the very day that particle levels are high…”
Particulate Matter can cause decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air pollution control permits have documented that significantly higher levels of particulate matter are emitted from biomass incinerators than from even facilities that burn coal, the dirtiest of fossil fuels.
In response to the letter, Occupy Seattle is asking Seattle residents to file a complaint with the Washington State Bar Association against Seattle Steam’s attorney, Edward Pettigrew. The complaint reads that the letter sent to Badgley “contains knowingly false statements of facts, violates the constitutional rights of free speech of Mr. Badgley and Occupy Seattle, maliciously seeks to curb lawful protest by Mr. Badgley and Occupy Seattle, and constitutes harassment of both Mr. Badgley and Occupy Seattle.”
Seattle Steam did not respond to a phone call asking for comment.
An attorney for the Seattle Steam Company sent a letter to biomass opponent Duff Badgley of Seattle, Wash. forbidding him from making certain public statements—including use of the term “incinerator”—in reference to air pollution threats from the company’s existing downtown biomass incinerator and another proposed natural gas facility.
“The language you have used publicly is a commercial disparagement of Seattle Steam’s legitimate business and will cause it harm,” reads the letter from Edward W. Pettigrew of Graham and Dunn law firm to Badgley, coordinator for No Biomass Burn and a member of Occupy Seattle. The letter warns that “having advised you of the falsity of your statements, your continued use of them will render you liable for defamation and commercial disparagement.”
“This is a national story about toxic incinerators and freedom of speech and the right to protest—anywhere,” wrote Badgley via email.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to “incinerate” is to “cause to burn to ashes.” “Incinerator” is defined as “a furnace or a container for incinerating waste materials.”
“Approximately 10 to 12 truckloads of clean urban waste wood will be delivered to the site daily. Seattle Steam will use approximately 250 tons per day,” reads a “Frequently Asked Questions” link on Seattle Steam’s official website under the heading “Where does Seattle Steam get the wood it burns and how much will it use?”
Seattle Steam’s letter also takes issue with a statement allegedly made by Badgley that the existing biomass incinerator emitted particulate matter at levels so “lethal it can kill ‘on the very day’ of exposure.” An American Lung Association report State of the Air: 2008 claims “First and foremost, short-term exposure to particle pollution can kill. Deaths can occur on the very day that particle levels are high…”
Particulate Matter can cause decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air pollution control permits have documented that significantly higher levels of particulate matter are emitted from biomass incinerators than from even facilities that burn coal, the dirtiest of fossil fuels.
In response to the letter, Occupy Seattle is asking Seattle residents to file a complaint with the Washington State Bar Association against Seattle Steam’s attorney, Edward Pettigrew. The complaint reads that the letter sent to Badgley “contains knowingly false statements of facts, violates the constitutional rights of free speech of Mr. Badgley and Occupy Seattle, maliciously seeks to curb lawful protest by Mr. Badgley and Occupy Seattle, and constitutes harassment of both Mr. Badgley and Occupy Seattle.”
Seattle Steam did not respond to a phone call asking for comment.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Air Pollution, Lichens and Mosses
Air Pollution, Lichens and Mosses
by Kevin J. Lyman
http://www.mpm.edu/collections/pubs/botany/moss/
One can readily tell what the air quality is in their own backyard, park or woodlot just by looking at what is growing on the bark of older trees. (too bad our fair city loves to chop down older trees) Take some time and look at the bark of some older trees. Hopefully, a few scattered patches of gray or orange lichens can be seen growing on the bark. Farther away from a city, there is an obvious change in what is growing on tree trunks. A good place to see this is in the northern part of Wisconsin where the number of lichens and mosses growing on the trunks and branches of trees will be a lot higher. Yet there are still areas where air pollution levels are too high for lichens and mosses to grow. These areas are termed "lichen deserts" or "moss deserts." As the air quality in these lichen and moss deserts improve, both lichens and mosses will begin to reappear in a slow process of recovery.
More at http://www.mpm.edu/collections/pubs/botany/moss/
by Kevin J. Lyman
http://www.mpm.edu/collections/pubs/botany/moss/
One can readily tell what the air quality is in their own backyard, park or woodlot just by looking at what is growing on the bark of older trees. (too bad our fair city loves to chop down older trees) Take some time and look at the bark of some older trees. Hopefully, a few scattered patches of gray or orange lichens can be seen growing on the bark. Farther away from a city, there is an obvious change in what is growing on tree trunks. A good place to see this is in the northern part of Wisconsin where the number of lichens and mosses growing on the trunks and branches of trees will be a lot higher. Yet there are still areas where air pollution levels are too high for lichens and mosses to grow. These areas are termed "lichen deserts" or "moss deserts." As the air quality in these lichen and moss deserts improve, both lichens and mosses will begin to reappear in a slow process of recovery.
More at http://www.mpm.edu/collections/pubs/botany/moss/
The Economy of the Oly Pen and Impacts of the Draft Watershed Proposal
The Economy of the Olympic Peninsula
and Potential Impacts of the Draft
Congressional Watershed
Executive Summary
March 2012This report describes the changing demographics and economics of the four counties on the Olympic
Peninsula, explores details on timber-related industries as well as travel and tourism industries and the
broader amenity economy on the Peninsula, and examines the potential impacts of the draft congressional watershed conservation proposal issued by Congressman Norm Dicks and Senator Patty Murray in November 2011. Report findings are summarized below.
Dayton Peak
More pictures of the destruction are at: http://www.willhiteweb.com/olympic_mountains/dayton_peak_lookout/washington_fire_331.htm
Job offered at the Port
Office / Finance Manager
The Port of Shelton, a municipal corporation governed by a three member elected Commission, is established to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for the citizens of Shelton and Mason County by effectively managing and promoting the development of its aviation, industrial, and waterfront properties. The ideal candidate will have a degree in accounting and or business with significant expertise in the public and private sector. Real Estate management a plus.
Also must be willing to look the other way.
Link: www.portofshelton.com
Port of Shelton
Job Snapshot
Location : Shelton, WA 98584
Employee Type :Full-Time
Industry : Government - Civil Service
Manages Others : No
Job Type : Finance
Education : 4 Year Degree
Experience : At least 5 year(s)
Relocation Covered : No
Post Date : 3/9/2012
Contact Information Phone : 3604261151
Fax : 3604270231
Description The Port of Shelton is seeking an energetic and diverse individual with experience in Finance, Government Accounting (BARS), Human Resources, and Systems Management. This position performs and coordinates all of the Port of Shelton's accounting, finance and human resource requirements. The select candidate, among multiple duties, will detail the Port's assets, liabilities, and capital, and prepare the balance sheet, P&L statement, and "Cash Flow Analysis Report" to summarize and interpret current and projected conditions.
Working with the Executive Director the select candidate will prepare budgets, perform statistical and ratio analysis, audit contracts, leases, purchase orders, and vouchers, and prepare reports to substantiate individual transactions prior to settlement.
Working with the Executive Director the select candidate will prepare budgets, perform statistical and ratio analysis, audit contracts, leases, purchase orders, and vouchers, and prepare reports to substantiate individual transactions prior to settlement.
The Port of Shelton, a municipal corporation governed by a three member elected Commission, is established to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for the citizens of Shelton and Mason County by effectively managing and promoting the development of its aviation, industrial, and waterfront properties. The ideal candidate will have a degree in accounting and or business with significant expertise in the public and private sector. Real Estate management a plus.
Also must be willing to look the other way.
Link: www.portofshelton.com
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Dayton Peak
Sad to hear the Dayton Peak is being ravaged again. There is quite a trail system going up it, so I think the neighbors like to walk and ride up there. They also seem to enjoy doing installation art work at the top. There is a geocache at the top of the peak. There is not much of a view from the top but I guess that's about to change. The only good thing I have to say about logging is that it opens up views. I can live without the views though. There used to be a fire look out on Dayton Peak, that means the view must have been good after they logged it the first time.
Some pictures from Dayton Peak
Some pictures from Dayton Peak
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| Art on Dayton Peak |
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| Route to the top |
 |
| Interesting "art" hung from the trees up there (are they really cuttting these pecker poles??) |
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| The view from the top blocked up by horrible moss draped trees |
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
More noise and filth from Simpson
I went out to take a picture of Venus and Jupiter. The smell in the air was terrible and the noise from the Simpson property was even worse than usual. But you can buy a house near the mill for just $29,000 according to the sign.
View it on youtube if the other post on this page is making too much noise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j9J3n36vYog
Trains started up at 6am the next morning..
Wow I guess Simpson really liked this post, they visited 3 times today.
View it on youtube if the other post on this page is making too much noise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j9J3n36vYog
Trains started up at 6am the next morning..
Wow I guess Simpson really liked this post, they visited 3 times today.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Is this yours?
Someone threw this into my yard about a month ago. If it's from your vehicle contact shelton blog to claim it. I showed it to the police after my camera was stolen and yet another prowler in camo was spotted on our walkway. But the cop was not much interested in this item, so I still have it.
Stolen Scoutgaurd Game Camera In Shelton
On Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, this camera and its lock box were stolen. The camera is worthless without the remote control. (Shelton has the most idiotic thieves!). If you find it contact the Shelton Police Department or this Blog. I really want my "AA" batteries back and like I said, the camera is worthless without the remote.
The bored sounding cop said I should hide my cameras better. But I put the cameras up to deter theft, I want potential criminals to to see me cameras and then go away. I don't want to catch criminals in the act. I'll be getting more cameras and better locks now.
We have constant issues with car break ins, bicycle theft and other petty crimes downtown. I don't know how many crimes have been deterred by my cameras. But the guy pictured below was sent back home to serve out his warrant in Alabama after my camera caught him trying to steal my bicycle. He tried to cut the same cable lock that was cut to steal my camera this week. He was unable to cut the cable. At the time the cop told me that those cables are very hard to cut. So either the cop was wrong or this weeks camera thief had some big tools.
The bored sounding cop said I should hide my cameras better. But I put the cameras up to deter theft, I want potential criminals to to see me cameras and then go away. I don't want to catch criminals in the act. I'll be getting more cameras and better locks now.
We have constant issues with car break ins, bicycle theft and other petty crimes downtown. I don't know how many crimes have been deterred by my cameras. But the guy pictured below was sent back home to serve out his warrant in Alabama after my camera caught him trying to steal my bicycle. He tried to cut the same cable lock that was cut to steal my camera this week. He was unable to cut the cable. At the time the cop told me that those cables are very hard to cut. So either the cop was wrong or this weeks camera thief had some big tools.
Also if someone broke into your car about a month ago and stole the console that holds the stereo contact this blog since the console was thrown into my yard. That console being thrown into my yard and my car being broken into, is what prompted me to put my little camera in a more vulnerable position a few weeks ago.
Lichens as biomonitors
Truth is lichens are better indicator species than owls but they are not quite as cute so the owl was chosen instead. If you really want to save a logger, eat a lichen!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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