Air Time: Wood Smoke and Survival

By Rod Tinnemore, Wood Stove Coordinator, Air Quality Program

Heating homes

Some of the folks who burn wood to heat their homes are barely able to survive financially. I’ve known years in my life like that, so I can relate. For them, burning the wood they can acquire at little or no cost is a necessity, not a luxury. No one wants to have to choose between putting food on their table and keeping warm, especially if there are children in the home.

There are others who may have cleaner heating options yet select to burn wood to reduce their heating bills, to provide additional comfort to family members with medical needs, or simply because they enjoy it. None of these need be a problem IF stove operators burn properly. While I admire thrift, trying to save a dime by heating improperly with wood just doesn’t make sense or cents. I, too, enjoy the extra warmth from wood heat and own a wood stove, but I make sure there is no smoke coming from the stove after start-up.

Regardless of what kind of stove you own or your motives, you can operate your stove to reduce the impact on yourself, your neighbors and the environment. All it takes is preparation and some attention to detail.

Finding solutions

The Air Quality Program of the Washington State Department of Ecology acknowledges this reality and is working hard to find solutions at many levels.

• We are supporters of innovation, like the National Wood Stove Design Contest, where a staff member is one of the judges. We work with major manufacturers and start-up companies to encourage innovation and help find a pathway toward device certification.
  
  
• We channel grant funds from the Legislature to air agencies conducting wood stove change-out and bounty programs to communities with wood smoke problems.
  
  
• We work closely with EPA to improve that emission standards and test methods for devices that burn wood or pellets.
  
  
• We provide instruction to building inspectors and weatherization staff so they can better understand wood stove issues and needs.

But we can’t solve our wood smoke pollution problems through our efforts alone. It will take all of us, regardless of personal financial resources, to keep the air clean by learning to fuel and operate a wood stove correctly.

Resources

You’ll find lots of good information about proper burning on the instructional videos at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/indoor_woodsmoke/wood_smoke_page.htm.

If you would like to move to cleaner heating options, contact your local air agency about possible programs in your area.

You’ll find a list of Washington State air agencies online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/local.html. If you help weatherizing your home to reduce your heating costs, contact Washington’s weatherization program at http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1885.

Thank you for caring for the air we all share.

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Fecal Matters: Richey Viewpoint and Cormorant Cove Park Beaches Reopened in West Seattle

BEACH Program Update

Seattle, WA - Richey Viewpoint Park and Cormorant Cove Park beaches in West Seattle are open for water recreation. Beach closure signs were previously posted on February 16, 2013 due to nearby sewer line damage.

The Seattle-King County Public Health District removed the closure signs February 27, 2013, after the line was repaired and follow-up sampling indicated low bacteria levels at the park beaches.

Visit the BEACH web site to find the latest results for these and other saltwater beaches: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join our listserv.

Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and can be reached at julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov

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Ocean acidification seminar scheduled for Friday Harbor Labs

By Sandy Howard, Acting Ecology Communication Director

San Juan County residents wanting to learn more about ocean acidification are invited to a free seminar at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs on February 27.

Ocean acidification results from carbon dioxide emissions being absorbed from the atmosphere into seawater, forming carbonic acid. This radically alters ocean chemistry and endangers sea life. Between 2005 and 2009, up to 80 percent of the oyster larvae in in some Washington hatcheries were killed by acidification before the problem was identified and temporary counter-measures were taken.

The seminar, hosted by the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee (MRC), will feature Shallin Busch, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research ecologist, speaking on “The Science and Food Web Implications of Ocean Acidification.” Busch was a member of the Washington State Panel on Ocean Acidification.

Eric Swenson, Communications and Outreach Director for the Global Ocean Health Program of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership and National Fisheries Conservation Center, will review the work of the Panel and present “Recommendations, Partnerships and Actions.”

Eric Scigliano, journalist and author of Sweetening the Waters, written to support the work of the Panel, will look at methods to mitigate, remediate or adapt to acidification.

San Juan County MRC Chair John Aschoff said, “For many of us, ocean acidification seems like a brand new problem, but it’s been long in the making, and one that poses an immediate and far-ranging threat to our marine resources. We in the Pacific Northwest were the first to suffer significantly from acidification. The good news is that Washington was the first state in the nation to tackle the problem, and our program will look at several options for action.”

The 28-member Washington State Panel on Ocean Acidification was appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire in February 2012 and co-chaired by Bill Ruckelshaus, the first administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Jay Manning, former director of the Washington Department of Ecology. The panel presented its findings and 42 recommendations for action November 27 in Seattle. (Learn more at Ecology's Ocean Acidification web page.)

The seminar is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 27, in the dining room of the Friday Harbor Labs, 620 University Road, Friday Harbor. An optional tour of the Ocean Acidification Environmental Laboratory, led by Dr. Michael O’Donnell, will follow.

In addition to the San Juan County MRC, the event is sponsored by the Northwest Straits Commission, Puget Sound Partnership, National Fisheries Conservation Center, University of Washington and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership.

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Fecal Matters: Lowman Beach Reopened in West Seattle

BEACH Program Update

Seattle, WA - Lowman Beach in West Seattle is open for water recreation. The Seattle-King County Public Health District removed the closure signs February 22, 2013, after follow-up water quality sampling indicated low bacteria levels. Beach closure signs were previously posted on February 20, 2013 due to a nearby sewage pump station failure.

Visit the BEACH web site to find the latest results for these and other saltwater beaches: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join our listserv.

Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and can be reached at julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov

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Governor Inslee's statement on leaking tanks at Hanford

Hanford's B Tank Farm under construction during World War II. Two of the tanks reported to be leaking today are in this farm.

Gov. Inslee released the following statement:

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu told Washington Gov. Jay Inslee today that the U.S. Department of Energy has determined there are six, single-shell tanks leaking radioactive waste at Hanford. Last week, the governor was told about one of those tanks. There are a total of 177 tanks at the Hanford site, 149 of which are single-shell tanks.

"I met with Secretary Chu in Washington, D.C., this afternoon, and he told me that the Department of Energy has now confirmed there are six tanks leaking radioactive waste at Hanford.

"There is no immediate or near-term health risk associated with these newly discovered leaks, which are more than five miles from the Columbia River.

"But nonetheless this is disturbing news for all Washingtonians. One week ago, Secretary Chu told me there was one tank leaking. But he told me today that his department did not adequately analyze data it had that would have shown the other tanks that are leaking.

"This certainly raises serious questions about the integrity of all 149 single-shell tanks with radioactive liquid and sludge at Hanford.

"I believe we need a new system for removing waste from these aging tanks, and was heartened to hear that the Department of Energy is looking at options for accelerating that process.

"Secretary Chu has a long-standing personal commitment to the clean-up of Hanford. He has assured me he will do all he can to address the issue of the leaking tanks. He also assured me there will be immediate additional monitoring of the single-wall tanks.

"The secretary and I agree that the state of Washington and the federal government must have a thorough and candid discussion about the need for additional storage tanks.

"Frankly, the state Department of Ecology is not convinced that current storage is adequate to meet legal and regulatory requirements.

"With potential sequestration and federal budget cuts looming, we need to be sure the federal government maintains its commitment and legal obligation to the cleanup of Hanford. To see Hanford workers furloughed at the exact moment we have additional leakers out there is completely unacceptable."

For more information about Hanford, see Ecology's Nuclear Waste Program. For updates on this issue, "like" Ecology's Hanford Education & Outreach Facebook page.

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Fecal Matters: Beach Closure at Lowman Beach in West Seattle

BEACH Program Update

On February 20, 2013, the Seattle-King County Public Health District issued a beach closure at Lowman Beach near West Seattle. The closure was issued due to a power outage at a nearby sewer pump station. The outage lasted for only five minutes, but an estimated 18,000 gallons of sewage was discharged to nearby waters during that time. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water.

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join our listserv.

Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6543 or julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Fecal Matters: Beach Closures at Richey Viewpoint and Cormorant Cove Park in West Seattle

BEACH Program Update

On February 16, 2013, the Seattle-King County Public Health District issued beach closures at Richey Viewpoint Park and Cormorant Cove Park in West Seattle. The closure was issued because of a nearby sewer line break. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water.

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

Stay updated about water quality at your beaches by keeping up with us on our blog Fecal Matters, on Facebook, or join our listserv.

Julie Lowe is the BEACH Program Manager and is available at 360-407-6543 or julie.lowe@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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Ecology investigates contaminated groundwater at Boeing Auburn site

By Larry Altose, Ecology Northwest Region Communications Manager

Public water supply wells are outside the contaminated groundwater area. Groundwater flow moves the contamination away from these wells. (Click to enlarge image)

People in parts of Algona, Auburn and Pacific in southern King County who live near Boeing’s Auburn plant are receiving some new information from Ecology (PDF). It explains a continuing investigation into a plume of contaminated groundwater that originates on Boeing property.
The data collected to date show that this contamination does not affect public drinking water sources, nor does it appear likely to pose such a threat.

Ecology oversees the investigation, conducted and paid for by Boeing. It will determine the location and extent of this plume of solvent chemicals. The investigation began in 2002. The work moves steadily, a step at a time, as investigators probe into the ground to sample and test the groundwater. Each new set of data indicates where to continue the search.

Researchers use a machine like this to sample underground water.

The contamination extends beyond Boeing’s property line. Based on groundwater samples gathered so far, it reaches about a mile to the north and northwest into parts of Algona and Auburn, and to a lesser extent on the east side, which is in Auburn.

The next area to sample includes part of the residential area in the northeastern part of Algona.

See additional background and updated information about this investigation.

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Be safe: NOAA says uptick in coastal marine debris can include hazardous items

By Curt Hart, communications manager, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program

As hundreds of people head out to Washington’s coastal shores to dig razor clams, bird watch and just take pleasure being on the beach, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is sharing important information in a new blog entitled “Smart Handling of Marine Debris.”

NOAA’s blog contains an important precautionary note about how beachgoers who pick up debris on our coast can stay safe.

It’s also important to report marine debris suspected to be from the March 11, 2011, Japan tsunami to NOAA at DisasterDebris@noaa.gov.

Precaution for volunteer cleanup efforts

This is really important because Washington relies heavily on the efforts of selfless, dedicated volunteers and citizen actions to help keep our beaches clean.

People are encouraged to do their part in cleaning up the increase in marine debris our coastal beaches are seeing. However, it’s important to look for specific hazard symbols and labels when you encounter debris to stay safe.

Ecology reports increased coastal field responses

Since Jan. 1, 2013, Ecology has received 8 reports of potentially hazardous items washing up on our coastal beaches, including gas cylinders, drums and fuel containers.

In an average year, Ecology typically handles 6 to 10 such reports on coastal beaches.

The bottom line is if you encounter something on the beach and you’re not sure what it is, don’t move it or touch it – especially if you see any indication an item might be toxic, corrosive or flammable, contain an explosive, biohazard or pose any other threat.

Let the professionals handle it instead.

Report potentially hazardous debris items

Call the state’s toll-free marine debris reporting hotline at 1-855-WACOAST (1-855-922-6278). Select “1” to speak to someone to report oil or hazardous debris.

People who call 1-855-WACOAST also can:

• Report large floating debris items that might pose a boating or navigation hazard by pressing "2."
• Leave a message about any other debris-related issues by pressing "3."

NOAA is the lead agency for predicting how marine debris is likely moving in the ocean, including debris from the tragic March 11, 2011 tsunami that struck Japan.

They are the best source for Japan tsunami marine debris information.

For more information about marine debris in Washington, including potential Japan tsunami debris, visit the state’s Tsunami / Marine Debris website.

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Air Time: Make heat, not smoke

By Rod Tinnemore, Wood Stove Coordinator, Air Quality Program

Operating a clean wood stove

Operating a wood stove properly takes practice and attention. Wood stove technology has not advanced enough to let someone simply throw in wood, light it, close the door and walk away. The term “clean” is relative because any gas, oil, or electric heater produces less direct pollution than a wood stove. There are, however, several ways to reduce pollution from wood stoves.

Cleaner, more efficient wood burning starts with reading your wood stove owner’s manual. If you don’t have or can’t find that manual, at least do these two things:
1) watch this video on proper wood stove operation:


2) go outside regularly to observe how much smoke is coming from your chimney. If you see anything other than a small amount of wispy smoke, you’re doing something wrong. A properly run wood stove should yield only heat waves out the chimney or stack.

Here are some additional tips for cleaner burning:

• Use only seasoned firewood. See the EPA video on selecting dry wood at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM2WGgRcnm0


• Visit Burn Wise at http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/bestburn.html to learn clean burning tips
  
• Build a top-down fire to reduce pollution during start-up. See http://woodheat.org/top-down-fever.html for more information.
  
• Give yourself enough time to properly heat the stove. The owner’s manual should provide guidance. For non-catalytic stoves it may take 45 minutes at full air volume to reach the clean burning, high efficiency temperature.
  
• Be aware of the weather, especially inversions or stagnations, and don’t burn during burn bans. Even if you own an EPA certified wood stove, smoking up your neighborhood is always illegal (and un-neighborly!) so aim for no visible emissions.
  

Using a wood stove is like using a car: proper operation and maintenance is essential for your safety and the safety of others. Be a responsible stove owner. The environment and your neighbors will be happier.

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Around the Sound: Toxic pilings removed from Budd Inlet

By Seth Preston, Communications Manager, Toxics Cleanup Program

If you happen to pass by the southern end of Olympia’s Budd Inlet these days, you probably will see crews removing old pilings from the bay.

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and several partners are coordinating the work, as detailed in this story by The Olympian and this DNR news release.

Also, here’s a map showing where the work is happening.
For decades, creosote was used to coat wood pilings for docks and other structures built in and over Puget Sound waters. The creosote protects the pilings (like those shown in the generic photo at right). It’s long-lasting – and that’s the problem.

Many of those structures have deteriorated or fallen into disrepair, but the chemicals from the creosote-treated materials continue to leach into the Sound’s water and sediments and onto its beaches.

DNR has a pilings removal program to address some of these issues.

Ecology also is interested in such removals. We work through the Puget Sound Initiative and with partner agencies like DNR and the Puget Sound Partnership to clean up, protect and restore the Sound. Budd Inlet is one of Ecology’s priority cleanup bays under the Puget Sound Initiative.

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Air Time: Okanogan County burn ban expires

Starting 10 a.m. today, the stage 1 burn ban called for Okanogan County expires. The ban had been in effect since Friday, Feb. 1, 2013.

Residents are encouraged to think twice about resuming outdoor burning or using uncertified wood-burning devices. Smoke can build up, and stagnant air conditions keep it close to the ground.

Keep tabs on the status of burn bans by checking these resources:

• Check local media reports.
• Call Ecology’s daily burn decision hotline (1-800-406-5322 in Washington).
• Check Ecology’s burn bans web page.
• Go online to www.waburnbans.net.

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Air Time: Okanogan County stage 1 burn ban extended

The Stage 1 burn ban called by Ecology for Okanogan County has been extended at least until 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5. Air quality is unlikely to improve very much today, particularly in Omak and the Methow Valley, forecasters said.

The Stage 1 ban applies to the use of uncertified wood-burning devices (including wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces) and to all outdoor burning. Ecology’s burn bans don’t apply on tribal reservations, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction.

For burn ban updates:

• Check local media reports.
• Call Ecology’s daily burn decision hotline (1-800-406-5322 in Washington).
• Check Ecology’s burn bans web page.
• Go online to www.waburnbans.net.

Track air quality in your area with the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA). This tool uses color-coded categories to show when air quality is good, moderate or unhealthy.

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Air Time: Ecology calls stage 1 burn ban called in Okanogan County

A Stage 1 burn ban will go into effect at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, in Okanogan County and will continue at least until 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, when it could be called off or extended. Air quality is expected to deteriorate through much of the weekend

The Stage 1 ban applies to the use of uncertified wood-burning devices (including wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces) and to all outdoor burning. Ecology’s burn bans do not apply on tribal reservations, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction.

Smoke from outdoor burning and wood-burning devices builds up where cold air is trapped near the ground. Fine particles in smoke are so small they can easily get into your lungs. Once there, they can cause heart and breathing problems, and even death. Children, people with asthma and respiratory illnesses, and adults older than 65 are most at risk.

Under a Stage 1 ban:

• Use of uncertified wood-burning devices – including fireplaces, wood stoves and inserts — is prohibited unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat. Uncertified units typically were built before 1990 and lack a certification label on the back of the unit.
• All outdoor burning — including residential, agricultural and forest burning — is prohibited.
• Use of certified wood-burning devices and pellet stoves is allowed. Ecology recommends burning hot fires using only clean, dry wood.
• No excessive smoke is allowed from any wood-burning device beyond a 20-minute start-up.

Burn ban violators are subject to civil penalties. You can report violators by calling Ecology’s smoke complaint hotline (1-866-211-6284).

A 2009 Ecology analysis estimates that fine particles contribute to about 1,100 deaths and about $190 million in health-care costs each year in Washington. (See below)

For burn ban updates:

• Check local media reports.
• Call Ecology’s daily burn decision hotline (1-800-406-5322 in Washington).
• Check Ecology’s burn bans web page. (See below.)
• Go online to www.waburnbans.net.

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors, especially when exercising. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse.

Ecology recommends that people limit vehicle trips, combine errands or use public transportation to reduce air pollution.

You can track air quality in your area by using the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA). This is Ecology’s tool for informing people about the health effects of air pollution, including fine particles. It uses color-coded categories to show when air quality is good, moderate or unhealthy.

For more information:

See a list of certified wood stoves and other information
Tips on getting the most heat from your firewood
Check for Ecology burn bans
Washington Air Quality Advisory
WAQA fact sheet
Ecology analysis of fine particles and health

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