Air Time: "But I already know how to operate a wood stove!"

By Rod Tinnemore, Wood Stove Coordinator, Air Quality Program


Did you know that all wood stoves run best with dry, seasoned wood? Do you know the water content of the wood you burn? Did you know that burning garbage is unhealthy and illegal? Do you regularly check to be sure that only heat waves, not smoke, are all that can be seen coming from your chimney?

If you answered “no” to any of

Eyes Over Puget Sound for Dec. 13

By Sandy Howard, Communications Manager, Environmental Assessment Program



We’ve just posted the latest aerial photos of Puget Sound surface conditions taken on Dec. 13.

This flight includes observations of Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor and Hood Canal.

The cover photo seen here shows  Hood Canal looking south showing the Skokomish River estuary flowing into Hood Canal during high tide. At left,

Ecology continues to work to reduce toxics in products

By Dr. Alex Stone, Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction

Ecology worked with the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse to release a study documenting the results of testing for toxics in vibrantly colored plastic bags. Specifically, the study evaluated the inks and colorants used in the bags for the presence of four toxic metals — lead, chromium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium.

The Clearinghouse

Around the Sound: Responsiveness summary for the Rayonier Mill site now available

By Diana Smith, Public Involvement Coordinator, Toxics Cleanup Program




This fall, Ecology held a public comment period on changes to the agreed order (legal agreement) for the Rayonier Mill site.




The agreed order now includes cleanup work during the City of Port Angeles’ combined sewer overflow (CSO) project. The materials management plan describes the interim action (partial cleanup)

Understanding wood fires, burn bans and other smoky topics

by Sean Hopkins, air quality smoke management team lead, Central Regional Office

It's that time of year again when air quality deteriorates quickly, and outdoor, woodstove and fireplace burning can be restricted. Please remember to stay updated on burn bans in the counties where you plan to burn either at home or while on vacation.

When it is OK to burn, remember to burn small, hot fires using

Fecal Matters: Swimming Advisory at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles, WA

BEACH Program Update

Today, December 4, 2012, Clallam County Health & Human Services issued a 7-day swimming advisory at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles, WA. The advisory is issued because of a combined sewer overflow that discharges near the beach.

Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children and

Fecal Matters: No Contact Advisory for Port Gamble Bay, Kitsap County, WA

BEACH Program Update

On December 3, 2012, the Kitsap County Health District issued a seven-day no contact advisory for Port Gamble Bay, near Port Gamble, WA due to a nearby sewage spill. Health District staff posted warning signs at public access areas and public beaches throughout the Bay. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water and not harvest shellfish.


Contact with fecal