April 2011Monthly Archives

Bike Commute Contest Saves you $, could earn you prizes

As Memorial Day draws closer, our ever-rising gasoline prices make bike commuting a much more attractive alternative. Of course, the incentive of winning prizes makes hopping on the bike even more rewarding.

For Thurston County commuters, prizes for pedaling to work could be a reality. All you need to do is enter the Thurston County Bicycle Commuter Content sponsored by Intercity Transit.

This 24th Annual event runs through the month of May. Last year 1,300 pedal-pushers joined in, logging a whopping 80,000 miles on their two-wheeled transportation. That resulted in a savings of more than 3,600 gallons of gasoline.

To join the Bicycle Commuter Contest, you must register. Adult registration costs $5; it’s free for those 18 and younger.  Registration forms and event details are at www.bccblog.com, the Olympia Transit Center and most area bike shops.

In addition to reducing use of gasoline, participants also help support bike-friend commuting networks. The cyclists in the contest may submit feedback to event organizers regarding conditions on roads, bike lanes and bike paths. Intercity Transit then compiles the information and reports it to area jurisdictions for use in making decisions about future bicycling infrastructure.

Intercity Transit also offers bike-and-bus options wherein buses supplement bicycling when weather, distance or schedules warrant. The bike-and-ride services provided by Intercity Transit are included on all IT bus routes, including express service between Olympia and Tacoma.

For more information about the contest, visit www.bccblog.com

admin
April 27, 2011
News and Information, Upcoming Events
Comments Off
, , , , ,

Gas station operators can save $ while improving air quality

Operating a small business requires a steady focus on the bottom line. One way to keep cash in the business is to cut costs. Weekly self-inspections of your facility can be a simple way to cut business expenses while helping ensure clean air quality for your community.

Inspectors with the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) work closely with area businesses to ensure good air quality with the least impact on the business as possible. To make sure businesses are complying with all applicable clean air regulations and laws, ORCAA staff will regularly inspect your business operation. Your self-inspections can help ensure compliance during ORCAA’s visits.

ORCAA’s Spring 2011 “Air Currents” newsletter addresses the needs of Gas Station Operators. You can download the newsletter here.

To see other ORCAA newsletters and brochures, visit http://www.orcaa.org/education/brochures-and-newsletters/

admin
April 18, 2011
News and Information
1 comment
, ,

Nippon Paper Industries: Comments accepted on NOC Application

Public Hearing Slated for May 17, 2011

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) firmly believes in its motto,  “Clean Air is Everyone’s Business.” As such, ORCAA seeks to keep everyone within our jurisdiction well informed about the actions­—and proposed actions—we take.

Public comment is currently being accepted on a Notice of Construction application from Nippon Paper Industries USA (Nippon).  Nippon proposes to construct a combined heat and power cogeneration plant at their existing paper mill located at the base of Ediz Hook in Port Angeles, Washington. Operation of the cogeneration plant will result in air pollutant emissions. Net emissions of some pollutants are expected to decrease, however, because operation of the cogeneration plant will reduce reliance on a 1950s-era boiler.

ORCAA has assessed the air quality implications of Nippon’s proposed project and concluded that it meets the criteria for approval and compliance with applicable air regulations and standards will likely be maintained. On this basis, ORCAA’s Staff Recommendation is to approve Nippon’s NOC application.

On May 17, 2011, ORCAA will hold a formal public hearing from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  to gather testimony regarding air quality concerns associated with Nippon’s proposed project. The hearing will be conducted in the Carver Room of the Port Angeles branch of the North Olympic Library System located at 2210 South Peabody Street in Port Angeles, Washington.

Copies of the permit application and ORCAA’s Staff Recommendation are on file and available for review at the Port Angeles branch of the North Olympic Library System, located at 2210 South Peabody Street, Port Angeles. Additional copies maybe found at ORCAA’s offices in Olympia and Port Angeles as well as online at http://www.orcaa.org/public-involvement/staff-recommendations/. Comments may be submitted to ORCAA in writing. Written comments may be mailed to ORCAA: ORCAA, 2940-B Limited Lane NW, Olympia, WA 98502, or submitted online. Only Comments pertaining to the air quality implications of the proposed project may be considered by ORCAA in making a final determination. Public comments will be accepted until the close of the public hearing on Friday, May 17, 2011.

 

admin
April 15, 2011
Exec. Director's Desk, News and Information, Permits, Upcoming Events
Comments Off
, , , , ,

NewWood Mfr: Public Invited to Comment on NOC Application

The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) firmly believes in its motto,  “Clean Air is Everyone’s Business.” As such, ORCAA seeks to keep everyone within our jurisdiction well informed about the actions­—and proposed actions—we take.

Public comment is currently being accepted on a Notice of Construction application from NewWood Manufacturing, Inc.  NewWood proposes to reopen and operate an existing Wood/Plastic Composite manufacturing facility located in the Satsop Development Park. The planned operation of the facility, located at 100 Commerce Lane, Elma, WA 98541, is identical to its operations prior to being shut down in 2006.

ORCAA has assessed the air quality implications of NewWood’s proposed operation and concluded that compliance with applicable air regulations and standards will be maintained. Based on the determination that the operation of the facility will not adversely affect air quality, and that said operation complies with all applicable air regulations, ORCAA staff recommends approval of the NOC permit.

Copies of ORCAA’s Staff Recommendation are on file and available for review at the Elma branch of the Timberland Public Library located at 118 N. 1st Street, Elma, WA 98541, as well as at ORCAA’s office in Olympia. ORCAA’s Staff Recommendation is also accessible via the “Public Involvement” page here.  Comments may be submitted to ORCAA in writing or on the website using the Comment Form. Written comments should be addressed to: ORCAA, 2940-B Limited Lane NW, Olympia, WA 98502, and will be accepted up to close of business on Friday, May 2, 2011.

admin
April 1, 2011
Exec. Director's Desk, News and Information, Permits
Comments Off
, , , ,