Health Advisory at Long Lake

Update: This health advisory has been lifted.

There is currently a health advisory for blue-green algae toxin on Long Lake. 

 

When there is a toxic algae bloom, people are advised to:

- Avoid recreational contact with the lake.

- Keep pets out of the water.  

- If fishing, catch and release is the safest practice.

The most recent water sample was collected at the city of Lacey’s Long Lake Park. Warning signs are posted at the park and at access points around the lake. The Thurston County Health Department will monitor the lake weekly while the bloom is present. 

There is still a health advisory at Pattison Lake.

If you have questions, contact Cathy Hansen at (360) 867-2645 or Art Starry at 867-2587.

Organic Land Care Training for Professionals

Thurston County is teaming up with Oregon Tilth to bring the Organic Land Care Accreditation Training to Olympia.  This five day training will provide professionals with everything they need to know to care for yards, lawns, parks, and other public and private grounds without the use of toxic weed and bug killers.

What: Organic Land Care Accreditation Training

When: November 4-8, 2013

Where: LOTT Clean Water Alliance, 500 Adams St. NE Olympia

Cost: $550 includes locally catered, organic lunches, additional $100 for the accreditation test

Registration: www.tilth.org or contact Jennifer Johnson at (360) 867-2577, johnsoj@co.thurston.wa.us

Landscapers who complete the training and pass the exam will be eligible for Organic Land Care accreditation through Oregon Tilth.  Thurston County will include accredited professionals on their website and provide ongoing networking opportunities for local practitioners.  

Public Workshop September 19 for Proposed Amendments to Drinking Water Program Article III

A public workshop is scheduled for September 19 to seek comments on proposed amendments to Drinking Water Program Article III. At the workshop, informational materials on the proposed rule amendment will be available, along with County staff to answer questions about the amendment process.

What: Drinking Water Program Article III Proposed Rule Amendment Public Workshop

When: Thursday September 19, 2013,  5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department

  412 Lilly Road NE Olympia, WA
  Room 107

Other opportunities to comment:

- Submit comments through the Environmental Health website.

- Submit comments directly to County staff: 

      Sara Brallier

      Thurston County Environmental Health

      2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 1

      brallis@co.thurston.wa.us

      (360) 867-2629

You can find an overview of the proposed amendments here. 

Additional information is available under the “Hot Topics” section of the Environmental Health Division website. You can also request information by calling (360) 867-2628. 

Thurston County's 2013 Draft Hazardous Waste Management Plan is Available for Review and Comment

The 2013 Draft Hazardous Waste Management Plan for Thurston County (the Plan) guides County programs and services that support an environment and community free of health concerns stemming from hazardous material production, use, and disposal. The 2013 Plan updates earlier plans adopted in 1998 and 1991, presenting a strategy for improving the management of hazardous materials in homes and businesses in Thurston County.

The Plan outlines current conditions and programs for hazardous materials management in the county and presents an ambitious and comprehensive program for reducing the quantities of hazardous materials used by homes and small businesses and increasing safe handling and proper disposal of hazardous waste. The Plan builds on coordination between the County’s Hazardous Waste Program and efforts by other County departments, State of Washington agencies, and other local organizations addressing related human health and environmental issues.

The plan can be reviewed online. Hard copies are also available at the Timberland Regional Libraries in Olympia, Tumwater and Lacey, as well as at the Thurston County Permit Assistance Center, Building 1, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SE in Olympia. Comments can be submitted here.