Environment

Psh, who needs California for a nice coast?

Submitted by Keith Barnes, Community Photographer
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012, 2:31pm
Keith Barnes

 

Last week I took a little trip to Whidbey Island and checked out some of the parks it has to offer and was caught off guard by this stunning view of the Washington Coast. It is definitely a place worth checking out. 

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Thawing Out with Charles Mack and Friends

Submitted by Andrea Dailey, Arts,Education & Culture Reporter
Friday, February 10th, 2012, 9:12am
Thawing Out with Charles Mack and Friends

It has been some two weeks now since snow and rain kept the party crowd at bay and virtually all night life froze to a disappointing halt. Before the week end was over Charles Mack and his friends were back on the stands heating up audiences at their favorite night spots.

I first met Charles jamming with the “In the Pocket Band” at the Tacoma Comedy Club. The audience was treated to fickle fingers on a bass guitar. Mack demonstrated his admirable ability to scramble and unscramble notes to the crowd's delight with his rendition of  “I know What You Feel”, a piece he composed himself. A week later he repeated the experience at the Pink Ultra Lounge playing lead and singing with the Charles Mack band.

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Stage 1 burn ban issued for Pierce County Friday afternoon

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter
Friday, February 3rd, 2012, 11:52am
Stage 1 burn ban issued for Pierce County Friday afternoon

A Stage 1 burn ban is in effect throughout Pierce County starting at 4:00p.m. today.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Air experts say dry, stagnant air throughout the county will increase air pollution, especially in neighborhoods where wood burning is a common source of heat.

Here's what the burn ban means from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

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Burn ban lifted throughout Pierce County

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter
Saturday, January 28th, 2012, 7:08pm

As of 5:00p.m. today, Saturday, the Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County has been lifted.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issued the cancellation this evening.

More information can be found online.

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Long lines expected at storm debris drop-off locations

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter
Saturday, January 28th, 2012, 10:23am

Downed tree limbs, leaves, branches - the aftermath of last week's winter storm still lingers in yards and along curbs.

If you are looking for a place to put all that leftover storm debris, a number of drop-off sites will be open and happy to take it off your hands. But the city warns to pack your patience, it's expecting long lines at all five of the sites.

Below is all the site information from the city:

  • Center at Norpoint
    4818 Nassau Ave.
     
  • Ehli Auction
    9415 Pacific Ave.
     
  • Tacoma Landfill
    3510 S. Mullen St.
     
  • TAGRO
    2201 Portland Ave.
     
  • Vassault Park
    6100 N. 37th St.

Drop off hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 29.

You can recycle large amounts of wood storm debris at no additional charge. A reminder: branches and limbs should not be larger than 6 inches in diameter and 6 feet long.

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Stage 1 burn ban back for Pierce County

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter
Friday, January 27th, 2012, 12:57pm
Stage 1 burn ban back for Pierce County

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County, starting at 12:00 p.m. today. 

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Puget Sound Clean Air says: "High pressure has been building over the Puget Sound region, resulting in very cold and stagnant weather conditions. Air pollution is building up in Pierce County, especially in communities where residential wood burning is common. With stagnant conditions expected to continue through tomorrow, pollution levels could reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category at some locations."

So what does that mean for you? Read the information below from the experts:

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Burn ban lifted throughout Pierce County

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter
Saturday, January 14th, 2012, 11:12am

As of 10:00a.m. today, the burn ban throughout Pierce County has been lifted.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency had been tracking a weather system expected to arrive last night. 

Forecasters say "Winds from that system are now dispersing the air pollution that built up across the Puget Sound over the past week."

Residents are always encouraged to check current air quality and burn ban status before burning.

You can sign up for e-mail alerts here or call the burn ban InfoLine at 1-800- 595-4341

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency reminds people who heat with wood, that it's "always illegal to emit excess chimney smoke or to smoke out your neighbor, burn ban or not. You know you are burning properly when you do not see any smoke coming from your chimney. And burning garbage is always illegal."

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