Changes in Washington’s Dangerous Waste Reports

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This year you may notice some changes to Ecology’s online reporting tool TurboWaste: Ecology relocated TurboWaste to SAW, added security, and updated its forms to address dangerous waste regulations effective 4/28/2019.  New forms will allow you to report consolidation of SQGs into a company-owned LQG, episodic events, and hazardous secondary material.   Annual Dangerous Reports are due 3/1/2020.  Ecology has a new reporting guide available.  Read more about these changes or contact us.

2019 HAZWOPER Challenge Year in Review

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What a great year for HAZWOPER training here at Spring Environmental. We were joined by some of the best professionals throughout the Inland Northwest. Sharing many hours of training and experiences helped everyone to build upon their foundational knowledge to fulfill assigned roles. The HAZWOPER Challenge was rolled out in February to allow professionals to stay engaged throughout the year and you didn’t disappoint. We averaged 11 participants per challenge for 2019, distributed some great swag for the winners, and are looking to boost those numbers in 2020.

To wrap up 2019, we have compiled the whole list of questions along with answers and explanations as another tool for you to utilize in your HAZWOPER toolbox. Be on the lookout January 2nd as we unveil the first challenge for 2020. Looking forward to another great year!

2019 HAZWOPER Challenge Year in Review

Ecology Hires New Director

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WatsonGovernor Inslee selected Laura Watson to serve as the new Ecology Director effective January 8, 2020. Ms. Watson has been an assistant attorney general supporting the Department of Ecology for over fifteen years. During this time, Ms. Watson represented every program in enforcement actions, rulemaking efforts, permit appeals, site cleanups, bill analysis, etc. And during the last five years, she been a member of Ecology’s Executive Leadership Team.

Ms. Watson graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and from the University of Washington in 1998 with her law degree. She has spent her entire legal career in public service at the Washington Attorney General’s Office.

More information on Ms. Watson is available on LinkedIn and will be published at https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Meet-our-director after January 1st.

HIRE Vets Recognizes 2019 Award Winners

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The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. Review the 2019 List of Awardees and the criteria for the 2020 award cycle.

Spring Environmental has been recognized in the highest level for the category of Small Employers [1 – 50 employees] based on our employment and community support of veterans.

Stage 1 Burn Ban – Effective Thursday 10/31 at 1 p.m.

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Wood Heating and Outdoor Burning

Effective at 1 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2019, a burn restriction is in effect.

Restrictions on outdoor burning and indoor wood heating take effect at 1 p.m. today, until further notice.

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency issued the following restrictions because concentrations of air pollutants are increasing, putting residents at potential risk.

Stage 1 “yellow” burn ban: 

  • The use of non EPA-certified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts and other non-certified wood-burning devices is prohibited in the Smoke Control Zone, unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat.
  • EPA-certified wood stoves, pellet stoves and other certified wood-burning devices are allowed.
  • All outdoor burning is banned throughout Spokane County.

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency