Airport fire trucks get cleaned of “forever chemicals”
Crossposted from the DES Express
In a partnership with the Port of Seattle, King County International Airport’s fire engines are being cleaned of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroakyl substances, found in firefighting foam. These chemicals stick around for a long time, possibly thousands of years, and can build up in the environment and people’s bodies, causing harmful effects. Among the health effects are developmental problems, immune system issues, and links to certain cancers.
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in things like non-stick cookware and fire-retardant materials. The presence of PFAS is pervasive in products we use every day. From food packaging to cosmetics, cookware, upholstery cleaners, rain-resistant clothing, and even firefighting foam, these chemicals find their way into our environment and into our bodies when these products are produced, consumed, and thrown away.
King County is committed to protecting the environment and public health and this means reducing sources of PFAS pollution. King County is addressing PFAS contamination through a comprehensive approach, focusing on upstream interventions to prevent these harmful chemicals from entering waterways and our environment.
“The King County International Airport ARFF unit is excited to be among the first departments in the country to utilize an advanced PFAS cleaning and remediation technology,” said Sgt. Clint Herman with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF). “With a common goal and shared vision for health, welfare and safety, the partnership with the Port of Seattle is a true testament that when we work together there are no limits to what we can accomplish.”
The FAA has approved fluorine-free foams (F3) for use and KCIA is planning to convert to the new fluorine-free foams this year. Before converting to the new foams, existing fire engines must be cleaned and decontaminated. Fire engines used by KCIA’s ARFF unit are being cleaned at the Port of Seattle. The cleaning efforts started in August and will be complete this month. See more in a new video from KCTV.
The technology, called PerfluorAd, is used to remove the chemicals from the trucks’ parts. The recovered PFAS are then disposed of off-site, and the rinse water is treated on-site to remove any remaining traces before being recycled or sent to the sanitary sewer.
King County Airport is investing in new organic, biodegradable fluorine-free foams to use in a new plug-in hybrid electric crash rescue truck that will only be used with the PFAS-free firefighting foam. Once existing equipment is cleaned, those trucks will also use the new foam.
KCIA is preparing an investigation plan to determine the presence of PFAS, its extent in identified areas and a remedial/feasibility study to determine alternatives, costs and preferred solutions. The process will take about two years and will be performed in accordance with the Washington State Department of Ecology PFAS Sampling and Remediation Guidance.
The impacts from PFAS can be minimized through collective action to control the sources and limit exposure. Together, we can address PFAS challenges for a healthier, safer future. Get more information about what you can do from the Washington State Department of Health.
Pictured: Steve Pistoll, Field Service Manager, TRS Group, in orange shirt, works to clean an ARFF engine of PFAS, a man-made chemical in firefighting foam.
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EAP or MLE: Which program is right for you?
During Suicide Prevention, take a moment to learn more about MLE and EAP and when and how to contact them. EAP and MLE are both comprehensive programs and services to help King County employees to be healthy and safe. But which one is right for you? Watch this video to learn more about each program and, when and how to contact each.
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Leslie Harper-Miles to retire after nearly 40 years of service
Crossposted from the DES Express
At the heart of King County’s Harborview Bond Program stands a resilient woman who will retire at the end of September with nearly 40 years of public service. Leslie Harper-Miles’ career is a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of equity and social justice in a world that can often resist it.
A native of Seattle, Leslie has lifelong family and community ties to the Pacific Northwest. Her public service career started in 1986 in the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget, eventually landing in her final impactful role as the Harborview Bond Program Administrator.
Leslie has provided leadership in three Harborview facilities expansion projects over 30 years, resulting in four new buildings and more than one million square feet of new and renovated spaces on the Harborview campus and vastly improving the ability to deliver high level medical care to the region. Read more.
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Amber Green Named Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections
This week, Kelly Rider, Department Director, appointed Amber Green as Deputy Director for King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Amber is a long-time employee at DCHS, and most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer. In March, Amber was named Acting Deputy Director, a role that hasn’t existed since 2021. Amber holds a wealth of expertise across the department, including emergency response, workforce and workplace strategies, and department level efforts on Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB).
In 2000, Amber joined DCHS in an administrative position and held a number of roles in her tenure with the department. For nearly 25 years, Amber has led teams across the department and managed cross-departmental work that has ensured the department’s success, especially during the rapid growth in recent years. Read more.
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RASKC found homes for more than 400 pets in Clear the Shelters campaign
Crossposted from the DES Express
More than 400 pets, including 105 adult and senior cats, 213 kittens, 84 adult dogs, 10 puppies and five small mammals, found their “furever” homes after Regional Animal Services wrapped up participation in the “Clear the Shelters” campaign last week. Clear The Shelters is a nationwide campaign to get more pets adopted into more homes. This is the 10th anniversary of the event, and the first time that RASKC is participating.
“We’re always grateful to our pet-loving community for opening up their hearts and homes to these pets in need,” said Gene Mueller, Regional Animal Services Manager. “Like many shelters regionally and nationally, we are challenged by the increased demand for sheltering, particularly for dogs. We deeply thank all our adopters including these 400 new homes. They made a difference!” Read more.
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Records Management Reminder: Records must be retained in their “native format”
State law requires that records be retained in their “native” format. This means that if they were created as an email, they need to be retained as an email (and not printed out). And if they were created on paper (like a piece of mail received from a customer), they need to be retained in paper format.
The exception to this is the Destruction After Digitization (DAD) Process. This gives any county employee the authorization to re-format or scan a record to a new digital version. They can then retain the new version as the official record and dispose of the paper original. If a record is already listed on the countywide Blanket DAD Approval, then you already have the authority to scan them and dispose of the paper (as long as you meet the minimum requirements on the form, which includes storing the electronic file in Content Manager).
For more information, visit the county’s Records Management Program website or contact them at records.management@kingcounty.gov. The Records Management Program, in the Department of Executive Services, provides guidance, resources, and training to all King County employees to assist them with managing King County’s public records according to state and local legal requirements and best practices.
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Pre-register for upcoming onsite King County flu and COVID-19 clinics
Getting your updated flu and COVID-19 shots is an important part of protecting your health, your family’s health, and your community’s health. Each year, King County’s Balanced You arranges onsite flu and COVID-19 shot clinics for employees who work onsite.
You will need to pre-register for the onsite clinics. You are welcome to walk-in, but you will still need to register to receive shots, so please do so prior to the clinics. The following are upcoming onsite clinics:
- Atlantic/Central Bus Base, Classroom C, 1500 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, Monday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 9 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 9 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Bellevue Bus Base, Classroom A, 1790 124th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Seattle Streetcar First Hill, First Hill Conf. Room, 848 7th Ave S Seattle, WA 98134, Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- KCIA – Boeing Field, 106 Conf. Room, 7277 Perimeter Rd S Seattle, WA 98101, Thursday, Oct. 3, FROM 9 to 10 a.m.
Click here to register and for your appointment. This Balanced You blog post shares more information about additional locations, times, and how to schedule an appointment.
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Now Recruiting 2024 Employee Giving Program Ambassadors
Bring a little inspiration to your day and build connection with your team by signing up to be an Ambassador.
The Employee Giving Program is now recruiting King County Employees to serve as an Ambassadors for this year’s Annual Giving Drive to their work groups/sites.
As an Ambassador, you are the heart and soul of our Employee Giving Program team. We can NOT run this program and support so many great causes without you. Last year that resulted in $2.29 million! You are the key to making sure that every King County employee has the chance to connect to a cause they care about through the program.
Training starts this week, so register now to join our rock star Ambassador team for 2024! Read more.
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Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) guidelines for King County employees
King County’s new guidelines set expectations for the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the workplace. These guidelines were developed collaboratively by KCIT and OERSJ, according to state and national standards.
GenAI systems create new content such as text, audio, images, and video by learning patterns and relationships within vast data sets. Although this exciting new technology can enable tremendous efficiencies, it is essential King County employees use GenAI responsibly. The guidelines are designed to reduce bias and protect sensitive personal data the public has entrusted to us. Key points include:
- All employees should read the GenAI guidelines
- Employees may only use approved GenAI tools
- Do not enter sensitive King County data into GenAI software – only use public data
KCIT is currently reviewing additional GenAI tools. In early 2025, a new software request process will enable employees to submit their preferred GenAI tools for review. Learn more about acceptable GenAI use in King County, including educational materials and FAQs.
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Leesa Manion: Breaking barriers as King County’s trailblazing prosecutor
Leesa Manion made history as the first Korean American woman and person of color to serve as King County Prosecutor. From her roots in Kentucky to leading one of King County’s largest law firms, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring future leaders to “dream big.” Read more.
More about the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group
The next American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika (AANHP) virtual gathering will take place Friday, Sept. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
If you are interested in attending the online event or getting connected to the AANHP community at King County, contact anyone from the AANHP Affinity Group Leadership Council: Allen Gomes (allen.gomes@kingcounty.gov), Yingying Huang Fernandes (yhuangfernandes@kingcounty.gov), Tyler Jenicek (tyler.jenicek@kingcounty.gov), Molly Lua (mlua@kingcounty.gov), and Mark Manuel (mamanuel@kingcounty.gov).
Learn more about King County Affinity groups at www.kingcounty.com/AffinityGroups.
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