How King County businesses help protect public health and the environment through our Industrial Waste program
Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories Staff at the King County wastewater treatment plants do an excellent job of cleaning wastewater, but not all types of waste can be filtered out during the treatment process. The Industrial Waste Program is in charge of preventing pollution from entering the wastewater system in the first place. That’s also where local business can make a difference. By making sure that they only send wastewater to the County system that meets the standards set to protect the environment, businesses play a big role in keeping our waterways clean. Read the full story here.
Level up: King County International Airport moves toward next step in Airport Carbon Accreditation Program
Climate change caused by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions will have long-term consequences for the environment, the economy, and public health and safety. To do its part to reduce the threat, King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. After achieving Level 1 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program (ACAP) in 2021, the airport is now on track toward Level 2, demonstrating actual reductions of harmful greenhouse gases emitted in airport operations. Read the story here.
FTA recognizes King County Metro with Most Equitable and Most Transformative awards
Cross-posted from the Federal Transportation Association Earth Day media release The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration recently recognized the exemplary efforts of 10 transit agencies across the nation to combat climate change through its Sustainable Transit for a Healthy Planet initiative. Because of the dedication and hard work of its employees, King County Metro was recognized with the Most Equitable and Most Transformative awards. Read the full announcement here.
Celebrating Earth Day 2022
By Dow Constantine, King County Executive Climate change can feel overwhelming, especially now that we are experiencing the impacts in unprecedented ways. Last summer’s record-setting extreme heat event, coupled with more frequent flooding and greater wildfire risks, makes it clear that climate change is no longer a projection or prediction – it is right here, right now, and certain to get worse. Yet as we mark the 52nd Earth Day, we also see the progress we are making each day to create a more resilient, more sustainable, more equitable future for all… Read More
Join Commute Seattle’s Earth Day challenge
During the month of April, pledge to “spare the air” by substituting three car trips with climate-friendly travel choices for a chance to win a $100 gift card. You can enter by committing to use one of these earth-friendly options: Bike Walk Bus/Light Rail Water Taxi/Ferry Carpool/Vanpool Click here to sign up for the challenge. You’ll be asked for some basic information so we can send a few reminders and resources throughout the month. At the end of April, five winners will be randomly selected to receive $100 gift cards! If you have any… Read More
Join King County’s ‘Stream Team,’ the environmental scientists who hunt for bugs to monitor the health of local watersheds
King County is tracking the health of local watersheds by deploying a small, elite team of young environmental scientists who capture and study bugs in local streams. Recruiting for the 2022 Stream Team roster begins soon. Each summer, the paid Environmental Aides put on boots and waders to bushwhack their way to 200 streams throughout the county to collect samples as part of an ongoing research project to track trends on water and habitat health. Cick here to watch a video to learn more about the program and how to apply.
Flood control to Major Tom: River and Floodplain Management Section keep King County high and dry
The heavy rains and melting snows have brought upon King County its annual river flooding season. As the most common winter weather occurrence, flooding is a danger in both rural and urban areas. King County’s River and Floodplain Management Section (RFMS) within the Water and Land Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) works to overcome these flooding challenges and educate the public about safety. Capital Project Manager Stella Torres and Engineer Heather McPherson shared about their work with this team, and how important it is to be… Read More
KCC 2.15 training: Protecting immigrants, refugees, and limited English speakers
On Feb. 26, 2018, the Metropolitan King County Council adopted ground-breaking immigration legislation designed to protect everyone’s safety and civil rights. While still adhering to federal law, King County Code 2.15 Immigrant, Refugees and Language Access Ordinance (KCC 2.15) prevents the use of County funds and resources on federal immigration enforcement and outlines the steps the County uses to protect immigrants and refugees seeking services from the County, or who are victims or witnesses of crime. “This legislation was developed with consultation from community organizations and leaders that advocate for equitable public… Read More
Innovation Award for Sustainability
The King County Innovation Awards – part of the Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards – seek to honor employees and teams whose projects, improvements, and ingenuity deliver exceptional, measurable results. These honorees have considered challenges within their delivery of services to King County residents, and developed solutions that address an important need. They also met each challenge in a creative and forward-thinking manner that reflects our True North values. The Innovation Award for Sustainability went to the Biogas Optimization Team at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant. The team strategically allocated limited resources to… Read More
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month: Environmental Health Services hosts event with Chief Justice Gonzalez of the Washington State Supreme Court, Sept. 9
A few years ago, when Environmental Health Services (EHS) Program Manager Greg Wilson was asked to create a program that looked for the future workforce for Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), he not only ran with it, but wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity. Today he serves as the Program Manager for the EHS Division’s Education Engagement Strategy Program. The Program focuses on providing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) opportunities for middle school to college-age students that include internships, work study, and job shadow opportunities. It also offers an… Read More
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