Vancouver, WA – Michael D. Smith of Battle Ground has won an iPad Mini for taking an online quiz testing how much Clark County residents know about recycling. A random number generator selected Smith from approximately 2,000 people who took the quiz. Clark County Department of Environmental Services confirmed he was among those who received a passing grade by answering at least 75 percent of the questions correctly. The quiz is part of Environmental Services’ Recycling Done Right project to decrease the amount of non-recyclables in blue residential recycling carts.

Vancouver, WA — Property owners can learn how to inspect gravity-fed septic systems, maintain wells and septic systems, and avoid costly repairs at a workshop sponsored by Clark County and Washington State University Clark County Extension. The workshop, which also will cover small landowner assistance programs, takes place at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Prairie High School auditorium, 11311 N.E. 119th St. Cost is $15 per household. To register, call (360) 397-6060 ext.

Vancouver, WA – A private contractor working for Clark Public Utilities will replace a 12-inch water line within a section of trail along Salmon Creek Greenway. Construction is expected to begin Tuesday, Sept. 8 and last for up to three weeks.

Tapani, Inc. will keep the trail open for walkers, runners and cyclists, who will need to stay clear of work areas and equipment.

Vancouver, WA – Clark County residents will have opportunities this September and October to safely dispose of household hazardous wastes and other materials, including block foam, during the county’s free Green Neighbors Recycling Days. The three Recycling Day events are scheduled for: • Sept. 12, Clark College (Yellow Lot 1), 1900 Fort Vancouver Way • Sept. 19, Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, 3510 S.E. 164th Ave. • Oct. 3, Battle Ground High School, 300 W. Main St.

A recent performance audit of high-risk equipment and supplies managed by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office will be the focus of an open meeting of the county’s Audit Oversight Committee at 4 p.m. Aug. 20 on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street. Copies of the audit will be available to the public from the County web site after the meeting. The audit examined how high-risk materials and equipment were handled by the Sheriff’s Office.

A local soccer group will install additional field lights at Luke Jensen Sports Park, further expanding use of the 20-acre facility.

The Board of County Councilors this week approved an agreement with Vancouver West Soccer Club to install lights for two synthetic turf fields north of the main parking lot.

Vancouver, WA – The Board of County Councilors has scheduled a work session Nov. 4 to prepare for a Nov. 24 public hearing on a “preferred alternative” to update the local growth management plan.

Councilors will meet with planning and legal staff from 9 a.m. to noon on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Topics will include planning assumptions, including state forecasts for population increases over the next 20 years. In addition, the public briefing will examine alternatives focusing on rural areas.

Website offers details on recent recommendations from Planning Commission

Vancouver, WA – A public hearing is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 20 for the Board of County Councilors to consider a “preferred alternative” for updating the local growth management plan. 

The hearing will be part of the regular board meeting on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

Public comments may be submitted before the hearing:
• Community Planning contact information

For the eighth consecutive year, the Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant has been recognized for 100 percent environmental compliance. The Washington State Department of Ecology’s Outstanding Performance award honors the Salmon Creek plant for passing environmental tests, analyzing water samples, planning to prevent sewage spills, and finishing 2014 without any permit violations. Of the approximately 300 wastewater treatment plants operating in Washington, 127 were honored for 100 percent compliance last year.

Clark County Public Health has lifted a swim advisory at Vancouver Lake after inspections indicate algae levels no longer pose a threat to those who have contact with the water. “We are pleased to announce that the lake is again safe for swimming and other recreational uses,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. “Conditions could change, however, so we urge people to be watchful and avoid any pockets of the lake that might have a scummy texture and a green, bluish, brownish, or reddish-green color.” Caution signs have been removed at the lake.