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.

Vancouver, WA – The next phase in the ongoing effort to update the local Comprehensive Growth Management Plan begins today with release of a draft supplemental environmental impact statement. Anyone interested is encouraged to review the draft document and comment to the Planning Commission and Board of County Councilors. There will be multiple opportunities to comment: • During a joint public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 1 and Thursday, Sept. 3. Both sessions are scheduled for 6 p.m. on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. • In writing by 4 p.m. Sept. 17.

Vancouver, WA – Two upcoming events offer opportunities to improve local trails and celebrate Legacy Lands’ 30th anniversary in Clark County. Anniversary activities for August include work parties in two large natural areas: • 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Aug. 1 – Join the Whipple Creek Regional Park Restoration Committee as volunteers continue to improve trails in this 300-acre forested park. Nature trails are being restored with gravel surfacing. Register at parkhero.org.

Vancouver, WA ̶ Clark County residents are invited to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Children’s Sharing Project, a volunteer-led nonprofit that supports local children and families with school supplies and holiday gifts. Participants can come by the Public Service Center between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, for an ice cream social money-raiser and school supply drive. The event will be in the center plaza at 1300 Franklin St. Donations are tax deductible.

Vancouver, WA — Recent work by the Clark County Auditor’s Office found oversight and monitoring of the County’s Purchasing Card (P-Card) Program has improved since a 2013 audit. Also, the number of p-cards issued and the total dollar value of transactions in the program are growing which increases savings to the County. The Auditor’s 2013 audit determined the p-card program was built upon best practices, being used appropriately and achieving its objectives. However, gaps existed in County policy and the program’s oversight, monitoring, and controls could be improved.

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s timber harvest activities garnered high marks for environmental protection and sustainability during a recent audit by a Washington-based non-profit dedicated to healthy forests. The audit documented sustainable forestry practices under a program administered by the county’s Environmental Services department. Forest stewardship plans for Camp Bonneville and Green Mountain target selective harvest, small patch cuts, habitat creation and understory planting to support diverse plants and animals.

Vancouver, WA – Documents covering proposed changes to the local growth management plan have been submitted to the Washington Department of Commerce for the state review required to update the plan.

Two binders of material on the county’s “preferred alternative” were transmitted last week. Topics include proposed changes to zoning, urban growth areas and county code. The package also includes:

Vancouver, WA -- Clark County and regional partners will look for new options to recycle block foam after the only processor in the Portland-Vancouver area stopped accepting the material. Clark County Environmental Services learned earlier this month that Far West Recycling in Portland is no longer accepting block foam for processing. Consequently, Empower Up, 3206 N.E. 52nd St., will no longer accept block foam. The county has contracted with Empower Up since 2011 to receive block foam and prepare it for processing in Portland.

Vancouver, WA – The Board of County Councilors is seeking applicants for an open position on the volunteer Animal Protection & Control Advisory Board. The position is for an at large member who lives anywhere in Clark County. The term ends Oct. 31, 2019. Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at Clark County Operations Division, 4700 N.E. 78th St.