Chambers Support Federal Permitting Reform

Today, with the support of the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber, the US Chamber of Commerce delivered to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Government Affairs in support of S. 280, the Federal Permitting Improvement Act of 2015 a letter was signed over 300 state and local chambers and associations throughout the country urging Congressional leaders to act to fix the broken federal permitting process.

Additionally, today, US Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue published commentary in The Examiner regarding the broken federal permitting process for critical energy and infrastructure projects.  The piece included an infographic showing the wide variations between past and present permitting delays.  Citing the Project No Project study (2010), the Chamber found over 350 projects that were cancelled, delayed, or litigated indefinitely during the permitting process.

(Click on Image for a Larger View)

NuStar Energy Receives Tahoma Business Environmental Award

The Chamber annually recognizes entrepreneurial efforts that meet a high standard of excellence for environmental, preservation and protection accomplishments through its Tahoma Business Environmental Award.

The 13th Tahoma Business Environmental Award, sponsored by Taylor-Thomason Insurance, was presented at the Chamber Luncheon Featuring Tahoma Business Environmental Award event on April 10, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pacific Grill Events Center, 1530 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 98402.

Protecting the environment is a core business value for NuStar Energy, LP, (NuStar) which works to continually improve processes and programs to ensure that the best environmental practices are shared across their numerous terminal and storage systems.

NuStar has invested heavily in voluntary site improvements which resulted in achieving OSHA’s highest honor, OSHA VPP Star Status in 2015. The NuStar Tacoma Terminal has made numerous voluntary site improvements and taken active approaches to be above and beyond regulatory compliance. Some of these environmental advances include: painting roofs to reduce metal pollutants that may be in contact with storm water; the development of a Bucket Tree to prevent empty buckets from collecting storm water, and upgrading vapor hoses to improve capture efficiency for emission at the truck rack.

This company has made internal changes which have improved storm water and air quality, as well as a significant reduction in waste.  Our award recipient has also surpassed 23 ½ years since their last reportable spill, which is almost unheard of in the oil storage industry.
Many area businesses work on environmental projects and do a great deal to improve the community’s quality of life. This year’s nominees for the award were:

• Associated Petroleum Products, Inc.
• Cartridge World
• Nisqually Red Wind Casino
• NuStar Energy, LP
• NW Etch
• Point Ruston, LLC
• Puglia Engineering, Inc.
• TPT U.S. Limited

In addition to the award presentation, the Luncheon featured speakers representing the intersection of business and the environment. ”Achieving Attainment for Air Quality” was presented by Craig Kenworthy, Executive Director, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and “Tacoma Transportation Master Plan” was presented by Joshua Diekmann, Transportation Engineer, City of Tacoma.

Last Chance to Nominate for Tahoma Business Environmental Award

Tacoma Pierce County Chamber's 13th Annual
Tahoma Business Environmental Award

The Chamber annually recognizes entrepreneurial efforts that meet a high standard of excellence for mitigation, environmental, preservation and protection accomplishments through its Tahoma Environmental Business Award. 

The Chamber is accepting nominations of businesses that deserve recognition for their exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts. Self-Nominations are encouraged and accepted. 

The selected nominee will receive a environmental business award to be presented by Taylor-Thomason Insurance. To self-nominate or nominate another exceptional business click here.

In addition to the award presentation, the Luncheon will feature speakers representing the intersection of business and the environment. The 13th Tahoma Business Environmental Award, will be presented at the Chamber Luncheon on April 10, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pacific Grill Events Center, 1530 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402.

Past Tahoma Environmental Business Award Recipients: 2014 J.L. Darling, 2013 Targa Sound Terminal, 2012 Richlite Company, 2011 Waste Connections, Inc., 2010 Walsh Construction, 2009 Carlile Transportation Systems, 2008 Pacific Lutheran University, 2007 Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc., 2006 Port of Tacoma, 2005 McFarland Cascade, 2004 Simpson, 2003 Kay Parks/Dan Meyer Auto Rebuild

Metro Area Now in "Attainment"

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their acceptance of a 10-year Maintenance Plan for the Tacoma-Pierce County Fine Particle nonattainment area (aka “Smoke Reduction Zone”), and announced the area will be re-designated to “attainment” with the daily federal air quality standard for fine particle pollution. 

Thank you all for your contributions to get Pierce County to this healthy air milestone.   Some of you may recall that attainment is a long process, including two 10-year maintenance plans.  While this milestone is important, there is still have more work to maintain clean, healthy air in Pierce County and prevent backsliding.  For wood smoke, this work includes the actions identified:  ensuring old, uncertified wood stoves are removed from the area, and enhancing both the education and enforcement of air quality burn bans so that more people follow them. 

Below is a joint statement from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Department of Ecology that addressing questions about EPA’s announcement.  If you have any questions about the redesignation or 10-year maintenance plan, please feel free to contact Craig Kenworthy at (206) 689-4004 or Kathy Strange at (206)689-4095. 

EPA’s redesignation of the area will be effective next month.  We would like celebrate together, and recognize your contributions to this milestone at an informal March gathering.  Please stay tuned for an email invitation soon.

HEALTHIER AIR: PIERCE COUNTY REACHES MILESTONE

EPA Updates Smoke Reduction Zone Designation

TACOMA, WA – Efforts to reduce unhealthy fine particle pollution in the Tacoma/Pierce County Smoke Reduction Zone area reached a milestone today when the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved a 10-year action plan and announced the area will be re-designated as in “attainment” with federal air quality standards.  In 2009, the EPA listed the Smoke Reduction Zone as a nonattainment area for violating health-based federal air quality standards for fine particle pollution in colder winter months, mostly due to wood smoke. Nonattainment carries economic, business and health impacts.

“This is an important step, but our work is not done,” said Craig Kenworthy, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “We must continue to maintain healthy air quality in the area in order to stay in federal attainment.”

A task force made up of Tacoma and Pierce County leaders, wood burners and community members assembled in 2011 to develop a roadmap for returning the area into attainment. Their recommendations became the action plan for Puget Sound Clean Air and other local agencies:

●     Use incentives to help residents replace their polluting, uncertified wood stoves and inserts.

●     Increase overall compliance with burn bans by enhancing and increasing enforcement.

●     Implement a Stove Rule prohibiting uncertified wood burning devices after September 30, 2015, in the Smoke Reduction Zone only (residents who qualify may obtain an exemption if their uncertified wood stove is their only adequate source of heat).

●     Execute an ambitious outreach and education campaign to help the public comply with burn bans and remove old, polluting uncertified devices.

“The removal of old, polluting, uncertified wood stoves is part of the EPA-approved plan,” continued Kenworthy. “Without it, we run the risk of returning to levels of fine particle pollution that are above the health-based standard.”

The Washington Department of Ecology worked in partnership with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to submit a plan to the EPA that outlines how to keep the area in attainment for the coming 10 years.

“Meeting air quality standards is vital to public health,” said Stu Clark, air quality program manager for the Washington Department of Ecology. “We’ll continue to remain focused on air quality and meeting the federal standards.”

Multiple local agencies and jurisdictions came together to implement the recommendations of the task force. “Ultimately," concluded Kenworthy, "re-designation was possible because Pierce County residents followed burn bans and removed their old uncertified stoves.”  

Two Volunteer Positions Open

The Tacoma City Council is seeking qualified citizens to fill two vacant positions on the Planning Commission representing the “Environmental Community” and “Public Transportation.”  Applications are being accepted at the City Clerk’s Office.  Please visit here.

2015 is an important year for the Planning Commission as the City is required, per state GMA laws, to do a thorough review and update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Tacoma 2040: Growing Tomorrow’s City  

Open Houses on Pierce County Comp Plan Update

Pierce County’s unincorporated population is expected to grow by 75,000 residents by the year 2030.

The community is invited to learn how that growth will be accommodated through a series of open houses planned for May and June. The open houses, which are part of the review and update of Pierce County’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, will feature stations that address topics like land use, transportation and parks.

This is the community’s chance to learn where we are in the Comprehensive Plan update, discuss the topics with staff and provide comments, said Debby Hyde, special projects coordinator. There is no formal presentation—drop in anytime during the event.

The following open houses are open to the public, and will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

•    May 20, East County Maintenance Facility, 11711 Prairie Ridge Drive E., Bonney Lake
•    May 22, Central Maintenance Facility, 4812 196th St. E., Spanaway
•    May 29, Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road KPN, Vaughn
•    June 3, Roy Community Center, 122 3rd St. E., Roy
•    June 5, McMillin Grange, 12615 State Route 162, Puyallup
•    June 10, Pierce County Library Administrative Building, 3005 112th St., Parkland

Realize 2030: Honor the Past—Look Ahead

Pierce County’s Comprehensive Plan Update process, or “Realize 2030,” acknowledges the past 20 years of growth under the current Comprehensive Plan and eleven community plans and looks ahead to the next period of growth. The review and update of Pierce County’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations began last year and will be completed by June 2015.

Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA) requires counties to review existing plans and regulations and update them, if necessary, every 8 years.

Changes that will be addressed include new legislative requirements and recent changes in land use law. The majority of policies and directions of the county’s plans will be maintained and carried forward in the update.

Community plans form foundation for updates

The eleven community plans were adopted in Pierce County between 1999 and 2009. Each plan included public engagement that helped refine the direction of community development in Pierce County. Many of the policies have since evolved into county-wide regulations and programs and no longer need to be specified in the individual community plans.

“The community plans will be revised to remove the regulations that apply to all of Pierce County and retain only the policies and land use regulations that are unique to each community,” said Sean Gaffney, Pierce County Planning and Land Services long range planning manager.

Visit here to sign up for weekly email updates about the Comprehensive Plan update. The website also features information about upcoming community open houses and background material related to the update.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sean Gaffney, long range planning manager
Pierce County Planning and Land Services
253-798-2724

Dan Cardwell, planner
Pierce County Planning and Land Services
253-798-7039

JL Darling Receives 2014 Tahoma Business Environmental Award

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber annually recognizes entrepreneurial efforts that meet a high standard of excellence for environmental, preservation and protection accomplishments through its Tahoma Business Environmental Award. 

Jason Landmark and John Mattingly, JL Darling

This afternoon, at the Chamber Luncheon, the 2014 award was presented by award sponsor Tom Taylor Jr., Taylor-Thomason Insurance, to JL Darling LLC. 

JL Darling LLC has invested heavily in refining their manufacturing process for their world-famous products that result in minimal pollution and waste during production. Rite in the Rain is a patented, environmentally-responsible, all-weather writing paper that sheds water and enable writing anywhere and in any weather.

Founder Jerry Darling developed the early version of Rite in the Rain to address the hassle of soggy and illegible paperwork that has plagued outdoor professionals. The Rite in the Rain All-Weather Writing Paper is a substrate created for use in outdoor writing situations and is manufactured with the most durable yet recyclable components available.

With their Rite in the Rain paper products being designed to have ultra-low impact on the environment, the water based coating process emits only steam and all mill offcuts are recycled back into the paper-manufacturing stream. A hundred percent of printing inks they use are soy based. Rite in the Rain 20 and 32 pound papers also meet archival criteria meaning that it will last several hundred years under normal use.  Yet, even with Rite in the Rain’s durability, the product is as recyclable as standard paper.

JL Darling LLC products are used around the globe in situations ranging from desert warfare to rainforest insect research.

Co-presidents of JL Darling LLC, Scott and Todd Silver, are proud that Rite in the Rain All-Weather Writing Paper is still manufactured here in Tacoma.

Chamber Announces Tahoma Business Environmental Award Nominees

The Chamber annually recognizes entrepreneurial efforts that meet a high standard of excellence for environmental, preservation and protection accomplishments through its Tahoma Business Environmental Award.

The 12^th Tahoma Business Environmental Award, sponsored by Taylor-Thomason Insurance, will be presented at the Chamber Luncheon Featuring Tahoma BusinessEnvironmental Award event on April 11, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Allenmore Public Golf Course, 2125 S Cedar Street.

Nominees for the award are:

• Cartridge World
• Earthwise Architectural Salvage
• The Harmon Brewing Company
• J.L. Darling Company
• Kirmac Collision Services
• Light Dental Studios
• NW Furniture Bank
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Regence BlueShield
• Sperry Ocean Dock
• Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
• University of Puget Sound

In addition to the award presentation, the Luncheon will feature speakers representing the intersection of business and the environment. The Prairie Line Trail at UWT Station, presented by Milt Tremblay and Lorna Mauren, University of Washington Tacoma and Metal Recycling & the Environment, presented by Louise Bray, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

Nominations/Applications for Business Environmental Award Opens

Earth Day is near and appropriately, the Chamber recognizes that there are many outstanding businesses in our community working hard to protect the environment and preserve our quality of life.

Do you know of a business that deserves recognition for surface water protection or restoration achievements? How about a deserving business that has achieved exemplary results in reducing waste dumped into area streams?  Who has the best air quality results?

The Chamber is accepting applications or nominations of businesses that deserve recognition for their exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts. The selected nominee will receive a business environmental award to be presented.

Nominations or applications will be accepted no later than April 1. Please submit your nomination(s).


The Award will be presented by sponsor Taylor-Thomason Insurance on April 11 at the Chamber's Luncheon.  You may register here.

For more information about nomination criteria or to participate in the Chamber’s Earth Day event sponsored by Taylor-Thomason Insurance, contact Gary Brackett or at 253.682.1720. 

Consider in your application or nomination the full spectrum of your environmental stewardship efforts in addition to just highlighting one or a few exemplary efforts.  Here, as examples for you is a very brief synopsis of the spectrum of environmental stewardship efforts by the 2013 and 2012 Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipients:

2013 Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipient Targa Sound Terminal

Targa Sound Terminal focuses on safe, responsible, reliable and efficient logistics. Their goal is to be the best bulk liquid and petroleum logistic service provider in the Pacific Northwest.
With roots in the 1960s, their small team pursued a vision that propelled their growth to 46 employees locally. Today, Targa continues to supply energy to the Pacific Northwest. Their vision is essential to keeping our port competitive, creating family-wage jobs and maintaining a commitment to Tacoma’s clean and efficient future.
In 2007, they became the first wholesale truck rack in Washington State to provide renewable biodiesel blends. Their dock was the first to provide low-emission ultra-low sulfur diesel to local tugs and fishing vessels. In 2011 they began supporting local farmers by supplying Washington grown and produced canola biodiesel. In 2012, they started blending EPA emission control area fuel for Port of Tacoma businesses.
Targa Sound Terminal currently handles petroleum, petroleum products and renewable fuels. They are committed to using the best environmental control technology available to make their operation the best in the state. They have a history of being a good neighbor and are committed to the Tacoma community.

2012 Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipient Richlite Company

Richlite Company pioneered the paper-composite surface industry at its manufacturing facility in Tacoma, beginning in 1943.  Richlite is made of paper.  It starts out as pulp, is turned into paper and is transformed
again into a dense, durable and attractive material that can be tooled like wood.

It’s a product base that ranges from cutting boards to countertops, exterior wall cladding to flooring, guitar parts and outdoor furniture – and event as outdoor skate ramp surfacing. It’s used for nearly any commercial or residential surface or design accent.

Richlite has always strived to produce a quality product – locally – while leaving a smaller footprint on the environment. In doing so, Richlite uses only sustainably-derived resources, pursues environmentally-sound manufacturing and business practices and works with partners who share in their initiatives to maintain a healthy planet.

Richlite employs sustainable organizational practices.  The paper includes Forest Stewardship Certified paper that comes from managed forests, is 100% recycled from post consumer waste or is 50% recycled cardboard.

Richlite patented a manufacturing process (WE ((waste-t0-energy)) Technology) where its saturation equipment captures energy from the manufacturing process and recycles it back into the heating system.

And, Richlite began tracking greenhouse gas emissions in 2005, set and exceeded a five-year goal with a total of 32% decrease of CO2 emissions.

Richlite:
-    the first business in Tacoma to obtrain its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Environmental Product Declaration;
-    one of the first businesses in Tacoma to receive a BEST (Businesses for an Environmentally Sustainable Tacoma) award;
-    qualifies or LEED points in six categories;
-    Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification;
-    Rainforest Alliance Certification.

Richlite’s community environmental leadership includes:
-    a member of Tacoma’s Green Ribbon Climate action Task Force;
-    a members of the Sustainable Tacoma Commission;
-    on the Steering Committee with our Chamber’s Environmental Business Alliance;
-    a member of the Seattle Metro Chamber’s Sustainability Committee;
-    and, a member of the Seattle Climate Partnership.

Tahoma Business Environmental Award Recipients

 1    2003    Kay Parks/Dan Meyer Auto Rebuild
 2    2004    Simpson
 3    2005    McFarland Cascade
 4    2006    Port of Tacoma
 5    2007    Totem Ocean Trailer Express
 6    2008    PLU
 7    2009    Carlile Transportation Systems
 8    2010    Walsh Construction
 9    2011    Waste Connections, Inc.
10    2012   Richlite Company
11    2013  Targa Sound Terminal

Applicants sought for Surface Water Management Advisory Board

Pierce County is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on the nine-member Surface Water Management Advisory Board.

Advisory board members will be involved in such issues as storm drainage and surface water management; water quality; storm drainage plans; rate structures; capital improvement projects; financing; and annual program goals for the Surface Water Management Division of Public Works and Utilities.

The mission of Surface Water Management is to be a responsive service organization that efficiently addresses flood control, water quality, and the preservation of natural drainage systems.

Meetings are held monthly. Advisory board members will be selected to represent each of the watersheds and preference will be given to candidates living in unincorporated Pierce County. Surface Water Management will maintain a roster of applications to fill current and future vacancies on the board. These positions are uncompensated.

To apply, the application can be obtained by calling (253) 798-2725 or downloaded  here.

Completed applications should be submitted to Harold Smelt at Pierce County Surface Water Management, 2702 S 42nd St, Ste. 201, Tacoma, WA 98409-7322

UPDATE: Applications deadline is extended until March 21.

Free: Stormwater Management Workshop

“Stormwater Management & Compliance Strategies”

Free Workshop for Tacoma Businesses

Learn how your business can protect Commencement Bay from polluted runoff.  Hear about free, confidential assistance available from Citizens for a Healthy Bay.  Find out how to avoid legal problems from representatives of McGavick Graves and Coastline law firms.  Hear from leading Tacoma businesses about their challenges and successes in meeting stormwater regulations.  Explore treatment options with an expert from GeoEngineers.

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28th
at the Center for Urban Waters at 326 E. D Street in Tacoma

To register, call Citizens for a Healthy Bay at (253) 383-2429 or send an
email to chb@healthybay.org.  Free lunch is included.

Coal Trains Debate

Bob Watters of SSA Marine and Mike Elliott, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen will be representing the "pro" side of this debate. Environmentalists from Climate Solutions and other environmental groups will be on the "con" side.  Mike expects a hostile environmental crowd and will appreciate any support that can turn out at this event.

Targa Sound Terminal Receive 11th Annual Environmental Award

The Chamber annually recognizes entrepreneurial efforts that meet a high standard of excellence for environmental, preservation and protection accomplishments through its Tahoma Business Environmental Award.  

This afternoon, at the Chamber Luncheon, the 2013 award was presented by award sponsor Steve Thomason, Taylor-Thomason Insurance, to Targa Sound Terminal. 

Targa Sound Terminal employees enjoyed receiving the Tahoma Business Environmental Award. PHOTO (l. to r.): Linda Troeh, Jeremiah Jones, Bett Lucas and Justin Ranes.

Targa Sound Terminal focuses on safe, responsible, reliable and efficient logistics. Their goal is to be the best bulk liquid and petroleum logistic service provider in the Pacific Northwest.

With roots set in the 1960s, Targa’s small team pursued a vision that has propelled their growth to 46 employees locally. Their vision is essential to keeping the Port of Tacoma competitive, creating family-wage jobs and maintaining a commitment to the community’s clean and efficient future.

In 2007, they became the first wholesale truck rack in Washington State to provide renewable biodiesel blends. Their dock was the first to provide low-emission ultra-low sulfur diesel to local tugs and fishing vessels. In 2011, Targa began supporting local farmers by supplying Washington grown and produced canola biodiesel. In 2012, they started blending EPA emission control area fuel for Port of Tacoma businesses.

Targa Sound Terminal currently handles petroleum, petroleum products and renewable fuels. They are committed to using the best environmental control technology available to make their operation the best in the state. They have a history of being a good neighbor and are committed to contributing to the betterment of the Tacoma community.

WATER Coalition Writes Governor

The Chamber believes that the path to shared success for all of our state’s residents is one of sustainable prosperity – balancing protection of the environment with policies and investments that ensure the health of the business community and the creation of living-wage jobs. 

In September 2011, the WA State Department of Ecology began a study of the state’s fish consumption rate (an estimate of the amount of fish residents eat each week).  The more fish residents are assumed to eat, the stricter water quality standards.

If a fish consumption rate is included in the water quality standards rule that results in unachievable standards, human health will not be improved, but the state’s economy will face significant harm. So, the Chamber participates in the Washingtonians for Triple-bottom-line Environmental Regulation (WATER) Coalition.

That is why the Chamber has joined with business, government and community leaders across the state in the WATER Coalition: to ensure that the state uses a science-based approach to set a fish consumption rate and water quality standards that are achievable, affordable and keep jobs in Washington state.

Follows is a recent letter members of the WATER coalition have sent to the Governor. (click on images for a larger view)

Seeking Business Environmental Awardee

Earth Day is near and appropriately, the Chamber recognizes that there are many outstanding businesses in our community working hard to protect the environment and preserve our quality of life.

Do you know of a business that deserves recognition for surface water protection or restoration achievements? How about a deserving business that has achieved exemplary results in reducing waste dumped into area streams?  Who has the best air quality results?

The Chamber is accepting nominations of businesses that deserve recognition for their exemplary environmental protection or restoration efforts. The selected nominee will receive a business environmental award to be presented.

Nominations will be accepted no later than March 25. Please submit your nomination(s).

For more information about nomination criteria or to participate in the Chamber’s Earth Day event sponsored by Taylor-Thomason Insurance, contact Gary Brackett or at 253.682.1720.  

Award Recipients

Tahoma Business Environmental Award

 1       2003  Kay Parks/Dan Meyer Auto Rebuild

 2       2004  Simpson

 3       2005  McFarland Cascade

 4       2006  Port of Tacoma

 5       2007  Totem Ocean Trailer Express

 6       2008  PLU

 7       2009  Carlile Transportation Systems

 8       2010  Walsh Construction

 9       2011  Waste Connections, Inc.

10      2012  Richlite Company