Progress Report on Activities
A number of management actions related to spill response and hazardous materials have been implemented over recent years. Many are associated with the tasks included in the Jointly adopted Work Plans but others may be implemented by one or more jurisdictions. This section provides an overview of some of the actions undertaken, with in some cases, links to other sites for additional information.
2005 - 2009 Work Plan Actions:
Two activities are identified and progress on them can be viewed at "2005 Spill Response, Hazardous Materials Progress Report".
2000 - 2004 Work Plan Actions:
- Spill Response Materials - Fire Districts within the watershed were supplied with spill response supplies including absorbent pads and absorbent booms. A surplus supply of these materials is stored at the Bloedel Donovan container and can be used to replace Fire District supplies when needed. A Spill Incident Form was developed for Fire Districts/Departments that respond to spills in the watershed. These forms may be helpful in tracking the use of the absorbent materials and ensuring replacement of the used materials.
- Spill Response Exercise - A spill response tabletop exercise for Lake Whatcom was held in July 2000. The exercise pulled together representatives from a variety of groups including WC Emergency Management, Fire District #2, Fire District #4, Bellingham Fire Department, WC Health, WC Water Resources, SERP, City of Bellingham Public Works, Water District 10, and several other City of Bellingham Departments. The scenario presented at the exercise involved a small plane carrying a pesticide crashing in the lake. Participants walked through the steps that would occur as a part of the spill response/incident response process. This exercise was an excellent tool for bringing individuals together, outlining the response process, and identifying elements of the response program that could be enhanced.
- Reducing Pesticide Use - Lake-Friendly Gardening handbooks were created for watershed residents to provide guidance on actions to reduce the use of pesticides in the watershed while maintaining healthy lawns and gardens.
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program was created for managing crane flies. This program included educational materials, training of Master Gardeners, and field surveys within the Lake Whatcom watershed. The intent behind the program was to reduce residential use of pesticides to control crane flies and lawn damage.
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Underground Storage Tanks - In 2000/2001, a consultant was hired to compile information about the regulations and processes for Underground Storage Tank (UST) removal, UST programs in other communities, and costs associated with testing and removing USTs. The final report outlines a variety of options for technical and financial assistance for homeowners with USTs.
Other Actions:
- Weather Station - A portable weather station was purchased for use by the Specialized Emergency Response Personnel (SERP).
- Spill Response Equipment Storage Container -
A storage container was purchased and placed at Bloedel Donovan to store spill response equipment. This location provides easy access to the lake if containment boom is required for a spill. In addition, spill response supplies were restocked at fire stations throughout the watershed.
