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EcoTone
E-Newsletter of the South Sound Chapter
February, 2016 • Olympia, WA
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In this Issue (click to go directly to the article):
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Education Coordinator's Message
By Chris van Daalen
Education Coordinator, NWEBG
 Hello EcoBuilders and Friends
Welcome! This EcoTone is chock full of great opportunities to learn, engage and take action through both Guild and partner events and resources. Our Mission is to transform the built environment for long-term sustainability, which means EcoBuilders care about more than just homes and buildings, but also the land they’re built on, our neighborhoods, as well as the local and global ecosystems we all depend on to survive and thrive. We also “lead through education … to encourage building practices that dramatically reduce carbon emissions …and create optimal conditions for human health and community”
To that end, you are invited to learn more and participate in the public process about a proposed natural gas-to-methanol plant in Tacoma. Urban Waters is hosting a four-part discussion series on the facility, and Chemist and National Activist Wilma Subra is giving a talk on the Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Methanol Plants.
We also have great upcoming programs on valuation and market demand for High-Performance Housing, helping the building industry weigh in and adapt to new Stormwater Management rules to better protect our waterways, and much more.
Also an update on the Code Innovations Database project – after our successful holiday fundraiser, the Guild Board has given the go-ahead to begin our planned expansion of this valuable online resource! So be looking for new content and outreach activities coming soon to a building department near you. Contact me directly at cv...@theverdantgroup.com if you have an innovative project you’d like to share, or want to give involved!
Enjoy!
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South Sound Education Committee Meeting
Monday, February 8
5:30 - 7:00 pm
The Spar
114 4th Ave E, Olympia
We will continue planning our educational series at this meeting. Is there a topic you would like to learn more about? Do you want to give a presentation about a topic you are passionate about? Do you want to work with like-minded folks to help organize an educational event? Then join us at The Spar! If you can't make it, contact Steve via email at stevea...@gmail.com.
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Monthly Meeting: The Future of High Performance Housing in Thurston County
Thursday, February 25
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Eastside Urban Farm & Garden Center
2326 4TH Ave E, Olympia
6:00: Enjoy light refreshments and socialize
6:30: Program begins
$5.00 donation requested from non-guild members
Join us for a panel discussion with Fiona Douglas-Hamilton of SEEC, Robbi Currey of Shamrock Appraisals and Barbara Whitlow with Olympia Federal Savings on The Future of High Performance Homes in Thurston County. With topics covering:
-- Green building market share nationally is growing
-- Studies form the National Association of REALTORS show consumers want energy efficient and healthy homes
-- 67% of Americans believe in Climate Change and that it is being influenced by human activity
-- Why is this not translating into a strong local high performance building market?
-- What can we do about this?
Sponsored by:
 
Links
Eastside Urban Farm & Garden Center: http://urbanfarmoly.com/
SEEC: www.seecsolutions.com
Shamrock Appraisals: www.shamrockappraisals.com
Olympia Federal Savings: www.olyfed.com
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SAVE THE DATE
Builders Becoming Rainwise: New Stormwater Management Codes in 2016!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Eastside Urban Farm & Garden Center
2326 4TH Ave E, Olympia
6:00: Enjoy light refreshments and socialize
6:30: Program begins
$5.00 donation requested from non-guild members
Featuring Eric Christensen, City of Olympia Stormwater Engineer, and a panel of local experts.
In the rainy Northwest, how we manage Stormwater determines the ecological health of streams, lakes and Puget Sound. In 2016 the City of Olympia will be adopting new WA Department of Ecology rules directing most construction projects to use low-impact development (LID) practices to treat stormwater on-site, by reducing soil disturbance, retaining natural vegetation and using bioswales, raingardens, permeable pavement and green roofs.
Come hear an overview of proposed code changes being considered by Olympia City Council later this year, and engage the conversation on how these rules will affect designers, builders and the community at large.
Sponsored by:
Link
Eastside Urban Farm & Garden Center: http://urbanfarmoly.com/
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Wanted: EcoTone Editor
We're looking for a new newsletter editor. Editing the newsletter is an easy way to support the Guild in the comfort of your own home. If you're interested in finding out more, contact Barb at ba...@scavezze.com or 360-878-9901. She'll be happy to show you how easy it is to simply copy the articles that are submitted and format them in the MailChimp template to produce the newsletter.
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Work Session on Low Impact Development Code Update
Wednesday, February 3, 2016, 6:30 p.m.
County Courthouse complex, Building One, Room 152
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia.
The agenda for the Thurston County Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday includes a work session on updating parking regulations as a part of the Low Impact Development (LID) code update.
Parking areas can be one of the main sources of new impervious surface in development. Staff are recommending changes to the current parking regulations (TCC 20.44) that would minimize the amount of new paved areas created for parking and require more landscaping within parking areas that can be used for stormwater control.
In addition staff from the City of Olympia will be present to discuss their proposed changes to Olympia's Municipal Code related to their LID code review. These changes would be adopted into the code for the Olympia Urban Growth Area (TCC 23) under Joint Planning agreements between the city and the county.
See the most recent agenda and meeting packet.
Link
Thurston County Planning Commission: http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/planning_commission/planning_comm_home.htm
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Tacoma Green Drinks: Net Impact; April Earthship Trip
Net Impact
Thursday, February 4, 6:00 pm
Harmon Brewery & Restaurant - 1938 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, Washington 98402
Join us for our monthly environmental social mixer on Feb 4. This month's speaker is from Net Impact. Stop by for a brief introduction to Net Impact and then hang out with other members of the environmental community.
Details:
Net Impact is a global membership organization of students and professionals using their careers to create a socially and environmentally sustainable world. As a local undergraduate chapter at the University of Washington, our focus is to create opportunities for students to learn more about corporate social responsibility and to participate in events that will give back to the Tacoma community. We hope to equip students with the capability to integrate the sustainability of people, planet, and profits into their academic and professional careers.
Event details to share with friends: https://www.facebook.com/events/133315443693368/
Earthship Trip
 At last month’s Tacoma Green Drinks organizers showed “Garbage Warrior,” the epic story of radical Earthship eco architect Michael Reynolds, and his fight to build off-the-grid self-sufficient communities. Pretty cool.
Now Chrissy Cooley is organizing a group road trip to New Mexico where travelers will get to stay in an Earthship, and learn how they can provide for all human needs in a graceful, beautiful and earth-friendly way, without relying on outside inputs of energy and water. The buildings themselves consist mostly of recycled tire s, cans, bottles and earth so they can be built without need for expensive virgin building materials that impact the earth.
If you’re interested in this unique opportunity, contact Chrissy. She writes:
- Are you interested in a trip to Taos, NM to stay in an earthship? We want to get a good cohort of people to build knowledge around earthships, and bring it back to the Pacific Northwest. So come join us! Save the date for April 8th and 9th for the days that we are actually staying in the Earthships. While you are saving dates, please keep a Saturday night potluck in the back of your mind. That will be a good time to share our impressions and passions with each other. For more info on the rentals, check out this link.
 To move forward, contact Christine, send her a $75 deposit to hold your spot, and let her know how you want to arrange your travel through this google sheet.
Email: earthy...@gmail.com
About Green Drinks:
Green Drinks Tacoma is a loosely organized and highly active group of locals spanning nonprofits, academia, government and business who share a love for all things green. We meet on the first Thursday of the month and feature different community members engaged in compelling environmental issues. While we're not highly structured, each meeting has a theme, a guest host, and time for Q&A and socializing. Come along and you'll be made welcome. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts.
Like us on Facebook!
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Learn-&-Build Workparties: Interior Storm Window Inserts
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Saturdays: February 6 & 27
10am-4pm
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
2315 Division St. NW, Olympia
 Are your windows putting a CHILL on your comfort and your budget?
Learn a simple method to build insulating window inserts that can help you save on energy bills. Perfect for single-pane or aluminum windows. We provide the tools and materials, you bring measurements and friends - and together we’ll build a set of inserts for your house (and for others) to stay warm and save money this winter.
Save energy, cut costs and help the environment while you learn how to build simple, low-cost interior insulating window inserts. These double layered windows fit snugly inside the window opening, are easily removable and can be made in custom sizes. They are built on a wood frame with shrink wrap and weatherstripping.
Workshop fees are sliding scale: pay-what-you-can or $1 per square foot of window area to cover the cost of materials. An inexpensive way to reduce cold air infiltration, condensation and heat loss!
To Register contact:
Joe Joy at joe...@comcast.net or (360) 280 - 8651
*Also at ouuc.org/justice/green-sanctuary/
Once you register, we will send you a Registration Form and Window Measurement Form or you can retrieve them off of the website*
The Work Party Series is provided as a community service project by the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation Green Sanctuary Committee.
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Solatube Natural Daylight Workshop
Saturday, February 06 - 10:30 am
City of Tacoma EnviroHouse
Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center (former Landfill)
3510 S. Mullen St., 98409
Brighten dark rooms with natural daylight
Learn about natural daylighting systems and DIY install options:
> How natural daylight systems work; tube lights vs. skylights
> Advantages and cost savings of using natural daylight
> Tips on appropriate size and placement
> Solatube installation demonstration
> Special pricing for this event on NWNL Solatube kits
Registration is required; seating is limited. Open to Tacoma & Pierce County residents
Go to: www.cityoftacoma.org/workshops
or call (253) 573-2426
Directions on website: www.cityoftacoma.org/EnviroHouse
EnviroHouse 2016 Workshop Schedule
Free workshops, open to Tacoma & Pierce County residents
Advance registration required: www.cityoftacoma.org/workshops or call (253) 573-2426
February
Sat., Feb. 06 - 10:30 am Natural Daylight: Solatube DIY demo
Sat., Feb. 13 - 10:30 am Organic Fruit Tree Selection and Care
Sat., Feb. 13 - 1:30 pm Early Gardens, Berries, Root Stock, Raised Beds - NEW
Sat., Feb. 20 - 10:30 am Ductless Heat Pump: Advantages & Incentives
Sat., Feb. 20 - 1:30 pm Solar Power: How it can work for you
Sat., Feb. 27 - 10:30 am Backyard Chickens: Getting Started
March
Sat., Mar. 12 - 10:30 am Yard Waste & Worm Bin Composting
Sat., Mar. 19 - 10:30 am Backyard Chickens: Getting Started
Sun, Mar. 20 - 1:30 pm Rain Barrels: How to Make & Maintain
Sat., Mar. 26 - 10:30 am Food Garden Prep: Starting with Seeds
Workshop Location: City of Tacoma EnviroHouse
Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center (former Landfill)
3510 S. Mullen St., 98409
Directions on website: www.cityoftacoma.org/EnviroHouse
Schedule is subject to change
EnviroHouse Public Hours: Wed.-Fri. 10-3; Sat.-Sun. 11-5
EnviroHouse email: eho...@cityoftacoma.org
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Sea Level Rise and New Development in Olympia
Tuesday, February 9, 5:30 pm
Olympia City Council Chambers
601 4th Ave. E.
Olympia WA
Interested in learning more about the City's plans for sea level rise as they relate to new development downtown?
City Council is scheduled to have a study session on the topic on February 9th, 5:30pm at City Hall in consideration of raising base height elevations for new construction.
Agenda subject to change - check the City Council's calendar to confirm the agenda and download the meeting packet.
Link
City of Olympia City Council Calendar: https://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
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Methanol Plant Proposed in Tacoma - Upcoming Public Meetings
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Public Scoping Meetings on Proposed Methanol Plant
Wednesday, February 10, 2016, 6:30 PM
Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 5th Floor
1500 Broadway, Tacoma
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016, 6:30 PM
Meeker Middle School
4402 Nassau Avenue NE., Tacoma
The doors will open at 5:00 for speaker sign-up and the meeting will begin at 6:30; speakers will be called upon in the order of sign-up. The draft Scope of Work will be available for review by February 5 and will be posted on this web page, so that comments may include a review of the scope of work.
The purpose of the public scoping meetings is to provide information about the proposed project and to provide an opportunity to make oral comment on the scope of the EIS. Additionally, written comments will be accepted at this meeting. Comment forms will be available. All submitted comments will be entered in the proposal's environmental review record as scoping comments.
Additional information can be found in the following documents:
The City of Tacoma will post all updates, SEPA documents and draft Scope of Work on this webpage: http://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=94549 The transcript and recording of the January 21 meeting have been posted this page.
Background
Northwest Innovation Works, Tacoma, LLC (NWIWT) proposes to develop and operate a natural gas-to-methanol production plant and export facility on approximately 125 acres in the Port of Tacoma. The project objective is the manufacture and shipment of methanol to global markets for use as a feedstock for manufacturing olefins used in the production of plastics and other materials.
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South Sound Education Committee Meeting
Mon, Feb 8
5:30-7 pm
The Spar
114 4th Ave E, Olympia
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The Future of High Performance Housing in Thurston County
Thurs, Feb 25
6-8 pm
Eastside Urban Farm & Garden Center
2326 4th Ave E, Olympia
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Builders Becoming Rainwise: New Stormwater Management Codes in 2016!
Thurs, March 24
6-8 pm
Eastside Urban Farm & Garden Center
2326 4th Ave E, Olympia
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Work Session on Low Impact Development Code Update
Wed, Feb 3, 6:30 p.m.
County Courthouse complex, Building One, Room 152
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia
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Tacoma Green Drinks: Net Impact
Thurs, Feb 4, 6:00 pm
Harmon Brewery & Restaurant
1938 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
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Learn-&-Build Workparties
Interior Storm Window Inserts
Saturdays: Feb 6 & 27
10 am - 4 pm
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
2300 East End Street NW, Olympia
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Solatube Natural Daylight Workshop
Sat, Feb 6, 10:30 am
City of Tacoma EnviroHouse
3510 S. Mulllen St., Tacoma
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EnviroHouse Workshops
Saturdays
February - March 2016
City of Tacoma EnviroHouse
3510 S. Mulllen St., Tacoma
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Study Session on Sea Level Rise and Development in Olympia
Tues Feb 9, 5:30 pm
Olympia City Council Chambers
601 4th Ave. E., Olympia
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Public Scoping Meetings on Proposed Methanol Plant
Wed, Feb 10, 6:30 pm
Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 5th Floor
1500 Broadway, Tacoma
Tues, Feb 16, 6:30 pm
Meeker Middle School
4402 Nassau Ave NE, Tacoma
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Urban Waters Methanol Plant Discussion Series
Thursdays: Feb 11, 25, March 3, 10
6-8 pm
UW Tacoma
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VETS_CAFE Spring Permaculture Series
Feb 12, 25, March 12
Orting Soldier's Home
1301 Orting Kapowsin Hwy E, Orting.
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Downtown Olympia Strategy Workshop
Sat, Feb 20,
9:30 am - noon
Olympia Center
222 Columbia St NW
Olympia
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Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Methanol Plants
Thurs, Feb 25, 6 p.m
Kilworth Memorial Chapel at University of Puget Sound
3410 N. 18th St. Tacoma
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Low Impact Development Training
Ongoing
Various locations
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About EcoTone
Published monthly by volunteers.
Click Here to Subscribe
To Submit an event or article for inclusion in this newsletter, please follow our submission guidelines, and email your article to the editor (ba...@scavezze.com) by the LAST DAY of the MONTH.
About the Title
Ecotones are the transition zone between two different plant communities such as forest and prairie, where they meet and integrate. They are the most productive places in nature. The Guild is perfectly perched at the ecotone between community and ecological building education. The Board will work to make the Guild the most productive ecological building community in the South Sound.
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Urban Waters Methanol Plant Discussion Series
Thursdays: February 11, 25, March 3, 10
6:00 - 8:00pm
Carwein Auditorium (KEY 102), UW Tacoma campus
Advance registration is required
Explore the science underlying a proposed gas-to-methanol production plant in Tacoma.
The Center for Urban Waters is hosting a four-part discussion series on the proposed methanol production plant and export facility in Tacoma. Invited speakers will lead a series of informed conversations that are intended to provide a common understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of this complex project. Click Here for More Info.
Note: The Feb 11 event is already at capacity and a wait list is in place. Video will be available after each event.
More information and to register: http://www.tacoma.uw.edu/methanol
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Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Methanol Plants
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Talk by Chemist and National Activist Wilma Subra
Thursday, February 25th, 2016, 6 pm
Kilworth Memorial Chapel at University of Puget Sound (UPS)
3410 N. 18th St, Tacoma
Everyone is welcome to the free talk and Q&A
The controversial proposal to build the world’s largest methanol plant on Tacoma’s Tideflats will be critiqued at a free public presentation by environmental chemist and activist Wilma Subra.
The talk and Q&A is sponsored by the university’s Sound Policy Institute and The Sierra Club’s Tatoosh Group of Pierce County. The Washington State Chapter of the Sierra Club is opposed to the methanol project.
“We hope to make this session on the proposed methanol plant an informative one and an opportunity for people in the community to get scientific answers to questions they may have,” said Daniel Sherman, director of the university’s Sound Policy Institute. “Wilma Subra is a respected environmental health evaluator, with broad experience in the field, and we welcome her observations and ideas.”
 Subra, a MacArthur Genius Award winner, has been fighting for decades to protect the interests of Louisiana residents who live in an area dubbed “Cancer Alley,” along the Mississippi River. Clusters of cancer patients have been diagnosed in the region, with many blaming the nearby industrial plants.
In Tacoma a Chinese-backed company called Northwest Innovation Works has proposed building a plant on the Port of Tacoma that would convert natural gas, delivered to the site by an underground pipe, into methanol. The flammable liquid would be taken by tanker ship to a plant in China to be used in making a plastic-like substance for products such as cellphones, furniture, and carpet.
A group of local residents has created an informative website about the proposed methanol refinery in the port of Tacoma. You can find information about the EIS scoping process, how to get involved, upcoming meetings and educational events, downloadable flyers and posters and a comprehensive list of news articles.
Please have a look and share: www.redlinetacoma.org
For directions and a map of the University of Puget Sound campus:pugetsound.edu/directions
For more information:
http://www.pugetsound.edu/news-and-events/campus-news/details/1455/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1704021679841697/
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VETS_CAFE Spring Permaculture Series
January 9 was a Permaculture class and work party training day at the Orting Site. We covered soil basics, sheet mulching and composting, the qualities which no till methods impart to soil and production, as well as approaches to cultivating soil. We hosted about 20 participants, who, after the morning seminar, went outside and got dirty. We did some light lifting, leveling two trailers in our depot area. One will be a shop space and one an auxiliary studio for getting out of the rain, small focus sessions and so on. Great Progress! Thanks to Lee Baleme for his leadership, and the Mission Continues and Team Rubicon for coming out, playing and getting dirty with us!
We will be wrapping up our informal Permaculture Series at Orting March 12 with a potluck barbecue, don't miss it! VETS_CAFE will certainly be involved with Orting in the future, and we're working with the WDVA to create a vision for that. We will also be setting up for programming at Scatter Creek Farm and Conservancy, as well as working with the Veteran's Conservation Corps on Olympia area projects, so while there's some transition going on, we are growing and excited to see what we can manifest in Olympia.
Orting Schedule, Spring Permaculture Series
February 12, 10am-4pm (Friday)
AM: Natural Building: Cob, Strawbale, Timberframe, Stone, Recycled Materials, etc. Plant of the Day.
PM: Veterans' Benefits and Services with Matt West, WDVA
February 26, 10am-4pm (Friday)
AM: Access to Land: Building Partnerships and Securing Funding, Grants, 'Wish List' and Advancement Strategies.
PM: Invisible Structures: National and International Permaculture Projects and Opportunities.
March 12, 11am-4pm (Saturday)
Potluck and Series Wrap Up- We will be grilling and chillin'. Bring a friend, a lil' something for the grill, salad, your best home made soup, or some pie made from your mom's last can of peaches. Cafe style conversation, dig deeper or just enjoy the company.
Location:
Orting Soldier's Home
1301 Orting Kapowsin Hwy E, Orting, WA 98360
Contact:
Deston Dennistoin, Director VETS_CAFE
vetsca...@gmail.com
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Olympia Downtown Strategy Workshop
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Saturday, February 20, 2016
9:30 am to noon
Olympia Center
222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia
At this session we will evaluate Land Use Alternatives for Downtown Olympia.
This is the second in a series of workshops for the Downtown Strategy. Free child-care is available while attending the workshop. The child must be potty-trained, and a light snack will be provided.
Online opportunities will be provided after the workshop. Learn more about the Downtown Strategy online at olympiawa.gov/DTS. Have questions? Email D...@ci.olympia.wa.us
The Stakeholder Work Group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Agendas posted to the City's Agenda and Meeting Calendar external link the Friday before.
Link
Agenda and Meeting Calendar: https://olympia.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
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Low Impact Development Training Program
Click on the link below to view and register for the upcoming courses in the Statewide Low Impact Development Training Program:
http://www.eventbrite.com/o/lid-training-team-8360043510
January is offering a wealth of course options, with everything from bioretention and permeable pavement to NPDES permitting and hydrologic modeling!
Many courses are expected to sell out, so don't hesitate to register. Remember, be sure to add your name to the waitlist for courses currently sold out!
Courses throughout the rest of this year's program are open for registration as well. Sign up early to secure your spot. Full refunds can be processed with at least two-days' notice should you need to cancel.
For other news, updates, information, and the most up-to-date course catalog please visit the Washington Stormwater Center's website: http://www.wastormwatercenter.org/lidswtrainingprogram/
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