Letters to the Editor, June 22, 2009

How to live in a sustainable way

The effects of runoff from the upper Samish on oyster harvesters have proved Newton’s law that says every force has an equal and opposite reaction. Case in point: At the Anacortes Waterfront Festival, I met the Ratfields, a family who own and…

Back to the story


You must be logged in to comment. Login / Register (FREE!)


Comments are opinions of the author only, and do not reflect the opinions or views of Skagit Publishing.
Please view our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for further details.


2 comments


Page 1 of 1

swatch

June 22, 2009 - 11:22 PM | Comment # 5953 |

Once again Skagit’s rural residents are being blamed for destroying oyster beds. If Ms Edelberg would read the Puget Sound Partnership’s reports she would learn that the biggest polluters live in cities where stormwater runoff causes the most problems for shellfish. Skagit County has a very good program for monitoring septic systems and owners of faulty systems are required to make repairs. Sewage treatment plants—not septic systems—belch thousands of gallons of raw sewage into the Sound on a regular basis. Does anybody care?

innovagp

June 23, 2009 - 02:40 PM | Comment # 5981 |

I did not interpret her letter as pointing fingers so much as appealing to a spirit of cooperation to reduce the waste in Samish Bay.  We will need that to solve the problem.

The Department of Ecology has studied the Samish River and sloughs that empty into Samish Bay.  Their study found considerable fecal coliform bacteria in the river and the sloughs, so at least some, if not the majority, of this bay pollution is coming from upstream.  What was not studied was what proportion is coming from animals and humans--livestock, wildlife, or septic systems.  No city sewage treatment plants are upstream in the Samish basin.

It seems that we need more scientific work to find out the specific upriver sources of the Samish Bay pollution.  Pointing fingers without data is not particularly helpful.

Page 1 of 1




More Local News

Top Jobs

PROGRAM MANAGER developmentally disabled adults. Responsible for the overall day-to-day functioning of this supported living program. The Manager participates in hiring staff, training staff, scheduling of staff. BA or equiv plus 2 yrs working with the people we serve in a residential setting. At least 2-3 yrs. experience as a supervisor + direct service. Volunteers of America Western Washington is a private non-profit human service agency serving the disabled in Skagit County. Come be a part of what we do and make a difference every day. EEO/AA If you wish to apply for this position, send a resume to bdavis@voaww.org or come to 1934 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.


Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257


REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V


Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.


LIVE-IN CAREGIVER. Room and board furnished. Clean, cook, secretarial, farm management. Integrity required. 360-873-9600


Housekeeping/Laundry Experience preferred but will also train. Must be available days, weekends and holidays. $10.50 - $12.50 DOQ Join our team and enjoy a full complement of benefits including medical and life insurance at no charge to the employee, dental, paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401K plan. Must be able to pass a background check and a 90 day drug screen. For more info., please contact Human Resources at 360-724-0265 or visit our website: www.theskagit.com Human Resources Hours: M-F, 8am to 5pm Directions: North or southbound - Take I-5 to Exit 236


FARMERS INSURANCE AGENT We are looking for career motivated people to join our team. Join our team full time or train while you keep your current job to ensure a comfortable transition into the industry. Take advantage of top notch training, unlimited income potential, and the flexibility our company offers. Call Michael Dame at (360) 714 8117 x204 or email resume to mdame@farmersagent.com


STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985