DEQ Report

Unfortunately I cannot post the DEQ Report for the "overflow incident report"
However any of you that would like to receive the report can do the following:

DEQ Report Records Request:

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the DEQ report for the “overflow” incident, you can request the records by going to:

http://www.deq.idaho.gov/contact-us/public-records-request/online-prr-request-form/

Simply fill out the form and request the incident report from the overflow which occurred at the Bayview wastewater system in August 2017

Norma Jean

Reprinted with permission from Cedar Mountain Association

Special Alert Board of County Commissioners Hearing September 14 – 6 PM Admin Bldg.

This hearing will be your last chance to address any remaining concerns you have regarding ORA 17-0001, Mr. Poorman’s requested changes to the Kootenai County Ordinances. BUT WAIT… we now have another issue coming before this same hearing. This summer, members of Cedar Mountain Association have monitored Kootenai County Planning Commission workshops and hearings regarding ordinance changes which, for the most part, are routine and helpful to our community.  However, one issue has surfaced which causes us great concern.   Without Notice, Transitional Housing, All Zones?  Kootenai County Community Development Department has requested that a use be added to allow Transitional Group Housing Facilities conditionally permitted in the County in virtually all zones. Transitional group housing would accommodate 9 or more people on 3 or more acres. Without notice, at the Planning Commission workshop, a presentation was made, including architectural renderings, showing a village of what was described as 22 insulated and heated sheds on skids, each shed providing sleeping quarters for two people, to serve as transitional shelters for the homeless.  The facility also included plans for communal kitchen and bathroom facilities.  Currently, such a proposal cannot be considered by Kootenai County because there is no use in the ordinance allowing such facilities.  The proposed change to the ordinance, 8.5.135: TRANSITIONAL GROUP HOUSING FACILITIES, if passed, would allow this housing model – as well as others models- to be considered in virtually all zones. Real Concerns, Their Reaction, We Agree Members of the Planning Commission had many real concerns about the transitional housing concept, among them density in zones which are not meant to be densely populated, and the location of such facilities far from services such as medical, mental health, transportation, law enforcement, and jobs.  Their reaction was that such facilities should be located in or near the city, but this same concept has been rejected by the City of Coeur d’Alene for good cause. We agree that the homeless population would be better served in an urban setting. We do not, however, believe that the tiny shed model is the best solution for them. The argument is being made that the CUP process will give the rigorous vetting needed for transitional housing.  You will recall, however, Community Development has time and again told us it does not have enough funds budgeted for vetting or enforcement. Our Research, The Model, Our Concern While we recognize that sheltering the homeless is a vital concern to every community, our research has found that this tiny shed model has not had the success predicted and it is being abandoned in other cities in favor of other models.  Our concern is, this land use category is being pushed beforeKootenai County has formulated any consensus-built county-wide policy to address homelessness. We believe this use would be to dump transitional housing for the homeless in the laps of an unprepared and unconsulted rural and agricultural community. There is no reason to rush to action. A serious review of this change to the ordinance will show that this is not appropriate for the County. Here is a link to a 2016 article regarding this proposal in Coeur d’Alene:  http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/sep/27/tiny-homes-for-the-homeless-proposed-for-coeur-dal/#/0 We need you to attend the upcoming BOCC hearing and speak out on this critical issue.

From the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Idahoans are exposed to wildfire smoke from both wildfires occurring in Idaho and from wildfires in nearby states. Wildfire smoke exposure can cause both respiratory and heart problems. To protect yourself and your family review the information below about people who are most at risk from wildfire smoke, symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure and how to limit your and your family’s contact with wildfire smoke.

For more information click on the topics below.

  Sensitive Populations

  Symptoms of Wildfire Smoke Sensitivity

  Ways to Reduce Smoke Exposure

• Pay attention to local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Find out if your community provides reports about the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI). Also pay attention to public health messages about taking additional safety measures.

• Refer to visibility guides if they are available. Not every community monitors the amount of particles that are in the air. In the western part of the United States, some communities have guidelines to help people estimate the Air Quality Index (AQI) based on how far they can see.

• If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot inside. Run a filtered air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere. For example, go to a local mall, movie theater, library or some area that can provide temporary relief from the smoke. 

• Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Avoid frying or broiling when cooking. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

• Do not add to outdoor air pollution. When smoke levels are high, try to limit activities that add to poor air quality. For example, do not burn wood or other materials that will add smoke to the air. Try to limit using gas lawnmowers and driving your car during poor air quality days. Consider taking the bus or carpooling to limit air pollution.

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps dilute phlegm in the respiratory tract making it easier to cough smoke particles out. Plan on coughing, it is nature's way of clearing your lungs. Avoid caffeine products, sugary drinks and alcohol as they have a dehydrating effect. 

• Avoid outdoor exercise or other strenuous activities on poor air quality days. Both adults and children should limit outdoor activities when smoke levels are a concern. 

• Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Keep at least a 5-day supply of medications on hand. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

• If you wear contact lenses, switch to eyeglasses in a smoky environment. 

• Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An “N95” mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. For more information about effective masks, see the Respirator Fact Sheetprovided by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

  Portable Air Cleaners

  Emergency Go Bag