July 24, 2003
4 – 6 PM
Present: Brian Carlson, City of Vancouver Environmental Services
Victor Ehrlich, City of Vancouver Environmental Services
Brent Boger, City of Vancouver Attorney
Lou Dooley, Clark County Health Department
Randy Phillips, Clark County Health Department
Monica Kirk, EPA
Iloba Odum, Department of Ecology
Dave Howard, Department of Ecology
Discussion:
- This meeting was requested by EPA and Ecology to better understand a complaint from the Rosemere Neighborhood Association about possible septic tank pollution impacting Burnt Bridge Creek.
- EPA and Ecology explained their respective roles and information about the utility functions.
- Review of the City’s and the Health Department’s program for septic tank removal throughout the city brought several facts to light.
- The City believes that all lots in the Rosemere area are served by the sewer, so no further sewer lines are needed there.
- The Health Department is not aware of any failing septic tanks in the Rosemere area. If there were such tanks they would act.
- The most recent sampling of Burnt Bridge Creek waters occurred in 2002. No significant shift in fecal coliform numbers has occurred.
- The current plans for sewer expansion target the largest areas of septic tanks in Vancouver.
- Utility Functions: City of Vancouver has a city wide stormwater utility and Clark County has a separate storm water utility.
Next steps for EPA and Ecology:
1. Monica Kirk and Dave Howard will meet with Clark County Health Department to review septic tank inspection records (tentatively set for August). Monica will arrange the meeting.
2. Dave Howard will obtain latest water quality data from Victor Ehrlich and copies of sewer maps presented at the meeting.
Environmental Complaint:
1. Iloba Odum will work with Ecology Hazardous Waste Cleanup and Air Programs to answer questions presented in the Environmental Complaint.
2. Once this information is reviewed and digested a presentation and/or meeting with the Rosemere Neighborhood Association will be held by Ecology.
Next Meeting:
1. It was agreed at this meeting that further meetings with this group will only be held if there is a clear need to do so. At this time we do expect to need such a meeting.
Respectfully,
Dave Howard, Lower Columbia Watershed Coordinator
Ecology’s Vancouver Office
2108 Grand Blvd
Vancouver, Washington
(360) 690-4796
dhow461@ecy.wa.gov
