Last updated 5:04PM ET
November 20, 2009
Environment
Environment
New 520 Interchange Would Add Second Montlake Drawbridge There's a potential milestone in the long search for a replacement for the SR-520 bridge over Lake Washington. But, a coalition of Seattle neighborhoods is already vowing to torpedo it. The proposal approved Tuesday, November 17th, calls for widening the freeway and adding a second drawbridge in Montlake. KPLU's Keith Seinfeld reports:
Seattle's Other Mega-Project - Decision Time for New 520 Bridge A replacement for downtown Seattle's viaduct has been getting a lot of attention, but there's an equally challenging state highway project that crosses Lake Washington. The question is how to replace the aging SR-520 bridge. A committee is supposed to vote Tuesday on which option to recommend to the legislature. KPLU's Keith Seinfeld has more:
Could NY E-Waste Suit Ricochet on Washington? Washington and 18 other states have laws that require electronics manufacturers to take back their old, worn-out products for recycling. Now, the electronics industry is challenging an e-waste law in New York City they say is too burdensome. Could the suit in New York provide legal ammunition for an attack on Washington's e-waste law? KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty has more.
Dam Fixes Mean Lower Flood Risk on Green River A devastating flood on the Green River is less likely than before. That's the update from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has been working on a temporary fix at the Howard Hanson Dam. More from KPLU's Keith Seinfeld:
Flooding Risk is Lower, But No Victory Dances Temporary repairs are making a difference at Howard Hanson Dam, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The risk of flooding on the Green River is now lower than it was a month ago - but still much higher than in the past. KPLU science and health reporter Keith Seinfeld explains:
Green River to Get High Tech Flood Warning Tools Problems with the 50 year-old Howard Hanson Dam could mean managers will have to release a lot of extra water down the Green River this winter. Now, the federal government has promised new high-tech tools to help give a heads-up about potential floods. More from KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty.
Washington Approves "Salish Sea" Designation A state board in Washington has approved a measure to give Puget Sound, Georgia Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca a new name. They've officially designated them the "Salish (SAY-lish) Sea." More from KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty.
State Board to Vote on "Salish Sea" The Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Georgia Strait are parts of a connected marine ecosystem. Now, a state board is likely to approve a new name for the inland waterways shared by Washington and British Columbia: The Salish Sea. KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty has more.
Howard Hanson Dam Update Recent heavy rains have got people in the Green River Valley nervously eying the Howard Hanson Dam in South King County. But officials say they've got things under control, at least for now. More from KPLU's Liam Moriarty.
Flood Warning Center Opens in King County An intense rainfall has observers at King County's Flood Warning Center keeping an eye on the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers. More from K-P-L-U environment reporter Liam Moriarty.
King County Learning from Katrina Learning from the mistakes of others. That's what King County officials are trying to do as they prepare for flooding this winter in the Green River Valley. KPLU's Paula Wissel has the story
Where to Put Flood Victims Picture flood victims living in the Tacoma Dome. Or evacuees being housed in a cruise ship terminal. Both scenarios are possible. As KPLU's Paula Wissel reports, emergency officials are looking at "mega shelter" sites that could be used if the Green River Valley floods this winter.
Recession Deepens Sound Transit Deficit Sound Transit now expects to come up more than $3 billion short over the next 15 years. But the agency still hopes to build -- on schedule -- all the projects voters approved in last year's Proposition 1. KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty has the story.
King County Declares "Flood Emergency" For Green River King County is declaring a flood emergency in the Green River valley -- even though no flood is imminent. The unprecedented action is meant to speed up preparations for a dangerous situation this winter. KPLU's Keith Seinfeld explains:
Dam's Condition Forces Flooding Precautions Volunteers may soon be knocking on the doors of 20,000 residents in south King County, to warn them about flooding this winter on the Green River. The Howard Hanson Dam won't be at full capacity. The cost to protect public facilities alone, including a county jail and elections office, could run into the tens of millions of dollars. KPLU's Keith Seinfeld reports:
Track Your Trash with MIT and the Seattle Library Have you ever wondered what happens to that candy-bar wrapper or paper cup after you toss it into the trash bin? You can soon find out. Seattle Public Library is collaborating with a lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to track local trash. KPLU's Bellamy Pailthorp has the story.
King County Parks Facing Closure King County budget troubles could mean your neighborhood park will be closed. County Executive Kurt Triplett is proposing that 39 parks be mothballed next year. More from KPLU's Paula Wissel.
King County Park Closures Dozens of parks in King County could close next year. County Executive Kurt Triplett says shuttering parks would help stave off severe cuts to social services. The county is facing a $56 million dollar budget shortfall. KPLU's Paula Wissel has the story.
Bike Sharing in Hilly and Rainy Seattle? Bike sharing is popular in cities like Paris, Barcelona, Montreal, and even Denver where there's a robust pilot program underway. But could it make it in Seattle where the hills are steep and the streets are wet and slick?
Seattle to Vote on Grocery Bag Fee Seattle voters are being asked whether to approve a 20-cent fee on plastic and paper grocery bags. The rationale is simple: they're bad for the environment and if people have to pay for them, they'll choose re-usable bags instead. But a huge influx of out-of-state corporate cash has shifted much of the campaign's focus. KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty has more.

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