A Newsletter aboutClean Air. Providedby Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.

Spring2014

Providence Sacred Heart Earns 2014 Clean Air Award

From left: Bill Dameworth, Spokane Clean Air Director, and Providence employees Ryan Nelson,

Lori Barschig and Phil Kercher.

As you might imagine, a lot goes on behind the scenes to keep a large medical facility

operating. What you may not realize is the comprehensive environmen-tal stewardship efforts underway at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital. Their efforts were recently recognized as the 2014 Clean Air Award Recipi-ent, presented by Spokane Clean Air.

The 1.7 million square foot hospi-tal complex towers on the hill just south of downtown. What you can't see from the outside is the hospital's top-to-bottom commitment to envi-ronmental stewardship. One of their guiding principles is that, "there is a relationship between the health of those seeking care from Provi-dence and the well-being of the planet.”

Putting this guiding principal into action are the medical center em-ployees themselves, who serve on the internal Environmental Stew-ardship Council. The council estab-lishes specific goals in the areas of waste reduction, energy use, water consumption, greenhouse gas emis-

sions, sustainable facility design, and ecologically sound food systems. The council developed tools to measure their progress toward meeting specific goals. What Providence is doing has a positive effect on our environment while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

To implement their goals, Provi-dence established a "Green Team" of employees. The team has docu-mented results including a robust waste reduction program that has saved hundreds of thousands of dol-lars. In 2012 they recycled 474 tons of paper & cardboard, 15 tons of batteries and fluorescent lamps, 9 tons of cooking oil, 6 tons of elec-tronics, 6 tons of medical supplies, and 34 tons of sharps containers. In addition, they recycled and reused 365 gallons of xylene, a harmful sol-vent used in laboratories, and they reprocess surgical equipment which has reduced another 6 tons of waste. After a recent remodel, Providence donated 26.5 tons of old fixtures in-stead of throwing away.

In the energy conservation arena, the medical center is also having great success. A lighting upgrade proj-ect alone is saving over $150,000 per year. In their newly renovated emergency room, they installed a high-efficiency, low maintenance fan wall supply air system. They also installed a glycol heat recovery system which extracts wasted energy from the exhaust air and uses it to pre-heat intake air.

Providence’s water conservation ef-forts are numerous, including spe-cialized faucets and toilets that use less water. In a facility this size, ev-ery flush and switch of a light makes a difference!

. . . continued inside

ON THE AIR Spring 2014

CFLs, Mercury & Safe Disposal

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) can last up to 7 times longer than the normal incan-

descent light bulbs and use 75 percent less energy. CFLs have become the light bulb of choice due to their energy efficient qualities. A concern with CFLs is the mercury vapor released if the bulb breaks.

Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and exists in several forms: metal-lic mercury (also known as elemental mercury), inorganic mercury, and organic mercury. Metallic mercury is a shiny, silver-white metal that is liquid at room temperature. At room temperature, metallic mercury evaporates very slowly and forms mercury vapors.

Metallic mercury has been used in a variety of household products and industrial items, including ther-mometers, fluorescent light bulbs, barometers, and some blood pressure devices. Mercury-containing products can lead to contamination when thrown

away in the trash, where they might be crushed, incinerated, or otherwise mismanaged in a way that causes air-borne releases, after which mercury falls back to earth in rainwater.

Proper knowledge and disposal are es-sential to reduce unnecessary exposure

to mercury, which accumu-lates in our bodies.

There are about a dozen collection sites in the Spo-kane area. From collection sites, CFLs are transported to appropriate facilities for recycling. All the parts of the lights containing mercury are recycled the glass is reused to make products, the mercury

powder is purified and placed in new products, and the aluminum caps are recycled as metal scrap.

The City of Spokane and Spokane County’s household hazardous waste facilities (WTE and transfer stations) not only offer free recycling of CFL bulbs but also of all household hazard-ous wastes. Other locations that accept CFLs include (call first to ensure you have the latest information):

Du-Mor Recycling, 6404 N. Perry

Earthworks Recycling, 1904 E. Broadway Ave.

Home Depot: 5617 E. Sprague, 9916 N. Newport Hwy

Lowes: 6606 N. Division St., 10221 E. Montgomery Dr., and 5204 E. Sprague Ave.

The Home Depot locations offer free CFL bulb recycling in their normal business hours.

What if a fluorescent bulb breaks?

 Windows must be opened to let the vapors out for at least 15 minutes.

 Use cardboard or stiff paper as a way to pick up the large broken pieces.

 Duct tape is then used to pick up the powder and small pieces.

 Wipe the area with a paper towel or wet wipe.

 All materials should be placed in a glass container and closed tightly.

 Wash your hands.

 Do not dispose of the glass contain-er in your trash instead take it to a local hazardous waste facility. �

Don’t get burned...Recreational Fire Rules

Spring means more time outdoor and some will enjoy backyard recreational fires to take off the

chill. Before you do, please review the rules for these kinds of fires.

Recreational fires are camp/cook fires, barbecues, chimneas and other patio warmers that burn charcoal, propane, natural gas, or firewood. These are allowed throughout Spokane County under these rules:

Keep it small not tall. Fires must not exceed 3’ x 2’.

Fuel it right. Only approved fuels may be used: charcoal, gas, firewood. Firewood must be dry, clean and natu-ral (untreated) or manufactured logs. Fires cannot be used for disposal.

Stay clear of structures. Outdoor fires fueled by wood or charcoal must be at least 25’ away from any structure.

Stand guard. A person capable of ex-tinguishing the fire must attend it at all times, and the fire must be completely extinguished before leaving it.

Ask first. Permission from a land-

owner must be obtained before starting a recreational fire.

Mind the ban. Most recreational fires are prohibited during summer burn bans. Some contained fires, such as bar-becues and chimneas, may be allowed.

And finally, be considerate. Don’t burn on days when air quality is dete-riorating — which is usually on calm days/evenings with little ventilation.

Other rules may prohibit rec fires, such as homeowner association cov-enants, rental agreements, etc. So be sure to check first. �

ON THE AIRSpring 2014

Lets turn our attention to food. The medical center always gets high marks for their delicious cafeteria op-tions. Now they also earn high marks for creating a "green” food services program facility-wide. They use bio-degradeable products made from re-cycled materials. They also compost about 19 tons of food waste each year.

As one of the area's largest employers (over 4,000 employees) Providence has an award-winning Commute Trip Reduction program that hundreds of their employees participate in by us-ing alternate commute modes. They offer bus and vanpool subsidies, preferential parking for carpoolers, guaranteed ride home for emergen-cies, covered and secured bicycle ar-eas, showers and lockers, etc. Tele-working and compressed work week schedules are other options.

Over the past five years, their Com-mute Trip Reduction program has eliminated 2.46 million miles and 100,000 vehicle trips, resulting in a savings of over 20 tons of carbon monoxide pollution and 590 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from being emitted to our air.

Spokane Clean Air permits and in-spects equipment at the hospital com-plex, including boilers, generators, and ethylene oxide sterilizers. They have a good record of meeting air quality compliance requirements to minimize their air emissions. They take care to maintain and operate their equipment properly and keep good records.

Providence's dedication to improving air quality, along with their compre-hensive environmental stewardship programs, are to be commended. Congratulations! �

Providence Sacred Heart continued from cover page

Over 200 representatives from local businesses, agencies, and organizations gathered

recently at The Davenport Hotel to honor outstanding Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) performances at the annual Way to Go Awards Luncheon.

Over 100 of Spokane’s largest em-ployers participate in the CTR pro-gram, created under state mandate in 1991, and administered by Spokane County. Of the 108 worksites that surveyed their employees, over 70% made progress toward their 2015 commute trip reduction goals!

So what does this mean to for the Spokane community? It means less traffic, improved air and water quality, and happier, healthier em-ployees! The CTR Program removes 7,660 vehicles from our roadways each day in Spokane County, reduc-ing 156,264 daily miles from being driven on our roads. That number equals 6.28 trips around the world EACH DAY!

Pinnacle Award Recipients

Highlighting the event was the presentation of the three coveted Pinnacle Awards to WSU/EWU – Riverfront Campus, City of Spokane Valley and Ecova. These employers have gone far beyond the minimum requirements to dem-onstrate a firm understanding of the true benefits of trip reduction activities--cleaner air, healthier employees, reduced traffic and an overall enhancement of the quality of life in Spokane County.

Another highlight was the pre-sentation of the All Star Team

Award to Avista Corporation. The award is designed to honor an out-standing worksite CTR Committee. Many employers have formed com-mittees to assist the worksite ETC in promoting commute alternatives and communicating with employees. Ac-tive CTR committees are invaluable at worksites and often come up with fun and creative ideas.

The tenth annual Clean Air Award was presented to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. (see cover article.)

The sixth annual Spokane Transit Award was presented to Washington Trust Bank. Washington Trust Bank has been involved in the Employer Sponsored Bus Pass Program since 1988. Their organization has con-sistently purchased more than 1,000 monthly bus passes each year and further discounts the price so par-ticipating employees pay just $22.50 per bus pass – one half the cost of a standard pass! Their dedication to CTR is remarkable and very much appreciated.

Congratulations to all the award recipients. Your commitment to clean air, mobility and preserving the quality of life, makes Spokane a special place to live. Way to Go! �

Way To Go Awards Recognizes Commute Trip Reduction Efforts

ON THE AIR Spr 2014

Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency3104 E. Augusta AvenueSpokane, WA 99207

Pre-sort STD U.S. Postage

PAID Spokane, WA Permit No. 7

Air Quality Calendar On the Air is a publication of the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. Its purpose is to inform local residents on all aspects of outdoor air pollution. Please contact Lisa Woodard, Editor, with comments or story ideas: Phone: 477-4727, ext. # 115 Email: lwoodard@spokanecleanair.org Contact Information:Office: (509) 477-4727

Burn Ban Status: (509) 477-4710

Address: 3104 E. Augusta Avenue Spokane, WA 99207

Web Address: www.SpokaneCleanAir.org

Board of Directors:Al French, Chair, Spokane County

CommissionerTom Brattebo, Member-at-LargeCarmen Nezat, City of Spokane RepresentativePatrick D. Rushing, Small Cities and Towns

RepresentativeBill Bates, City of Spokane Valley

Representative

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This newsletter is also available at www.spokanecleanair.org.

Spokane Clean Air Board of DirectorsSpokane Clean Air is governed by a 5-member Board of Directors who convene monthly meetings to conduct Agency business. Unless otherwise publicized, meetings are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month, at the Agency's office. Meeting agendas and minutes are available on

Mar 26 Board of Directors retreat, location/agenda at www.SpokaneCleanAir.org

Mar 29 Newman Lake "Natural Yard Debris Drop-off Event and Composting Training. Call 477-4727 ext. #115 for details.

Apr 3 Board of Directors meeting, 9:30 a.m., 3104 E. Augusta Ave., Spokane, WA. Agenda at SpokaneCleanAir.org

Apr 12 Valleyford "Natural Yard Debris Drop-off Event and Composting Training. Call 477-4727 ext. #115 for details.

Apr 26 Arbor Day festivities at Finch Arboretum.

Apr 26 Earth Day festivities, downtown Spokane TBA.

May 1 Board of Directors meeting, 9:30 a.m., 3104 E. Augusta Ave., Spokane, WA. Agenda at SpokaneCleanAir.org

the agency’s website, www.Spokan-eCleanAir.org. All meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. For special accommodations, please call (509) 477-4727, 48 hours in advance. Cur-rent Board members are listed in the blue box on the right.

A 9-member, volunteer Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Board and the Director. Council members are appointed by the Board of Directors. The Council typically meets on the 4th Thursday of January through October, at 8 a.m., at the Agency’s office. Current members include:

Adriane Borgias, Environment Raymond Byrne, Public Health Chester Jahns, Jr., Agriculture Bernard Leber, Jr., Industry Jana McDonald, Air Quality Kevin Miller, Fire Protection Hal Ophus, Business Community Douglas Pottratz, Member-at-Large Mark Roberge, PhD, Chemistry

Advisory Council Members