Environment | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

This is the mysterious pulpy material that has been flowing into LOTT's Budd Inlet Treatment Plant since approximately May 23, 2022.

What is the new and mysterious pulpy mass clogging up the works at LOTT’s treatment plant?

Something strange is floating into LOTT’s sewage treatment plant in downtown Olympia. It’s a nuisance, they say, and they’re willing to pay $1,000 to someone who tells them the … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/27/22 | 2 comments

At the BOCC public hearing formation of Pattison Lake Management District (PLMD) on July 16, 2022, Rob Peters recounted the tragic death of a man who drowned because of reeds in the lake.

BOCC hears public comments for proposed Pattison Lake Management District

Pattison Lake residents are pushing for the creation of a county-supported lake management district, which they believe would help protect and oversee the improvement of water quality and safety in … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/27/22

Seniors are one demographic at risk during heat waves.

Cool off to stay safe - Lacey to open heat shelter for seniors this week

Lacey is opening a cooling center for seniors who are at risk from the expected heat wave predicted for this week. Where and when Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center at 6757 Pacific Avenue SE will … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 7/25/22 | 1 comment

Sandjay Property, through Barghausen Consulting Engineers, submitted a proposal to build a 32-lot single-family detached residential subdivision at 2020 Lister Road NE in Olympia. The Site Plan Committee reviewed the plan on July 13, 2022.

New subdivision proposed for Lister Road

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee yesterday held a proposal for a 32-lot single-family detached residential subdivision on a 4.7-acre parcel area at 2020 Lister Road NE. Ivana Halvorsen, of … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/22/22

At the Olympia city council meeting held July 19, 2022, LOTT Environmental Planning and Communications Director Lisa Dennis-Perez enumerated the research group activities they have done over the years for reclaimed water infiltration study.

LOTT study: Reclaimed water safe to use

LOTT Environmental Planning and Communications director Lisa Dennis-Perez said reclaimed water has a low risk to human health and no threat to ecological health. Dennis-Perez updated Olympia city … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/20/22 | 2 comments

Olympia Downtown Ambassadors and Clean Team honored for 10 years of service to the community

The Olympia City Council honored the men and women in the Olympia Downtown Ambassador Program and Clean Team for their 10 years of service in extending business support and hospitality services to … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 7/20/22

Potholes along the trail will be repaired on July 11.

Yelm Rainier Tenino Trail to be closed next Monday, July 11

Yelm Rainier Tenino Trail between Manke Road SE and Tipsoo Drive SE will be closed on Monday, July 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for maintenance. According to Thurston County, crews will work on the … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 7/6/22

Preparedness, response and mitigation are shown as important concepts to planning the Hazards Mitigation Plan of Thurston Region.

Mitigating disaster: Thurston County is getting an update to our hazards mitigation plan

Thurston County’s hazard mitigation plan was brought to the Tumwater City Council work session yesterday. Planning Manager Brad Medrud laid out the details, explaining “this is our … more

By Sage Hamilton | 6/29/22

Visitors on June 27, 2022 arrived at the Cooper Crest Forest to see the these signs warning would-be hikers away from the property.

Surprise logging operation in west Olympia has galvanized neighbors

Olympia residents near 20th Avenue NW and Cooper Point Road were surprised this morning when they discovered that 20th Avenue was being shut down with no notice for a logging operation … more

By Sage Hamilton and Danny Stusser | 6/27/22 | 10 comments

Governor Jay Inslee shoots a selfie with his wife, Trudi, at the formal opening of the Capitol Campus Pollinator Garden on June 22, 2022.

Olympia’s newest park is for the bees

Olympia’s newest park offers something for toddlers, seniors, skaters, lunch-packers, grade-schoolers, gardeners and beekeepers. Not only that, Olympia didn’t have to pay a penny for … more

By Danny Stusser | 6/24/22

Olympia Climate Program manager Dr. Pamela Braff discussed Washington State Commercial Energy Code that requires non-residential commercial buildings to meet solar-ready requirements during the Land Use and Environment Committee meeting on Thursday, June 16.

Climate program manager recommends Olympia adopt Washington State commercial energy code

Olympia Climate Program manager Dr. Pamela Braff recommended amending Washington State's Commercial Energy Code to include large multifamily buildings to meet solar readiness requirements in the … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/21/22 | 1 comment

Olympia committee wants the city to be 100% EV ready

Land Use and Environment Committee members are eyeing the possibility of a 100% EV (electric vehicle) readiness in all residential parking in Olympia. "Having that goal having access to EV … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/17/22

The Lacey City Council approved yesterday a new permit process for tree removal within the city, with a vote of four in favor and two opposed.

Tree City USA: Lacey amends tree-cutting regulations

The Lacey City Council approved a new permit process on tree removal within the city yesterday. Councilmember Michael Steadman pushed for amending the existing threshold of five tree removals … more

By JC Medina | 6/17/22 | 4 comments

John Mahone of Olympia Code Enforcement discussed establishing a vacant property registration program at a Land Use and Environment committee meeting on June 16, 2022.

Keeping track of vacant properties: Olympia considering a registry

Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee will endorse an ordinance establishing a vacant property registration program to assist the city in identifying abandoned or vacant property. During … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/17/22 | 1 comment

This drawing shows the flow of energy in a small modular (nuclear) reactor, such as those being considered for the Centralia power plant.

Feds mull building nuke plant in Centralia

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is considering constructing a nuclear power plant to replace either one or both coal-fired power plants in Centralia. Pacific Northwest National … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 6/16/22 | 11 comments

Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan attended the Barnes Lake Management District (BLMD) Steering Committee June 8 meeting for the first time since she started her term in January this year.

Tumwater Mayor joins Barnes Lake Management District meeting for the first time

Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan attended the Barnes Lake Management District (BLMD) Steering Committee meeting for the first time since she started her term in January this year. Sullivan said that … more

By JC Medina | 6/16/22

TRPC eyeing a big portion of $75 million Move Ahead Washington fund to fix I-5 Nisqually River bridges

Thurston Regional Planning Council Executive Director Marc Daily wants over $54 million of the $75 million appropriations from the Move Ahead Washington fund to fix the Nisqually River Delta … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/13/22

Project co-lead Simran Sarai accepts The Year of the Salish Sea proclamation, signed by the Olympia city council members on June 7, 2022.

Olympia signs proclamation to protect Salish Sea

Olympia declared June 8, 2022 to June 7, 2023 as the Year of the Salish Sea. By signing the proclamation on Tuesday, June 7, council members expressed commitment with the StehChass people of … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/13/22 | 3 comments

Olympia's waste recovery vehicles are reaching the end of their useful lives now; electric-powered replacements are not yet available, according to city staff.

Olympia city manager wants traditional garbage trucks now, electric later

Olympia City manager Jay Burney has asked the city council to approve the purchase of six gasoline-fueled waste refuse collection trucks instead of electric ones to replace the existing garbage … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 6/10/22 | 3 comments

Lacey City Council voted 3-1 in favor of the approval of the controversial Meridian Market Gas Station amid a furious crowd who attended the public meeting on June 2, 2022.

Lacey votes 3-1 in favor of Meridian gas station, residents furious

The Lacey City Council voted 3-1 in favor of the approval of the controversial Meridian Market Gas Station amid a furious crowd who attended the public meeting last night. Councilmembers Lenny … more

By JC Medina | 6/3/22 | 3 comments