County Talks 2023 Fire Season: Benton County has released the third episode of its public podcast. This latest effort features insights into fire season 2023 with Oregon Department of Forestry Protection Unit Forester Leo Williamson, Albany Fire Department. Public Information Officer Sandy Roberts, Benton County Emergency Manager Bryan Lee and host Dan Crall.
In a release from the county, in March, Episode 1 of the podcast featured the history of the Coffin Butte landfill, and what the county is doing to manage solid waste in the future.
The second episode was released in May featuring the Jackson-Frazier Wetland and work happening to maintain and preserve the wetland with Natural Resources Coordinator Adam Stebbins, and Natural Areas Parks & Events Deputy Director Jesse Ott.
“We are thrilled to launch this new podcast and provide community members with a new way to stay informed and connected to their local government,” said Public Information Officer Cory Grogan. “The podcast will give us the opportunity to take a deeper dive on topics the community cares about.”
The next podcast with Host and Producer, KORC’s Dan Crall, will feature homeless response in Benton County and the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center.
“Benton County Public Podcast” is available on RSS.com. Listeners can also access each episode on the county’s website and YouTube channel.
Corvallis Water Quality: The City of Corvallis released its water quality report to the public on Tuesday. This report is for 2023.
In a release from the city, the report offers a snapshot of the municipal water system in Corvallis, including an overview of how water is produced, treated, stored, distributed, and tested regularly to ensure a safe, secure, and affordable water supply for City customers.
Spoiler alert: The cover of the report states “The Corvallis Water System consistently provides a reliable supply of high-quality tap water that surpasses all state and federal drinking water quality requirements.”
To download the report, visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/waterreport.
Also, as no small aside, City officials with the Public Works Department are urging Corvallis residents to save on water throughout this summer to minimize the impacts during fall and winter to the water quality throughout the city.
Trash Talks: Also on Tuesday, the commissioners began deliberations on how to move forward with the Benton County Talks Trash Workgroup report and the next steps in a more sustainable materials management plan.
In a release from the county, the purpose of the work is to provide Benton County with an analysis of methods to reduce environmental, social (including equity and health), and economic impacts across the complete lifecycle of materials, addressing current and future county needs, while incorporating regional approaches and extensive stakeholder engagement.
What all this means for a prospective landfill expansion – well, you’ll need to stay tuned.
Independence Day: Both Benton County and the City of Corvallis offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of the 4th of July.
In a release from the City of Corvallis, offices will reopen at 8:00am on Wednesday.
By Jennifer Warner
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