HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2002-041WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. AB2002 -333
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council Office
Agenda Date
Assigned to:
Originator.,
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SEP 3 2002
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Division Head.,
Dept. Head:
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Prosecutor
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Purchasing/Budget:
Executive:
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SUBJECT.
Resolution: Reducing Mercury In Our Environment
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Resolution
Related County Contract#
Should Clerk schedule a hearing: NO /X/ YES / / Requested Date:
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Mercury is identified as a worldwide problem that can impact
individuals. Actions to reduce mercury exposure have been
taken at the federal, state and local levels of government to
identify and reduce people's exposure to mercury. This
resolution supports actions that can be taken locally.
Distribution
Indicate those who should receive
Listspecific names to the right.
Request
a copy after Council action.
ADS Facilities Management
ADS Finance
ADS Human Resources
ADS Into Services
Assessor
Auditor
Cooperative Extension
District Court
Executive
Pete Kremen
Health
Regina Delahunt
Hearing Examiner
Jail
Juvenile
Parks
Planning
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
2002 -333 9110102: Approved 7-0, Res #2002-041
Re
Prosecutor
Public Works
Sheriff
Superior Court
Treasurer
Other
Ordinance or Reso /tytion Number I
(this item):
08/15/02 SPONSOREDBY: ,LrXeCufiuc
PROPOSED BY: Ward /Velson
INTRODUCTION DATE:
RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -041
REDUCING MERCURY IN OUR ENVIRONMENT
WHEREAS, mercury has been identified by the state of Washington as a persistent,
bioaccumulative, toxin which must be reduced through coordinated, comprehensive efforts if we are to
provide a healthy environment not only during our lifetimes, but also for the lifetimes of our children and
our grandchildren;
WHEREAS, human exposure to mercury, particularly in women of child bearing age and young
children, can result in long -term health effects and mercury poisoning has been linked to nervous system,
kidney and liver damage and impaired childhood development;
WHEREAS, in Washington there are 13 local fish consumption advisories that warn residents not
to eat certain fish or shellfish caught in local waters because of high mercury concentrations;
WHEREAS, the State Department of Health and Whatcom County Health and Human Services
have issued a fish consumption advisory for Lake Whatcom due to elevated mercury levels;
WHEREAS, the incineration of mercury- containing waste in municipal incinerators and medical
waste combustors contributes a significant source of mercury to the environment;
WHEREAS, paper mills also contribute a significant source of mercury to the environment;
WHEREAS, Whatcom County has had local mercury sources, including a pulp and paper mill and
waste incinerators;
WHEREAS, anthropogenic sources of mercury affect both local and regional environments;
WHEREAS, local programs such as the Bellingham Bay Pilot Project and the Lake Whatcom
Management Plan are taking action to address mercury in our local environment;
WHEREAS, Whatcom County is participating in an investigation of mercury sources and
conditions contributing to increased mercury levels in Lake Whatcom fish;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Board of Health supports further
County efforts to investigate and address mercury contamination in Bellingham Bay and Lake Whatcom.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Board of Health
encourages the State of Washington, the Department of Ecology and the Department of Health to address
mercury pollution through effective public education, regulatory oversight and site cleanup.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the citizens of Whatcom County
should do their part to address mercury pollution by choosing mercury free products; assuring that
household products containing mercury such as thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs are properly
disposed of; assuring that mercury in the work place is handled in an appropriate manner and by being
aware of the potential adverse health risks associated with consumption of certain fish species.
APPROVED this 10 day of Sept. , 2002.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown- Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
2�puty Prose u r
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WHATCOM COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
L. Ward Nelson, oard oY Health Chair