Salem-News.com Environment articles

ODOT Closes Old McKenzie Pass Highway

Predicted snow causes this Seasonal Closure

(BEND, Ore.) - With snow in the Oregon Cascades predicted over the next week, maintenance managers with the Oregon Department of Transportation have made the decision to close the Old McKenzie Pass Highway (OR 242), for the winter/snow season effective Monday, November 5 at dawn.

It will reopen in Summer 2019, when the snows have melted and travel is again safe on the old highway.

White Bird Clinic is Expanding Dental & Medical Services

In response to continuously increasing community need, White Bird Clinic is purchasing a new building.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - White Bird Clinic will purchase the building at 1415 Pearl St. and redevelop it into a dental clinic to serve burgeoning community need.

The new building will allow White Bird dental to serve 50 additional patients each week and increase capacity to host student internships. The clinic will also provide denture care for elderly patients and allow White Bird to serve more children and families.

Portland Water Bureau`s Landmark $500 Million Bull Run Filtration Project is Underway

Brown and Caldwell to Manage Portland’s Historic Switch to Filtered Water Supply

(WALNUT CREEK, Calif.) - Triggered by traces of Cryptosporidium found in the water supply and revocation of PWB’s treatment variance by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the project involves the design and construction of a complete new water treatment system.

The project marks a critical transition for PWB and its customers who have relied on unfiltered water from its primary source of water for over a century.

Global Warming is Real and Could Become Irreversible

Earth is noticeably hotter, the weather stormier and more extreme.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Empirical evidence shows that global warming is real and is largely caused by man. This is not a theory; it is a fact. If someone tells you that this is not true, then they are lying or stupid or stand to make lots of money by ignoring it. By denying global warming, you have an excuse to do little or nothing about it.

Global warming is no longer about science; it is now a political, economic, social debate. In other words, what do we do about global warming?

Star Party Aug 4 at Silver Falls State Park

View the starry skies from one of the darkest places in the Willamette Valley

(SILVER FALLS, Ore.) - Moons, planets and other celestial wonders will be on display during the Silver Falls State Park Star Party 9 p.m. to midnight Aug. 4.

Telescopes and other stargazing equipment will be provided by Night Sky 45, a local astronomy club. Visitors can also enjoy a special astronomy presentation at 10 p.m.

Campfires and Open Flames Prohibited in Oregon State Parks

The fire ban is expected to last at least one week.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is prohibiting all campfires and open flames in all state park properties effective 10 a.m. today. The ban is in response to Gov. Brown’s declaration of a fire emergency.

The campfire and open flame ban includes campgrounds, day-use areas, and all areas of the Ocean Shore and beaches managed by OPRD.

Lincoln City Passes Resolution Against Offshore Drilling

City Council approves resolution, joining growing local opposition to federal drilling proposal

(LINCOLN CITY, Ore..) - Last night, the Lincoln City Council joined a growing movement of Oregon leaders taking a stand against a federal offshore drilling proposal that would open the Pacific coast to new oil and gas leasing for the first time since 1984.

The proposal released in January would open 90 percent of US waters to drilling, including all of Oregon’s coast. It has met widespread opposition in Oregon.

Oregon State Capitol State Park Fountain to Remain Off

Kids will have to do without the fountain fun for now.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Wall of Water fountain bordering Court Street across from the main capitol entrance will remain off due to the ongoing drinking water advisory set by city and state officials.

The fountain usually operates between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the forecast temperature is above 80 degrees.

Final Defendant Sentenced for Armed Takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

The Bundys and several dozen armed followers seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon and prevented federal officials from performing their duties by force, threats, and intimidation.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge began in January 2016.

Eleven defendants pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy to impede officers of the U.S. Four other defendants were convicted of felonies by a federal jury in a trial ending in March 2017.

Salem Drinking Water Advisory Continues for Two Weeks

Though water is "safe for most", drinking water filling stations are open.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Test results received this morning from water samples taken on Saturday, June 9, indicate the presence of cyanotoxins in the water distribution system is below EPA advisory levels for vulnerable populations.

As a precautionary measure, the City of Salem extended the drinking water advisory for at least two more weeks to ensure safe drinking water for our residents and water customers.