Recycling Changes
Curbside recycling in Oregon will be going through a big change next week. Britte Kirsche is the chair of Florence’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee known as E-MAC. She says the Recycling Modernization Act has been in the works for several years.
“Passed in 2021 and it’s coming into effect, finally, after five years of work July 1st.”
The R-M-A will allow more household items to go into curbside recycling bins, some of which haven’t been allowed before. But it can seem pretty complex. That’s why Kirsche and other members of E-MAC, along with representatives of County Transfer and Recycling will host community workshops to explain the new rules.
“And we can tell you why we’re making those changes, why the state is making those changes and what you need to do to be a good recycler.”
The first workshop is coming this Saturday, June 28th, at Siuslaw Public Library. It starts at 11 AM. The new guidelines apply to everyone in the state and attendance is open to anyone in the area.
“Together we can do this Oregon!”
There will be more community outreach on the topic over the next several weeks.
Boil Water Notice
A boil water advisory is in effect for portions of the Mapleton Water District following a pump failure caused by a wildfire-related power outage on Thursday, June 19. The advisory affects residents on Chestnut Street, and Maple, Alder, and Fir Avenues above Orchard Avenue. Officials say the loss of pressure could allow harmful bacteria into the system. While power and pressure have been restored, the advisory remains until test results confirm the water is safe—expected by Tuesday, June 24. Residents in the affected area are urged to boil water for at least one minute before use.
Amateur Radio
Members of the Central Oregon Coast Amateur Radio Club will participate in a national 24-hour exercise this weekend that is intended to showcase how they can use their equipment in any location and under any conditions to establish an independent communications network.
“It gives amateur radio operators a chance to use their equipment in a fashion that is not like in their home. They go out into the field and set up a temporary station and they set up antennas with the radio equipment so they can talk to other amateur radio operators basically all over the world.”
Chris Sorenson says it’s called a “Field Day exercise”. There are two components to the local club; the first is purely social.
“There are more serious parts that we can do emergency communications if a disaster happens or if any type of thing happens and it’s needed.”
That’s what they will be doing on Saturday and Sunday. The club’s remote station, antenna, and power supply will be set up in the parking lot at Three Rivers Casino and on the air from 11 AM Saturday until 10 AM Sunday. The public is invited to come at any time and can even talk to anyone, just about anywhere in the world, while they’re there. He says anyone can become a licensed amateur operator. Sorenson or any member of the local club will gladly share information on how you can join.
