news&community
Concerns continue over asbestos cement water pipes The Pacific City Joint Water-Sanitary Authority continued to hear public concerns over the asbestos cement pipes that are still in use in some parts of the water delivery system during PCJWSA’s monthly meeting on May 7. As reported in the April 12 issue of the Sun, Authority manager Tony Owen has reported that asbestos cement pipe in use accounts for about 12 percent of the piping used in the water distribution system and that there is a section in use along Brooten Road, a small section on Pacific Avenue and another small piece on Hill Street. That story also reported that water pipes made with asbestos and cement are quite common throughout the United States and other countries, and that, according to release from PCJWSA, these two materials were bound together in the manufacturing process to make a lighter, stronger and more durable product than cement alone. According to the Authority, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has conveyed to PCJWSA its satisfaction with the Authority’s actions and current procedures. The ODEQ relayed to PCJWSA that they did not find any risk to human health or the environment connected to the Authority’s handling of asbestos containing material. Those voicing concerns at the May 7 meeting included Pacific City residents Nancy Bush, Robin Kostrikin and Sue Delaney. Amongst the issues raised were the locations of the pipes and when they would be replaced. Owen answered the issue saying that he’s asked PCJWSA’s engineering firm to update its master plans, and that dealing with asbestos cement pipe could be a part of that plan. “(Asbestos cement pipe) is a priority, but you also have to understand that projects don’t happen overnight,” he said. “It takes a lot of engineering. It takes some way to pay for the project. There’s a lot of components that go into
projects. And after we get an updated master plan and the board has a chance to look at it in more detail, it will be a board decision as far as what projects they want to do. “There seems to be this concept in the community that we don’t want to replace the AC pipe. And that is completely false. We want it replaced as much as anybody else.” There was concern voiced at the meeting, though, that in the absence of any asbestos in the water as all historical testing, which is done every nine years, attests to, that replacement of the pipes could be an expensive proposition. “I’m just a little concerned about … my water rates …going up because of this fake news about asbestos when we have no proof of any asbestos in the water,” said David Baxter, co-owner of Pacific City Homes. “There is no asbestos (in the water) at this point. I’d like to see the pipe replaced but if it’s going to cost millions and my water rates are going to double…” Board members also once again addressed the issue of whether the Authority should increase the frequency of testing over the current nine-year intervals, which is what is mandated by law. “I think it would be good to test for it more than once every nine years,” said PCJWSA director Sean Carlton. “As I said before, I’m concerned that we have asbestos cement pipe, but the science doesn’t concern me — the perception does. Asbestos is something that has been a concern to a lot of people for a long time. I’m coming from the aspect that it’s a concern to the community, and, if it’s a concern to the community, it should be a concern to us.” Board chair Carolyn McVicker said that the Authority will put the issue of how often water from the asbestos pipes is tested on the agenda for the next meeting of the board of directors, which is scheduled for June 4.
Sheriff’s Office plans boat inspections on May 19 The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division will be conducting free boat inspections in the East parking lot at Tillamook County Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. During the free event, Deputy Awe and Deputy Greiner will be on hand to conduct the inspections and answer questions. Safety Inspection stickers will be given to all boats that pass inspection. The event is being hailed as a way for
boaters to start the season out right by learning whether their boats are safe. The Sheriff’s Office is also reminding boaters to wear their lifejackets at all times. Lifejackets should be in good condition with no rips or tears. Boater Education Cards are required for all operators of boat motors 10 horsepower and above. Deputies will also answer other water safety questions.
Kiawanda Community Center to host Mother’s Day Tea, Book, Plant and Vintage Treasure Sale on May 11 Kiawanda Community Center will be the site of a Mother’s Day Tea and a Book, Plant, Vintage Treasure Sale on Saturday, May 11. The Tea Garden Cafe will be open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are $15 each.
The sale hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Both events are sponsored by the South Tillamook County Library Club and Kiawanda Community Center. KCC is located at 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City.
Page 9 • Pacific City SUN • May 10, 2019