Sounder The Islands’
Softball team on its way to state – PG 6
Serving Orcas, Lopez and San Juan County
WEDNESDAY, May 23, 2012 n VOL. 45, NO. 21 n 75¢
Hungry like the fox Annual Bite of Orcas event benefits Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation
www.islandssounder.com
Illegal burning still ignites concern by Cali Bagby Staff reporter
Cali Bagby/Staff Photo
Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation opens its doors to injured foxes, seals, squirrels, deer and other wildlife. Read more about the Bite of Orcas, which raises funds for Wolf Hollow, on page 9.
Finally the sky is blue, birds sing in blossoming trees and islanders trade pants for shorts and don sunglasses. It’s also the time of year when the risk of fire increases, and in about a month open burning season will be over. Although he has yet to write a citation this year for illegal burnings, San Juan County Deputy Fire Marshal Paul Turner is concerned that it’s still occurring, but that islanders may not report the fires. He has two theories – either they are not aware that they can contact Turner on the weekend or they fear repercussion from the people starting the fires. “We are available 24 hours a day seven days a week. If someone is burning illegally call 911,” Turner said. “And the names of those who report are not disclosed.” Last year, Turner responded to cases county-wide of residents burning without a permit and in some instances, setting fire to garbage, fiberglass items, and paper products. On Lopez, one resident lit a 42-foot grounded boat on fire. The individual responsible was given a
See fire, Page 5
Mixed reactions to broadband by Cali Bagby Staff reporter
The Orcas Island Senior Center was overflowing with islanders – some were men, others were women, several spoke out numerous times, while the rest quietly listened. What they had in common was their support for paying a small fee to fund Orcas Power and Light Cooperative’s Broadband Initiative, which they showed by raising their hands. “What we’re really looking for is feedback,” said Suzanne Olson, communication specialist for OPALCO. “So far we’ve had a lot of positive feedback.” During similar meetings hosted by OPALCO and the Economic Development Council on Lopez and San Juan Island, reactions to the initiative have been mixed. Three years ago, the San Juan County Economic Development Council and the San Juan Island Community Foundation took on the task of researching what improved broadband speeds could do for the economy and
community. An OPALCO member survey in the fall of 2011 showed wide support, and detailed studies are under way to determine the feasibility and potential business models for expanding the service. OPALCO is currently cooperating with a county-wide effort to expand broadband access to members – reaching up to 90 percent of San Juan County with a minimum speed of 10 megabytes per second. Broadband is high-speed Internet and other communication services. The series of meetings across the islands were held to discuss the services to be provided, the costs and the provider. While many of those answers are still under consideration, OPALCO’s staff had one question ready to answer: why broadband would benefit the islands. Broadband would provide electric system reliability and Smart Grid technology that delivers tools for members to monitor and control their own energy usage
See broadband, Page 5
ticket for burning unauthorized materials, plus a fine of around $2,900 – the cost of suppression, which included three engines and about 16 personnel sent to put out the blaze. “You can burn only natural vegetation,” Turner said. “Milled lumber – like the boat, asphalt and a whole other list of things – are unauthorized materials.” Basically, if it doesn’t grow in the ground, it can’t be burned. It’s a rule that Turner strictly enforces. According to the Washington Clean Air Act of 1970, only natural vegetation may be burned. The following materials are not allowed: garbage, dead animals, petroleum products, paints, plastics, paper (other than what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, treated wood, construction/demolition debris, metal, or any substance that releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or noxious odors when burned. The maximum fine for burning without a permit is $250 and the maximum fine for burning unapproved materials is $500. Both require a court appearance. Turner recalled another fire last year where a man was burn-
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How to reach us
Cali Bagby/ staff photo
J. Foster Hildreth, OPALCO’s assistant general manager, at the Orcas broadband meeting.
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