There is no end to the creativity of a con artist. They can rip off billions like Bernie Madoff in an elaborate Ponzi scheme, or steal thousands of dollars from an unsuspecting senior.
Regardless of the thief's degree of sophistication, consumers across the nation lose billions of dollars each year to fraud. According to a study conducted by AARP, people over the age of 50 are especially vulnerable and account for half of the victims of scams.
The scam artist prefers to target older individuals because they have spent a lifetime saving for retirement. Con artists use a variety of tools to contact potential victims including the mailbox, telephone and the Internet. Others may target widows or widowers to take advantage of their vulnerability and loneliness.
We can stop con artists from victimizing family members if we take the time to educate ourselves and our friends, parents, and co-workers about scam artists and how they operate. Today's topic is Living Trust Scams.
The Washington State Bar Association tells citizens: "Revocable living trusts have become a popular alternative to the traditional Washington state will as a way to pass property on when you die. Even though Washington's probate system is among the simplest and least expensive in the nation, many citizens are attracted by the possibility of even quicker and easier asset transfers."
"But revocable living trusts have some drawbacks. Here, to help you decide if a revocable living trust is right for you, are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these trusts." http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/revocable.htm
The Living Trust Scam: (information courtesy of the WA Attorney General's Consumer Warnings)
The living trust scam attempts to get you to purchase a trust. It plays on the fear that probate costs and estate taxes will erode the value of your estate. While living trusts can be a useful tool for some, many unscrupulous sales persons use it to simply get in the door and sell high-commission investments to consumers, whether or not it is the best thing for them.
The Opening Pitch
“Do you want to leave a legacy for your grandchildren and not have the government take all the money you have spent a lifetime saving? Come to a free seminar to learn how.”
The Presentation
You respond to such a mailer, phone call or advertisement by attending a workshop. Or you might call to find out about it and someone will come out to your home to present information. They will sign you up for a living trust by having you fill out forms that disclose all of your financial assets. Once they have seen your finances, they begin to recommend different investments, usually insurance type products like annuities, in order to earn high commissions off the sale of those products.
The Result
Sometimes the living trust document you buy is not filled out properly because lawyers are not doing it. If these documents are filled out improperly, you may end up going through probate anyway, the very thing you were told you could avoid. In addition, many older people end up buying investments that are not appropriate for them given their situation.
How to Avoid It
If you want to know if a living trust will truly help you, you should get the advice of an estate-planning attorney. You can find the name and phone number for such an attorney by calling your local bar association, lawyer referral service.
Washington Attorney General's site for Consumer Protection: http://www.atg.wa.gov/SafeguardingConsumers/default.aspx
Forbes Article on Madoff and other famous Ponzi scheme artists: http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/12/madoff-ponzi-hedge-pf-ii-in_rl_1212croesus_inl.html
Showing posts with label Public Service Announcement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Service Announcement. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Unlocking Credit for Small Businesses Fact Sheet
Latte Republic has published a number of articles discussing the effects of the Financial Crisis on small businesses across America. Here is a statement from the Obama Administration regarding the steps they are taking to unlock credit for struggling and healthy businesses.
Read Secretary Geithner's RemarksView the Q&A for Small Business
The Obama Administration firmly believes that economic recovery will be driven in large part by America's small businesses, which have generated about 70 percent of net new jobs annually over the past decade. But as the flow of credit has dried up during this recession, small business owners who were prudent and responsible have been set back by the behavior of others in our financial system who were not.
Businesses with strong credit histories have seen loan applications denied due to conditions that have nothing to do with their own actions and are now struggling to expand their businesses, make their payments or even keep workers on their payrolls. As a result, while the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) typically guarantees about $20 billion in loans annually, new lending is trending below $10 billion this year.
The Obama Administration has already taken several positive steps to ensure that small businesses have access to the credit they need to support an economic recovery.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by the President provides for increased guarantees and reduced fees for certain Small Business Administration loans. In February, the Treasury Department made a special effort under the Consumer and Business Lending Initiative to improve terms for securities backed by SBA loans in the TALF.
Today, as part of an effort Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner first outlined in introducing the Financial Stability Plan (FSP) in February, we are taking immediate action to help ensure that credit – the lifeblood of America's small businesses and its economy – gets flowing again to entrepreneurs and business owners. As another part of the Consumer and Business Lending Initiative, the Treasury Department will – by the end of the month – begin making direct purchases of securities backed by SBA loans to get the credit market moving again, and it will stand ready to purchase new securities to ensure that community banks and credit unions feel confident in extending new loans to local businesses. These purchases, combined with higher loan guarantees and reduced fees, will help provide lenders with the confidence that they need to extend credit, knowing they both have a backstop against their risk and a source of liquidity.
These measures will complement other steps the Administration is taking to help small businesses recover and grow, including several tax cuts under the Recovery Act.
Read Secretary Geithner's RemarksView the Q&A for Small Business
The Obama Administration firmly believes that economic recovery will be driven in large part by America's small businesses, which have generated about 70 percent of net new jobs annually over the past decade. But as the flow of credit has dried up during this recession, small business owners who were prudent and responsible have been set back by the behavior of others in our financial system who were not.
Businesses with strong credit histories have seen loan applications denied due to conditions that have nothing to do with their own actions and are now struggling to expand their businesses, make their payments or even keep workers on their payrolls. As a result, while the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) typically guarantees about $20 billion in loans annually, new lending is trending below $10 billion this year.
The Obama Administration has already taken several positive steps to ensure that small businesses have access to the credit they need to support an economic recovery.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by the President provides for increased guarantees and reduced fees for certain Small Business Administration loans. In February, the Treasury Department made a special effort under the Consumer and Business Lending Initiative to improve terms for securities backed by SBA loans in the TALF.
Today, as part of an effort Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner first outlined in introducing the Financial Stability Plan (FSP) in February, we are taking immediate action to help ensure that credit – the lifeblood of America's small businesses and its economy – gets flowing again to entrepreneurs and business owners. As another part of the Consumer and Business Lending Initiative, the Treasury Department will – by the end of the month – begin making direct purchases of securities backed by SBA loans to get the credit market moving again, and it will stand ready to purchase new securities to ensure that community banks and credit unions feel confident in extending new loans to local businesses. These purchases, combined with higher loan guarantees and reduced fees, will help provide lenders with the confidence that they need to extend credit, knowing they both have a backstop against their risk and a source of liquidity.
These measures will complement other steps the Administration is taking to help small businesses recover and grow, including several tax cuts under the Recovery Act.
Unlocking Credit for Small Businesses
1. Jumpstart Credit Markets For Small Businesses By Purchasing Up to $15 Billion in Securities
2. Stand Ready to Purchase Securities Pooled from the SBA's Largest Loan Program for Small Businesses
3. Stand Ready to Purchase Securities Pooled from the SBA's Community Development Loan Program
4. Temporarily Raise Guarantees to Up to 90 Percent in SBA's 7(a) Loan Program
5. Temporarily Eliminate Certain SBA Loan Fees to Reduce the Cost of Capital Call by Secretary Geithner for New Reporting Requirements on Bank Lending to Small Businesses and Greater Efforts to Extend Small Business Loans
6. Issue Guidance for an Expanded Carryback Provision as Part of the Recovery Act's Comprehensive Tax Cut Package for Small Businesses
Jumpstart Credit Markets For Small Businesses By Purchasing Up to $15 Billion in Securities
Begin Direct Purchases of Securities Backed by Loans from SBA's 7(a) Program: Traditionally, SBA lending has been supported by an active secondary market, as community banks and other lenders sell the government-guaranteed portion of their loans, providing them with new capital to make additional loans. But since last fall, this secondary market – which has historically supported over 40 percent of SBA's 7(a) lending program – has frozen up. As a result, both lenders, including community banks and credit unions, and the "pool assemblers" that securitize their loans have been left with government-guaranteed SBA loans and securities on their books. This has prevented them from making or buying new loans.
Today, the Treasury Department announces that – in order to get credit moving immediately to small businesses – it will:
Stand Ready to Purchase Securities Backed by 7(a) Loans Packaged Since Last July: Treasury has hired an investment manager who will be authorized to purchase – starting by the end of this month – securities backed by guaranteed portions of 7(a) loans packaged on or after July 1, 2008. This will help clear the backlog of securities that has built up since the beginning of the credit crisis last year, providing pool assemblers and banks with a source of liquidity so that new lending can occur.
Stand Ready to Purchase New 7(a) Securities Packaged Between Now and the End of the Year: Between now and the expiration of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) authority on December 31, 2009, Treasury stands ready to purchase new securities backed by the guaranteed portions of 7(a) loans. By making this pledge, Treasury provides assurances to community banks and other lenders that they can sell the new 7(a) loans they make, providing them with cash they can use to extend even more credit.
Make Direct Purchases to Unlock Credit Markets for SBA's 504 Community Development Loan Program: The SBA's 504 program combines government-backed loans with mortgage loans from private lenders to provide long-term financing of up to $10 million that directly supports economic development within a community. First-lien mortgage loans made by private-sector lenders – which account for 50 percent of the financing for 504 projects, and are not SBA guaranteed – were often traded in the past on an active secondary market that has frozen in the last year, leaving billions in unsold assets on the books of banks. To get the 504 lending market moving again, Treasury will:
Stand Ready to Purchase Securities Packaged From 504 First-Lien Mortgages: Treasury will stand ready to buy first-lien mortgage securities connected to SBA's 504 loan program. No later than May, Treasury will begin purchasing securities packaged on or after July 1, 2008 that meet eligibility criteria designed to protect taxpayers.
Prepare to Buy 504 First-Lien Mortgage Securities That Receive New SBA Guarantees: As part of the Recovery Act, SBA is working to develop a secondary market guarantee program for securities issued from pooled 504 first mortgage loans. Once this program is fully implemented by SBA, Treasury will stand ready to purchase these government-guaranteed securities.
Provide Liquidity While Keeping The Secondary Market in Place: These direct purchases of 7(a) and 504 securities will provide liquidity to lenders, including community banks and credit unions, enabling them to restart the process of recycling capital and extending loans. At the same time, the TALF component of the Consumer and Business Lending Initiative will provide investors with an attractive source of financing, allowing them to continue participating in the market. This is intended to keep the existing secondary market in place so that private investors can replace the government as the purchaser of these securities when market conditions return to normal.
Temporarily Raise Guarantees to Up to 90 Percent in SBA's 7(a) Loan Program: The purpose of the 7(a) loan program is to provide a government guarantee that reduces the risk lenders face when they make loans to borrowers who cannot find credit elsewhere. But during the current recession, the guarantees – up to 85 percent for loans at or below $150,000 and up to 75 percent for larger loans – have not been large enough to give banks the confidence they need to lend.
As part of its implementation of the Recovery Act, the SBA today announces: An Increase in Maximum Loan Guarantees to 90 Percent: Beginning today, any lender who participates in the 7(a) program can request a guarantee from the SBA of up to 90 percent for each eligible loan. This temporarily available increase in guarantees will help provide banks with the greater confidence they need to extend credit during the current recession.
A Confidence Boost Lenders Need to Extend Credit: Combined with Treasury's efforts to unlock secondary markets, higher loan guarantees will ensure that lenders have both greater safeguards against possible credit losses and assurances that there will be an active secondary market to purchase their loans and provide the liquidity they need to keep lending.
Temporarily Eliminate SBA Loan Fees to Reduce the Cost of Capital
Elimination of Borrower and Lender Fees for 504 Loans: On any new eligible 504 applications submitted beginning today, SBA will temporarily eliminate the Certified Development Company (CDC) processing fees charged to borrowers and the third-party participation fees charged to lenders. As a temporary provision authorized by the Recovery Act, these measures will reduce costs to both borrowers and lenders participating in the 504 program, which has a demonstrated record of supporting community development and creating jobs.
Elimination of Up-Front Fees for 7(a) Loans: For any new eligible 7(a) loan, the SBA will temporarily eliminate the up-front fees that lenders pass along to borrowers. These fees – which go up to 3.75 percent for larger loans – increase the cost of borrowing for small businesses and make it more difficult for them to access the credit they need to expand or make new investments.
Rebates for Fees Paid Since February 17th: For borrowers or lenders charged any of these fees on loans approved on or after February 17th, the SBA will provide a refund, to ensure that Recovery Act provisions create the maximum possible economic stimulus.
A Pledge to Quickly Turn Around Loans: To maintain a high level of service to potential borrowers and lenders alike, the SBA also pledges that complete loan applications will be turned around quickly by the SBA – usually in as little as two to three days.
Call by Secretary Geithner for New Reporting Requirements on Bank Lending to Small Businesses and Greater Efforts to Extend Small Business Loans.
Require the 21 Largest Banks Receiving Financial Stability Plan Assistance to Report Their Small Business Lending Every Month: As part of the President's commitment to increasing transparency and accountability, Treasury will – for the first time – require the 21 largest banks receiving capital from the government to report how much small business lending they do every month.
Call for Quarterly Reports of Small Business Lending By All Banks: Today, Secretary Geithner called for every bank nationwide to report their total lending to small businesses in their regular quarterly reports, rather than just once a year. Secretary Geithner will ask bank regulators to take steps to amend the quarterly Report of Condition to achieve this important objective. This will offer more current information about trends in small business lending, while at the same time providing important information about how well government programs are working to stimulate these loans.
Issue Call for All Banks to Make Efforts to Increase Small Business Lending: Today, Secretary Geithner called on all banks – whether or not they receive FSP assistance – to make an extra effort to extend small business loans to creditworthy borrowers. In light of the extraordinary assistance provided to the banking system, Secretary Geithner emphasized that lenders should take a special responsibility for providing the credit that small businesses need to operate, expand and add jobs.
Issue Guidance for An Expanded Carryback Provision as Part of the Recovery Act's Comprehensive Tax Cut Package for Small Businesses:
Establish Five-Year Carryback Provision to Increase Tax Refunds for Small Businesses:Today, the IRS will issue guidance for a provision in the Recovery Act that allows businesses with gross receipts of up to $15 million to "carry back" their losses for up to five years, effectively allowing them a rebate on taxes paid in previous years. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that this measure will increase liquidity for small businesses by $4.7 billion by September 30, 2009.
Continue Implementation of Recovery Act's Comprehensive Tax Cut Package for Small Businesses: The carryback provision is only one of several measures in the Recovery Act that will improve liquidity for small businesses by lowering their taxes, including:
Incentives to Invest in Plant and Equipment by Allowing Small Businesses to Write Off Up to $250,000 of Investment: The Recovery Act allows small businesses to immediately write off up to $250,000 of qualified investment in 2009, providing an immediate tax incentive to invest and create jobs.
Additional Liquidity Support By Reducing Estimated Tax Payments: Normally, small businesses have to pay 110 percent of their previous year's taxes in estimated taxes. But with incomes down for many small businesses this requirement is too burdensome – and causing a cash crunch.
The Recovery Act allows small businesses to reduce their estimated payments to 90 percent of the previous year's taxes, helping to boost their liquidity and better align their estimated taxes with their actual taxes in a year of severe economic contraction.
Extension of Bonus Depreciation Deductions Through 2009: The Recovery Act also extends through 2009 bonus depreciation,allowing businesses to take a larger tax deduction within the first year of a property's purchase.
Incentives for Investors to Put Money in Small Businesses: Finally, the Recovery Act includes a measure that will exclude from taxation 75 percent of the capital gains for investors in small businesses who hold their investments for five years. In his budget, the President proposes to go further, eliminating all capital gains taxes on small businesses and making this measure permanent.
Homeless Prevention Fund
The Financial Crisis and subsequent recession has forced many companies to close their doors or lay off thousands of workers in order to keep their doors open. Hence, many responsible Americans are finding themselves in danger of homelessness, due to extended unemployment or a lack of unemployment benefits. Below, is an overview from HUD regarding the Homelessness Prevention Fund. If you, a neighbor, former co-worker or a family member is in danger of being homeless, please contact the Opportunity Council or DSHS.
Program Description
The Homelessness Prevention Fund will provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless but for this assistance. The funds will provide for a variety of assistance, including: short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, credit counseling, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management.
At least 60 percent of funds must be spent within two years; all funds must be spent within three years. Reporting requirements will be presented in the forthcoming notice.
Process for Making Awards
The process for making awards shall be through formula allocation, using the formula for the Homelessness Prevention Fund.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include Metropolitan Cities, urban Counties and States (for distribution to local governments and private nonprofit organizations).
Funding Amounts
Total Funding: $1,500,000,000
Total Funds Allocated: $1,492,500,000
Total Funds Obligated: $0
Total Funds Expended: $0
Grants
See allocations by state
*Up to 0.5 percent of each amount appropriated in this legislation may be used for the expenses of management and oversight of the programs, grants, and activities funded by such appropriation.
Recovery Package makes more families eligible for FHA-insured mortgages
HUD Guide to avoiding Foreclosure:
http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/
Program Description
The Homelessness Prevention Fund will provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless but for this assistance. The funds will provide for a variety of assistance, including: short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, credit counseling, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management.
At least 60 percent of funds must be spent within two years; all funds must be spent within three years. Reporting requirements will be presented in the forthcoming notice.
Process for Making Awards
The process for making awards shall be through formula allocation, using the formula for the Homelessness Prevention Fund.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include Metropolitan Cities, urban Counties and States (for distribution to local governments and private nonprofit organizations).
Funding Amounts
Total Funding: $1,500,000,000
Total Funds Allocated: $1,492,500,000
Total Funds Obligated: $0
Total Funds Expended: $0
Grants
See allocations by state
*Up to 0.5 percent of each amount appropriated in this legislation may be used for the expenses of management and oversight of the programs, grants, and activities funded by such appropriation.
Recovery Package makes more families eligible for FHA-insured mortgages
HUD Guide to avoiding Foreclosure:
http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/
Assisted Housing Stability and Energy Green Retrofit Investments Stimulus Program
Are you one of millions of Americans who are suffering from payment shock when you open your monthly utility bills?
There is a new energy retrofit program moving its way through Congress which is expected to be signed into law on April 17th, 2009.
Program Description
Grants and loans will be made available through HUD’s Office of Affordable Housing Preservation (OAHP) for eligible property owners to make energy and green retrofit investments in the property, to ensure the maintenance and preservation of the property, the continued operation and maintenance of energy efficiency technologies, and the timely expenditure of funds.
Physical and financial analyses of the properties will be conducted to determine the size of each grant and loan. Incentives will be made available to participating owners. The terms of the grants or loans will include continued affordability agreements. Grant and loan funds must be spent by the receiving property owner within two years. Full detail of how to apply, and grant and loan terms, will be published in a Housing Notice within 60 days of the Recovery Act being signed into law (by April 17, 2009).
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this program is 14.318.
Process for Making Awards
Full detail of how to apply, and grant and loan terms, will be published in a Housing Notice within 60 days of the bill being signed into law (by April 17, 2009).
Eligible Applicants
Owners of properties receiving project-based assistance pursuant to section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 17012), section 811 of the Cranston- Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013, or Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1437f).
Funding Amounts
Total Funding: $250 Million Total Funds Allocated:
Total Funds Obligated: To be determined
Total Funds Expended: To be determined
There is a new energy retrofit program moving its way through Congress which is expected to be signed into law on April 17th, 2009.
Program Description
Grants and loans will be made available through HUD’s Office of Affordable Housing Preservation (OAHP) for eligible property owners to make energy and green retrofit investments in the property, to ensure the maintenance and preservation of the property, the continued operation and maintenance of energy efficiency technologies, and the timely expenditure of funds.
Physical and financial analyses of the properties will be conducted to determine the size of each grant and loan. Incentives will be made available to participating owners. The terms of the grants or loans will include continued affordability agreements. Grant and loan funds must be spent by the receiving property owner within two years. Full detail of how to apply, and grant and loan terms, will be published in a Housing Notice within 60 days of the Recovery Act being signed into law (by April 17, 2009).
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this program is 14.318.
Process for Making Awards
Full detail of how to apply, and grant and loan terms, will be published in a Housing Notice within 60 days of the bill being signed into law (by April 17, 2009).
Eligible Applicants
Owners of properties receiving project-based assistance pursuant to section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 17012), section 811 of the Cranston- Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013, or Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1437f).
Funding Amounts
Total Funding: $250 Million Total Funds Allocated:
Total Funds Obligated: To be determined
Total Funds Expended: To be determined
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Comment Period For Department of Ecology TMDL Study is Open Until September 17th
Just a quick note to remind individuals who live in the Lake Whatcom Watershed that the public comment period is still open for the Draft TMDL Study for Lake Whatcom. Comments may be submitted to the Department via e-mail. (Comment period closes on September 17th).
It is important that local residents review the draft to ensure that data is accurate.
Here is some information about the study from the WA State Dept of Ecology website:
A draft Department of Ecology study lays the groundwork for improving water quality in Lake Whatcom. The study shows that phosphorus in the lake and bacteria in the streams that feed it must be greatly reduced. Currently, the lake does not meet state water quality standards or the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act.
Why it matters
Lake Whatcom is a priority because it is the main source of drinking water for 96,000 Bellingham-area residents. In 1998, the lake failed to meet state standards for dissolved oxygen, placing the lake on the state’s list of polluted waters. The listing triggered a state water quality improvement project, also known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study. When final, this process determines how much pollution a water body can handle and also meet state water quality standards.
Phosphorus is the main cause of Lake Whatcom’s low-oxygen problem. Phosphorus occurs naturally, but development increases phosphorus entering the lake in stormwater. Computer predictions show the lake would meet state standards for oxygen if there was 86 percent less development than existed in 2003. Since then, zoning laws have allowed more development in the watershed.
The study also establishes limits for fecal coliform bacteria in Lake Whatcom’s tributaries.
The problem at Lake Whatcom
This water quality improvement project addresses two key pollutants:
Phosphorus
Sources addressed: Runoff from bare soil and developed areas. Phosphorus occurs naturally in soil and human and animal waste, and is added to some detergents.
PUBLIC REVIEW
2008
AUG. 18 – SEPT. 17, You can comment on the Draft Lake Whatcom Watershed Total Phosphorus and Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Loads —WaterQuality Study Findings. Although public review is not required for this study, were encouraging a close look at the findings before they are made final. The final findings will be the basis for decisions local governments make about the Lake Whatcom areas future. Addressing issues about the findings now will help the cleanup process move ahead.
• View online http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0810068.pdf or here: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/LkWhatcom/LkWhatcomTMDL.html
• Hard copy View at Ecology's Bellingham office, 1440 10th St., or purchase copies $10.29 report only, additional $23.04 color figures at Copy Source, 1122 N. State St.
• Comment by email shoo461@ecy.wa.gov, subject line Lake Whatcom TMDL Draft Study Comments
• Comment by mail Steve Hood, Washington Dept. of Ecology, 1440 10th St., Suite 102, Bellingham, WA 98225‐7028
•Questions? Steve Hood, 360‐715‐5200
Special accommodations: If you need this publication in an alternate format, call the Water Quality Program at 360‐407‐6401. Persons with hearing loss, call 711 for Washington Relay Service. Persons with a speech disability, call 877‐833‐6341. Publication Number: 08-10-068 2
Please reuse and recycle Water Quality August 2008
Connection to algae and oxygen: Phosphorus feeds algae growth. Bacteria that consume dying algae deplete the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive.
When oxygen levels are low, phosphorus is released from lake sediment and re-enters the water, perpetuating the cycle. The dissolved oxygen levels in Lake Whatcom fail to meet state water quality standards now, and they have the potential to get much worse, making the problem much harder to fix.
Treatment of drinking water: Excess phosphorus creates larger algae blooms, which require more treatment to make the water safe for drinking. That process creates more trihalomethanes, a byproduct that some studies link to cancer.
Effect of development: Roofs, driveways and lawns interrupt the absorption and filtration provided by forests and soils, instead sending phosphorus-laden stormwater rushing to the lake. Communities must modify existing and future development to create the same effect as removing development.
Bacteria
Fecal coliform bacteria originate in human and animal waste. Runoff carries the bacteria from the ground and failing septic systems into the lake. Eleven tributaries feeding Lake Whatcom fail to meet state standards for fecal coliform bacteria. The bacteria create a health risk for people who work or play in and around the water.
Next steps — Water quality improvement process (dates approximate)
October 2008 - Findings of the Lake Whatcom water quality study are made final.
Early 2009 - Local jurisdictions propose how to meet the TMDL phosphorus and bacteria levels. They must shape the future of the Lake Whatcom area using local ordinances and zoning changes. They also must decide whether to allocate pollutants to new or existing development.
90 days later - Ecology evaluates the local proposals for how they affect phosphorus and bacteria levels. Water quality specialists use computer models to see how existing and future development contribute to the problem and the effect of proposed solutions.
Late 2009 - Ecology and local jurisdictions work together to create a plan for meeting the TMDL requirements and the state water quality standards in Lake Whatcom. The plan for Lake Whatcom goes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for review. If the EPA finds that the study limits and strategy to meet them are sound, EPA approves the TMDL for Lake Whatcom.
It is important that local residents review the draft to ensure that data is accurate.
Here is some information about the study from the WA State Dept of Ecology website:
A draft Department of Ecology study lays the groundwork for improving water quality in Lake Whatcom. The study shows that phosphorus in the lake and bacteria in the streams that feed it must be greatly reduced. Currently, the lake does not meet state water quality standards or the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act.
Why it matters
Lake Whatcom is a priority because it is the main source of drinking water for 96,000 Bellingham-area residents. In 1998, the lake failed to meet state standards for dissolved oxygen, placing the lake on the state’s list of polluted waters. The listing triggered a state water quality improvement project, also known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study. When final, this process determines how much pollution a water body can handle and also meet state water quality standards.
Phosphorus is the main cause of Lake Whatcom’s low-oxygen problem. Phosphorus occurs naturally, but development increases phosphorus entering the lake in stormwater. Computer predictions show the lake would meet state standards for oxygen if there was 86 percent less development than existed in 2003. Since then, zoning laws have allowed more development in the watershed.
The study also establishes limits for fecal coliform bacteria in Lake Whatcom’s tributaries.
The problem at Lake Whatcom
This water quality improvement project addresses two key pollutants:
Phosphorus
Sources addressed: Runoff from bare soil and developed areas. Phosphorus occurs naturally in soil and human and animal waste, and is added to some detergents.
PUBLIC REVIEW
2008
AUG. 18 – SEPT. 17, You can comment on the Draft Lake Whatcom Watershed Total Phosphorus and Bacteria Total Maximum Daily Loads —WaterQuality Study Findings. Although public review is not required for this study, were encouraging a close look at the findings before they are made final. The final findings will be the basis for decisions local governments make about the Lake Whatcom areas future. Addressing issues about the findings now will help the cleanup process move ahead.
• View online http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0810068.pdf or here: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/LkWhatcom/LkWhatcomTMDL.html
• Hard copy View at Ecology's Bellingham office, 1440 10th St., or purchase copies $10.29 report only, additional $23.04 color figures at Copy Source, 1122 N. State St.
• Comment by email shoo461@ecy.wa.gov, subject line Lake Whatcom TMDL Draft Study Comments
• Comment by mail Steve Hood, Washington Dept. of Ecology, 1440 10th St., Suite 102, Bellingham, WA 98225‐7028
•Questions? Steve Hood, 360‐715‐5200
Special accommodations: If you need this publication in an alternate format, call the Water Quality Program at 360‐407‐6401. Persons with hearing loss, call 711 for Washington Relay Service. Persons with a speech disability, call 877‐833‐6341. Publication Number: 08-10-068 2
Please reuse and recycle Water Quality August 2008
Connection to algae and oxygen: Phosphorus feeds algae growth. Bacteria that consume dying algae deplete the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive.
When oxygen levels are low, phosphorus is released from lake sediment and re-enters the water, perpetuating the cycle. The dissolved oxygen levels in Lake Whatcom fail to meet state water quality standards now, and they have the potential to get much worse, making the problem much harder to fix.
Treatment of drinking water: Excess phosphorus creates larger algae blooms, which require more treatment to make the water safe for drinking. That process creates more trihalomethanes, a byproduct that some studies link to cancer.
Effect of development: Roofs, driveways and lawns interrupt the absorption and filtration provided by forests and soils, instead sending phosphorus-laden stormwater rushing to the lake. Communities must modify existing and future development to create the same effect as removing development.
Bacteria
Fecal coliform bacteria originate in human and animal waste. Runoff carries the bacteria from the ground and failing septic systems into the lake. Eleven tributaries feeding Lake Whatcom fail to meet state standards for fecal coliform bacteria. The bacteria create a health risk for people who work or play in and around the water.
Next steps — Water quality improvement process (dates approximate)
October 2008 - Findings of the Lake Whatcom water quality study are made final.
Early 2009 - Local jurisdictions propose how to meet the TMDL phosphorus and bacteria levels. They must shape the future of the Lake Whatcom area using local ordinances and zoning changes. They also must decide whether to allocate pollutants to new or existing development.
90 days later - Ecology evaluates the local proposals for how they affect phosphorus and bacteria levels. Water quality specialists use computer models to see how existing and future development contribute to the problem and the effect of proposed solutions.
Late 2009 - Ecology and local jurisdictions work together to create a plan for meeting the TMDL requirements and the state water quality standards in Lake Whatcom. The plan for Lake Whatcom goes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for review. If the EPA finds that the study limits and strategy to meet them are sound, EPA approves the TMDL for Lake Whatcom.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Bellevue John Doe v. Bellevue School District
Toby Nixon, president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government, made the following statement today in response to the publication of the Washington State Supreme Court's opinion in the case of Bellevue John Does 1-11 v. Bellevue School District:
"This is yet another example of exemptions to public records disclosure being created by the courts rather than by the legislature. School districts often hide evidence of patterns of misbehavior by teachers, coaches, and staff to avoid lawsuits. It's one thing to expunge allegations shown to be false from a teacher's record, but we know from sad experience that where there's smoke there's usually fire -- and now parents will have a harder time becoming aware of continuing patterns of accusations.
"The court majority expects the public to simply trust that school districts are conducting adequate investigations, but the people reserved to ourselves the right to verify, not simply trust, what the government is doing. As it says in RCW 42.56.030, 'The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know.' The court today continued the decades-long erosion of that principle."
The Washington Coalition for Open Government is a statewide non- partisan, non profit group of individuals and organizations dedicated to strengthening and preserving the public's right to know what its government is doing. For more information, contact the Washington Coalition for Open Government, 6351 Seaview Av NW, Seattle, WA 98107-2664, phone 206.782.0393 or by email at info@washingtoncog.org
"This is yet another example of exemptions to public records disclosure being created by the courts rather than by the legislature. School districts often hide evidence of patterns of misbehavior by teachers, coaches, and staff to avoid lawsuits. It's one thing to expunge allegations shown to be false from a teacher's record, but we know from sad experience that where there's smoke there's usually fire -- and now parents will have a harder time becoming aware of continuing patterns of accusations.
"The court majority expects the public to simply trust that school districts are conducting adequate investigations, but the people reserved to ourselves the right to verify, not simply trust, what the government is doing. As it says in RCW 42.56.030, 'The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know.' The court today continued the decades-long erosion of that principle."
The Washington Coalition for Open Government is a statewide non- partisan, non profit group of individuals and organizations dedicated to strengthening and preserving the public's right to know what its government is doing. For more information, contact the Washington Coalition for Open Government, 6351 Seaview Av NW, Seattle, WA 98107-2664, phone 206.782.0393 or by email at info@washingtoncog.org
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Local Road Maintenance - Courtesy of ABN
Annual crack sealing of local streets begins
Posted: June 20, 2008 22:06:14 PST
Broad Street, Donovan Avenue, 14th Street, 15th Street, 21st Street, 23rd Street, 36th Street (near I-5 exit 252), Harris Avenue, South and North Samish Way, Indian Street, and North State Street. Beginning Monday, June 23, Roger Langelier Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, will be crack sealing along the streets identified above.
Crack sealing is anticipated to continue in various locations throughout the City for the next 4-6 weeks, but may be extended depending on weather conditions. Neighborhoods that will be effected include Edgemoor, Fairhaven, Happy Valley, Samish, South Hill and Sehome. Residents in these areas are advised to check the weekly road report on the City's website at www.cob.org for the specific area to be affected that week.
Crack sealing is an inexpensive preventative maintenance treatment that can significantly delay roadway deterioration. Crews apply sealing material directly into cracks before cracks become too large. Flexible rubberized asphalt sealants bond to crack walls and move with the pavement, preventing water from entering the road base. The life of the road is extended and maintenance costs are greatly reduced.
Flaggers will be on site directing drivers around intermittent lane closures in the work zones. For more information about this program please contact Chad Bedlington, Maintenance Superintendent, at cbedlington@cob.org or (360) 778-7700.
Posted: June 20, 2008 22:06:14 PST
Broad Street, Donovan Avenue, 14th Street, 15th Street, 21st Street, 23rd Street, 36th Street (near I-5 exit 252), Harris Avenue, South and North Samish Way, Indian Street, and North State Street. Beginning Monday, June 23, Roger Langelier Construction, under contract with the City of Bellingham, will be crack sealing along the streets identified above.
Crack sealing is anticipated to continue in various locations throughout the City for the next 4-6 weeks, but may be extended depending on weather conditions. Neighborhoods that will be effected include Edgemoor, Fairhaven, Happy Valley, Samish, South Hill and Sehome. Residents in these areas are advised to check the weekly road report on the City's website at www.cob.org for the specific area to be affected that week.
Crack sealing is an inexpensive preventative maintenance treatment that can significantly delay roadway deterioration. Crews apply sealing material directly into cracks before cracks become too large. Flexible rubberized asphalt sealants bond to crack walls and move with the pavement, preventing water from entering the road base. The life of the road is extended and maintenance costs are greatly reduced.
Flaggers will be on site directing drivers around intermittent lane closures in the work zones. For more information about this program please contact Chad Bedlington, Maintenance Superintendent, at cbedlington@cob.org or (360) 778-7700.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
