Monthly Archives: January 2018

Air Quality Division Stakeholder Meeting

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ADEQ invites you to attend a stakeholder meeting for the development of state rules for Arizona’s voluntary emissions bank. ADEQ seeks your input and ideas in amending the Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 2, Article 12 (PDF).

Earlier this year, the legislature amended the existing emissions bank statute (A.R.S. Section 49-410 or HB2152) to allow for new types of emissions reductions credits to be deposited in the bank. The amendments directed ADEQ to adopt rules implementing these changes. The rules will help promote Arizona as a more attractive option for companies seeking to locate or expand industrial operations while still maintaining healthy air quality.

This stakeholder meeting will be hosted in Yuma, which is currently not meeting national particulate matter air quality standards and the new ozone standards. Establishing the emissions bank rules, with your input, will provide businesses looking to locate in Yuma an opportunity to offset their emissions.

When: Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Yuma County Development Services
Aldrich Hall
2351 W 26th St
Yuma, AZ 85364

RSVP:
Natalie Muilenberg
nm3@azdeq.gov
602-771-1089

Snowfall forecast on North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA – Fire managers plan to burn piles on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest tomorrow through Friday, weather permitting.

Crews will be active on approximately 125 acres at the southern end of the district near DeMotte campground and on 250 acres at the northern end of the district near Jacob Lake. The treatment is continuation of the Plateau Facilities Fire Protection Project, an ongoing wildfire mitigation project that includes a combination of prescribed burning and mechanical thinning designed to ultimately treat about 5,000 acres across the Kaibab Plateau.

The piles have cured over the last few years and are expected to consume quickly. Winds are expected to have a southerly influence, which would push any smoke produced to the north/northeast. However, fire managers anticipate smoke impacts to be very light as transport winds are forecast to be 10-to-15 mph. Individuals in the surrounding area who have smoke sensitivities are advised to limit their outdoor exposure during the pile burn.

General Information: Implementation of any particular prescribed fire, including a pile burn, is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke. All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

No road or trail closures are expected. However, in the interest of safety, visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic, and smoke may all be present.

Williams Ranger District plans small pile burns on Wednesday

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WILLIAMS – Fire managers on the Williams Ranger District are planning to burn two small units of slash piles totaling 16 acres on Wednesday of this week. A 2 acre unit of machine piles on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain and a 14 acre block of hand piles near forest road 108 south of I-40 are the specific locations scheduled for treatment.

“Conditions are ideal for cleaning up these two areas with the impending weather forecast bringing snow overnight” said Fuels Specialist Zach Boness. “We expect full consumption of the debris with no potential for fire to carry on the ground.”

Smoke is expected to rise just above tree top levels and disperse rapidly to the east moving away from the local area. Short duration smoke impacts may occur on County Road 73, and on the south side of the district throughout the day however no overnight impacts are expected.

Visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management

County Board appoints James Jayne Interim County Manager

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors selected James Jayne as Interim County Manager. Jayne is replacing previous Manager Cynthia Seelhammer, who resigned today.

Seelhammer, a 2017 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award Winner, served as County Manager since 2013. She has more than 30 years of experience working for small towns, large cities and counties in three different states.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to thank County Manager Seelhammer for her outstanding work and dedication to the citizens of Coconino County,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “Under Cynthia’s leadership, the County had many successes such as the education effort that led to the passage of Proposition 403 to fund county roads, the purchase of State Trust Land at Fort Tuthill and overhauled our outdated technology systems to save tax payer dollars and better serve our customers. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Jayne will serve as County Manager while the Board of Supervisors determines the process for hiring a permanent manager. Jayne has been with Coconino County since August 2017 serving as the Director of Special Initiatives, responsible for Public Affairs and Community Relations, Public Works and various special projects.

Prior to coming to Coconino County, he served as the Navajo County Manager since 2003. Preceding his time with Navajo County, he served as Executive Secretary for the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Chief of Staff in the AZ House of Representatives, worked at the Arizona Water Banking Authority and in the U.S. Congress. Jayne earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and his MPA and Certified Public Manager Certification from ASU.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Board of Supervisors and I look forward to working closely with the Board, other elected officials, department directors and the team members who serve the County,” said Jayne. “I will continue to build strong relationships and partnerships with the communities, local governments and organizations throughout the County to help meet the needs of our residents.”

The County Manager provides overall management of county government functions and serves as liaison between the County Board of Supervisors, County Elected Officials and Department Directors.

Coconino ARES to participate in statewide emergency exercise Saturday

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) will be participating in a statewide disaster exercise this weekend conducted by the Pima County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). The exercise will be held in the morning hours of Saturday January 13. Coconino ARES is a component of the Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) in Flagstaff.

The southern Arizona ARES group in Tuscon will be collecting information on 3865-KHz lower side band (LSB). Net control for the group is N7OEM and they will start taking reports about 7:15 a.m.

In Flagstaff, the Coconino ARES will use the ARES 146.980 repeater (CTCSS 162.2 – offset) and the Utah Intertie 448.875 repeater (CTCSS 100 – offset). Joe Hobart W7LUX, District Emergency Coordinator for ARES in Coconino County, will be Net Control for the Utah Intertie repeater and 3390-KHz high frequency. Glen Davis, KG7YDJ in Williams, will be Net Control for the 146.980 ARES repeater. Williams may monitor the 146.780 repeater on Bill Williams Mountain, but it is not part of the exercise.

The people involved in the exercise may send drill emergency messages. People with real emergencies may, of course, call in for help.

ARES is a component of the Amateur Radio Relay League. RACES is an emergency organization formed by the FCC during the sixties and codified in 47 C.F.R. Part 97.

Why wearing a life jacket should be one of your New Year’s resolutions

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Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard

PHOENIX — The importance of wearing a life jacket while out on Arizona’s waterways was sadly reflected in the boating tragedies of 2017. A majority of the recreational boating fatalities were individuals who drowned and were not wearing a life jacket — the most important piece of safety gear one can wear whether on a boat, personal watercraft or paddlecraft.

This was the case for eight of the 12 fatalities that occurred last year. And it’s a number that’s echoed nationally: The U.S. Coast Guard reported that 83 percent of drowning victims in 2016 were not wearing a life jacket.

The Coast Guard also names alcohol as a leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, which was reflected in Arizona. Operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs was a contributing factor in five of the fatalities.

“As you make your New Year’s resolutions, add boating safety to the list,” said Tim Baumgarten, boating law administrator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). “Designate a sober operator, wear a life jacket and ensure that others on your boat do so as well. Together we can prevent many boating tragedies and keep Arizona’s waterways safe for everyone.”

AZGFD aims to both keep the public safe by patrolling the state’s waterways and also educating people on best practices for boating safety and operation. Enforcement efforts including sobriety checkpoints and participation in initiatives like Operation Dry Water allow officers to make contact with watercraft users throughout the state and share the important messages about sober boating, while helping to stop unsafe behaviors.

The department’s Boating Safety Education program holds free monthly courses in Phoenix and Lake Havasu City with the goal of reaching as many Arizonans as possible. The classes include instruction on the basic skills required to safely operate a boat or personal watercraft, navigational rules, legal requirements and boating emergencies.

“Our courses are beneficial for both those new to boating and veterans of the waterways,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for AZGFD. “The classes are always free, and the investment of your time will pay off the next time a question or unexpected issue comes up when you’re on the water.”

AZGFD also wants to remind the public that life jackets must be worn by children 12 and younger anytime they are onboard a boat or watercraft, and that a properly fitting life jacket must be available for all passengers. For boaters who do not have enough or the right size of life jackets for everyone going out on the water, life jacket loaner stations have been installed at lakes Apache, Bartlett, Canyon, Havasu, Mohave, Patagonia, Pleasant and Saguaro as well as Cattail Cove on the Colorado River.

Whether boaters need to borrow a life jacket or (better yet) come prepared with their own safety gear, taking the step of wearing a life jacket can help prevent a tragedy.

Agreement gives ADOT environmental review authority for certain projects

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PHOENIX – When the Arizona Department of Transportation installs a digital message board, rehabilitates a bridge, renovates a rest area or takes on similar work that makes up nearly all of its projects requiring compliance with federal environmental regulations, the speed of completion can depend in part on coordination with and review by multiple federal agencies.

Recognizing that states can comply with federal environmental requirements on their own while streamlining processes, a new agreement assigns ADOT environmental review authority and responsibility for many projects found to not have significant environmental impacts. A Memorandum of Understanding signed Wednesday by ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration applies to projects commonly referred to as Categorical Exclusions.

“Governor Ducey has challenged state agencies to eliminate red tape and work at the speed of business, and this agreement allows ADOT to accomplish both,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “We can manage projects more efficiently while continuing to meet strict environmental requirements.”

Congress recognized the benefits of such agreements with legislation creating a program known as CE Assignment to expedite environmental review. This allows a state to assume decision-making and legal responsibility for meeting requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal environmental laws otherwise administered by the Federal Highway Administration for projects qualifying as Categorical Exclusions. Alaska, California, Florida, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas and Utah have taken or are pursuing similar action.

To qualify as Categorical Exclusions projects must not significantly affect air, noise or water quality, natural, cultural, recreational, historic or other resources, planned growth or land use, or travel patterns. They also must not require the relocation of significant numbers of people. Categorical Exclusions may require additional environmental analysis and coordination to confirm whether the designation is appropriate.

Other examples of projects that can qualify as Categorical Exclusions include rehabilitating highways, installing ramp meters, adding landscaping, installing utilities along and across highways, and installing fencing, pavement markings, traffic signals and railroad warnings.

ADOT is developing a second Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Highway Administration under what’s known as the NEPA Assignment Program for highway projects that require either an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement. That agreement is expected to be in place later this year.

Short closure of US 89 north of Page scheduled this week

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PAGE – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers around Page to expect delays in both directions on US 89 at Glen Canyon Bridge on Tuesday, January 9, between 1 and 1:30 p.m. This short closure is necessary for crews to repair roadway lighting fixtures on both sides of the road.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Information needed for deer poaching near Kingman

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KINGMAN – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking information about the recent illegal killing of a fawn mule deer doe near Kingman.

The fawn was found near Twin Hills Road in the Blake Ranch area of the Peacock Mountains located in Game Management Unit 15B. Only the head of the fawn was found at the scene with evidence that it had been removed by someone. The crime is believed to have been committed the night of December 30 or early morning of December 31, 2017.

Evidence was collected at the scene, but help from the public will play a critical role in finding those responsible, said Wildlife Manager Cody Johnston.

“This is not the act of a hunter, it’s the act of a poacher,” said Johnston. “The vast majority of hunters practice outdoor ethics, have a respect for our wildlife resources, and comply with wildlife laws. Poachers are simply individuals who steal a valuable and limited resource from the people of Arizona. It is important for anyone with information to come forward and help Game and Fish bring those responsible to justice.”

Johnston noted that the hunter community does a good job of policing itself, and most reports of wildlife law violations received through the Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline are reported by hunters.

OGT rewards are paid from the Wildlife Theft Prevention Fund, which is funded largely by criminal fines and civil restitutions from wildlife violators. No reward money comes from the sale of hunting/fishing licenses.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the department’s OGT hotline at (800) 352-0700, or visit https://www.azgfd.com/ogt/, and refer to case #17-005055. Callers may be eligible for a reward up to $500 in this case. Callers identities’ are confidential and can remain anonymous upon request.

Applications sought to fill Maine Consolidated Governing Board vacancies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for three vacant seats on the Maine Consolidated Unified School District 10 Governing Board.

Per MCUSD Bylaws, the appointments will be two-year terms ending December 31, 2020. Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:

· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit the application is January 31, 2018
· Submit by email esorg@coconino.az.gov (Live signature on original application is required)
· Submit by fax 928 526-1469 (Live signature on original application is required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call Elizabeth Sorg at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: esorg@coconino.az.gov.