ADEQ and Partners Host Free Environmental Resources Roadshows in Payson and Holbrook

PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today that ADEQ, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Adopt a Highway Volunteer Programs and Keep Arizona Beautiful (KAZB) staff will conduct two “Environmental Resources Roadshows”:

Payson
Wed., Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Payson Council Chambers
303 N. Beeline Highway
Payson, AZ 85541

Holbrook
Thurs., Dec. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Navajo County Courthouse Auditorium
100 E. Arizona St.
Holbrook, AZ 86025

ADEQ encourages community members, business people, public officials, and school representatives in Payson, Holbrook and the surrounding area to attend one of the no-cost, two-hour events. Following brief presentations, attendees can engage in open dialogue and participate in a question and answer session.

Topics

  • ADEQ: successful municipal recycling programs such as electronic waste and food recovery
  • ADEQ: how communities can benefit from ADEQ’s brownfields grants and technical expertise
  • ADOT: volunteer process for adopting sections of Arizona highways for litter cleanup
  • KAZB: statewide litter prevention, recycling and beautification programs

If you are interested in the Environmental Resources Roadshow presenting in your community in 2016, please call one of the listed contacts.

Background
ADEQ’s recycling program, which began 1991, has facilitated recycling initiatives in every county in Arizona. Currently, the program focuses on hosting environmental roadshows across the state, particularly in rural areas, to educate Arizonans about what they can do to establish or enhance recycling programs to protect and preserve their environment. For detailed information, please visit:

  • Recycling: http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/solid/recycle.html
  • Electronic waste recycling: http://azdeq.gov/environ/waste/p2/ewastetoolkit/index.html
  • Food recovery: http://www2.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food

Brownfields are properties with active redevelopment potential hindered by known or perceived environmental contamination. ADEQ’s non-competitive brownfields grant program has funded more than 50 projects assisting local governments and nonprofits in completing environmental assessments and cleanups. Currently accepting applications, ADEQ’s brownfields grant program conducts projects through Arizona’s State Response Grant using funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Visit http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/cleanup/brownfields.html.

Bridge work starting on I-40 west of Holbrook

NOTE: We noted a lot of bridge work happening between Williams and Flagstaff on I-40. Please remember that ARS provides for double-fines for speeding through a highway construction zone.


The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin a project on Monday, March 23 to make improvements to the Leroux Wash Bridges on Interstate 40 just west of Holbrook.

The $1.2 million dollar project will include removing and replacing both bridges approach slabs and repairing both bridge decks. The project is anticipated to be completed this fall.

Work hours will be 7 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Work crews will be working on both the eastbound and westbound bridges at the same time. One of the two lanes in each direction will be closed leaving one lane open for traffic. The speed limit will be reduced through the construction zone and there will be width restrictions.

Drivers are asked to use caution and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Man found deceased identified in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — On March 2, Flagstaff police responded to a call of a man who appeared to be sleeping on Woodlands Boulevard. The subject was declared deceased the medics at the scene.

The Flagstaff Police Department has identified the subject as 35 year old Kenneth O. Yazzie from Holbrook Arizona.

It does not appear that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, although it does appear that weather conditions might have contributed to his death.

Yazzie had been wearing a sweat shirt, leather coat, jeans and cowboy boots at the time of contact.

This investigation is continuing and the cause of death will be determined by the Coconino County Medical examiner’s office.

Bridge rehabilitation project starting on I-40 in Holbrook

HOLBROOK – A bridge rehabilitation project will be starting Monday, Sept. 22 at the east Navajo Blvd. interchange on Interstate 40 in Holbrook.

The majority of this project will require crews to work underneath the bridge and there will be very little impact to traffic traveling on I-40.

There is one phase of the work which will require a lane closure on the westbound side of the bridge where crews will be working on the deck. During that time there will be lane closures and speed reductions for westbound traffic only. There will also be one day when work will necessitate the closure of the eastbound on and off ramps at the interchange. A message board will be used to give advance notice to motorists when that time is planned.

Work hours will be from sunrise to sunset Monday through Friday. The project is scheduled to be completed by late this year.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel