Environment | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Puget Sound Energy includes Tesla home batteries in its Flex Batteries program

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and clean-energy technology company, Uplight, announced on November 19 that they are expanding the Flex Batteries program to include Tesla home battery systems. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/28/24 | 3 comments

A preliminary site plan for a proposed fuel station project at 1803 Black Lake Boulevard SW.

Olympia committee reviews fuel station project along Black Lake Boulevard

On Wednesday, November 20, Olympia's Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference for a proposed fuel station project at 1803 Black Lake Boulevard SW. The project site … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/27/24 | 4 comments

Be aware of algae bloom and other warnings in your local waters.

Thurston County issues danger notice for Lawrence Lake

Public use of Lawrence Lake near Yelm is prohibited as the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department issued an algae danger warning for the lake on Friday, November 22. … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 11/25/24 | 3 comments

The students' art featured on a street sweeper.

Olympia recognizes students who help promote stormwater pollution prevention through their art

The Olympia City Council, on Tuesday, recognized three talented middle school students whose artworks were chosen to be featured on a new city street sweeper... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/14/24

After the decision, board member Chris Reykdal was seen leaving the other board members and not returning afterward.

State Board of Natural Resources approves sale of timber on 430 acres of forestland in Thurston County

The atmosphere in the room was so tense that even before the board started deliberating on its vote, one person from the audience was heard shouting. The vote took place on Election Day as voters waited to learn who would become the next Commissioner of Public Lands. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 11/7/24 | 11 comments

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz portrait and friends

What happens to the wildlife when forests are demolished

This week's story is about wildlife and what happens to them when the County, City Officials and developers annihilate forests to build housing developments, roads and businesses. We will also … more

By Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz | 11/6/24 | 9 comments

After pushing back on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, Thurston County Commissioners Carolina Mejia (leftmost), Tye Menser (second from the left), and Emily Clouse (rightmost) supported the motion to approve the ILA, while Commissioner Gary Edwards (second from the right) opposed it during a meeting on October 29, 2024.

Thurston County okays Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement

After a delay for review , Thurston County's Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement (ILA) at a meeting on Tuesday, October 29. … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/31/24 | 3 comments

Reader opinion: The JOLT publishes readers' letters on Thurston County topics, generally verbatim and within a day or two of receiving them. These opinions come from members of our community.

Worst toxic algae bloom in the history of Lake Lawrence closes lake to everyone

Water samples taken at Lake Lawrence, southwest of Yelm, on October 22, 2024 showed Microcystin levels at 2,361 micrograms per liter (ug/L), which is above the state recreational guideline of 8.0 … more

Submitted by Barry Halverson | 10/31/24

In support of the planned tree harvest

I am a Port of Olympia Commissioner. I write today as one commissioner, not on behalf of my commission body, as this is not an issue that has come before us. I am writing to support the … more

Submitted by Amy Evans Harding | 10/31/24 | 4 comments

Juneau, Carrot, and Cabbage Patch, which collectively represent 430 acres of forestland, have been authorized for sale but had been paused and are now back on the chopping block as the Board of Natural Resources (BNR) will consider re-approving them for auction.

Timber sales from 3 'legacy' forests, once delayed, are now back on the chopping block

Three forest stands whose timbers have been authorized for sale but had been paused are now back on the chopping block as the Board of Natural Resources (BNR) will consider re-approving them for … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/30/24 | 12 comments

Superintendent Kevin Bogatin expressed the district’s support for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources—Board of Natural Resources timber sales.

Tumwater School District Superintendent presents draft letter in support of timber sales

Tumwater School District (TSD) Superintendent Kevin Bogatin expressed the district’s support for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources—Board of Natural Resources … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/28/24 | 9 comments

A map, prepared by Ronda Larson Kramer, showing the trail of the Oct. 27 Walk along the path of Cowlitz trail

Supporters of Davis-Meeker Oak plan 2.7-mile walk along path of historic Cowlitz Trail Sunday

Supporters of the Davis-Meeker Oak tree will gather on Sunday, October 27, to walk 2.7 miles of the path of Cowlitz trail, beginning at the historic Oregon White Oak ( Quercus garryana ) tree … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/24/24 | 3 comments

This year’s Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve features underwater cameras, salmon docents, and kids activities among many others.

Explore salmon run up close at Bayshore Preserve November 9-11

Get up close with aquatic wildlife through the annual Salmon Experience at Bayshore Preserve this November 9, 10, and 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Capitol Land Trust (CLT) and Puget … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/24/24

Water, sewer, garbage: Olympia committee proposes 3 to 7.6% increases

Olympia City officials have proposed increasing utility rates, permit, and impact fees as part of the 2025 budget, aimed at supporting critical infrastructure, and other municipal services. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/22/24 | 1 comment

A slide from a May 9, 2024, Tumwater Public Works committee meeting showing that the existing culvert is too small to allow for the natural passage of fish.

Tumwater City Council approves acquisition of two properties for Percival Creek culvert project

Tumwater will acquire two properties as necessary right-of-way for a culvert project on Percival Creek. Tumwater City Council approved the acquisition of the properties for $34,050 as … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/21/24

Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne expressed appreciation for students' artworks, specifically the message "Don't let the water run" – a simple, yet important message to always turn off the water when brushing teeth.

Olympia students recognized for water stewardship calendar artwork

The Olympia City Council recognized 13 students for contributing to raising awareness about stormwater pollution prevention and water conservation best practices through their artworks. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/18/24

Thurston County alerts public to harmful algae blooms at Lake Lawrence and Clear Lake

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is urging residents to avoid contact with Lake Lawrence and Clear Lake due to toxic algae blooms detected in both bodies of water. This … more

10/18/24 | 1 comment

At a Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting yesterday, October 15, which is also the supposed approval of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement (ILA) on the county’s side, the commissioners removed the ILA from the agenda.

Thurston County Commissioners delay approval of Deschutes interlocal agreement amid approval from other cities, gears for legal review

At a Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting yesterday, October 15, the commissioners removed the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement from the agenda. The … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 10/16/24 | 5 comments

A slide from a presentation during the Oct. 3, 2024, meeting of the Tumwater Public Works Committee, which has endorsed a contract with Sare Electric to construct ten EV chargers for the city fleet.

Tumwater to construct new EV chargers as part of fleet electrification initiative

Plans to construct electric vehicle charging stations to support Tumwater’s fleet electrification efforts are moving forward. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 10/16/24 | 2 comments

Olympia City Mayor Dontae Payne describes the interlocal agreement as historic as multiple government entities come together to restore Capitol Lake to its natural state.

Olympia City Council approves interlocal agreement toward restoring Deschutes Estuary

The Olympia City Council, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, approved an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, the Squaxin Island Tribe, Thurston County, Tumwater, the … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 10/15/24 | 8 comments