26 May 2015
OSU scientist tells Congress to begin earthquake prep
Public agencies, private businesses and individuals need to begin addressing earthquake preparedness immediately. That was the message delivered last week to Congress by Oregon State University’s Scott Ashford. Ashford is the dean of OSU’s College of Engineering.
In testimony to the U.S. House subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management; Ashford told lawmakers “the time to act is before you have an earthquake.”
He advised Congressional leaders it “will take 50-years for us to prepare for this impending earthquake”.
The focus of the hearing was that of planning and preparing for seismic hazards in the Pacific Northwest. The region is vulnerable, according to scientists, to the threat of a mega, 9-point-oh magnitude earthquake. It would cause significant damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and buildings across the region. Ashford advocated on behalf of three federal initiatives… investments in transportation networks; seismic resilience in utilities; and applied research to help guide the preparations.
Mussell harvesting restricted
Oregon officials are extending limits on recreational mussel gathering after they detected elevated levels of paralytic shellfish toxins.
Mussel harvest is now prohibited along most of the Oregon Coast. The closure extends from the Columbia River to the Rogue.
Earlier this month, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibited mussel harvest through a smaller section of the coast. The latest prohibition applies to all beaches, rocks, jetties and bay entrances. Harvesting remains open from Gold Beach south to the California border.
Officials say commercial shellfish remains safe for consumers. Samples taken from commercial markets show no biotoxins.
Fire near Remote prompts evacuations
Firefighters with the Coos Forest Protective Association are hoping to have a fire line around a blaze in the Sandy Creek area of southeast Coos County. The fire, on private land, is believed to have started when a landowner was burning on his property Sunday morning. The fire reportedly got away from him and spread. Two homes and the occupants of a nearby church camp were evacuated, but officials say no buildings are involved and there have been no injuries. Crews hope to have a fire line around the blaze by today.
Boating Safety object of inspections
The Lane County Sheriff’s Department and Bi-Mart are teaming up again this year to offer free boat inspections. Sergeant Carrie Carver with the Sheriff’s Office says the inspections are aimed at increasing safety on the water.
In the Florence area, you can bring your boat to Bi-Mart on Saturday between noon and two pm. Deputies will double check to make sure you have everything you need… there’s no cost for the inspection.
