Snohomish County, Washington Summer Sustainability News

The Snohomish County Interdepartmental Climate Resiliency Committee (ICRC) creates a common platform for collaboration and coordination on climate change mitigation related work across multiple disciplines.  The ICRC includes 21 departments, offices, and divisions of the county, overseen by Executive Somers. The committee amasses resources to support county departments, offices, and staff, including data collection and analysis. Cross-department planning, goals, and objectives inform the efforts to prioritize policy and infrastructure decisions. The ICRC coordinates efforts to prioritize sustainability, resiliency, and responsible land management; build partnerships; and develop projects that make Snohomish County residents and communities more resilient to climate change.

The Snohomish County Weatherization Assistance Program provides FREE home energy improvements and conservation education to qualifying low-income households. The program helps homeowners and renters lower their utility costs and make their homes more comfortable. 

                        

Examples of common repairs include:

1. Installation of insulation, air sealing, weather stripping, and other standard weatherization measures.
2. Heating system repair or improvements.
3. Ventilation improvements.
4. Safety improvements.

Qualifying for services is not a guarantee that a home will be eligible for repairs. All repairs must meet program guidelines and income requirements to be eligible. These may be viewed at https://snohomishcountywa.gov/600.

The following updates are effective immediately for all current and future Energy Smart Loan Program applications.

1. The minimum Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) for Ductless Heat Pumps and Air Source Heat Pumps has been updated. HSPF2 and SEER2 apply to units manufactured after January 1, 2023, based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s change to the national standard testing methodology.

• Ductless Heat Pump – AHRI Certified and minimum 9.0 HSPF 14 SEER or6 HSPF2 13.4 SEER2.
• Air Source Heat Pump – AHRI Certified or minimum 9.0 HSPF 14 SEER or6 HSPF2 13.4 SEER2.

2. Cooling and Central Air Conditioner Single Systems and Split Systems Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) have also been updated.

• Single package system: ≥ 15 SEER / ≥ 12 EER
• Split system: ≥ 15 SEER / ≥ 12.5 EER

Contractors utilizing Snohomish County’s Energy Smart Loan Program need to meet these minimum standards to ensure that customers are getting highly efficient, quality equipment that meets the Energy Smart Loan program goals. If you have a question about meeting Program Standards, please contact Molly Beeman with Snohomish County at (425) 262-2888 or Molly.Beeman@snoco.org.

Wildfire smoke becomes an issue in the summer months from June through September. Our area can also experience higher levels of ozone pollution during the afternoons of high temperature days.

Smoke from wildfires can cause health hazards, especially to sensitive individuals or those who are working outdoors. While chemicals from smoke are generally limited to areas very close to the fire, particles from smoke can carry over great distances.

Community members are advised to monitor the air quality risk level in their area DAILY when there is the potential for wildfire smoke or other pollution causing events by using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI provides a one-stop shop for all the information needed by community members, such as Smoke and Wildfire Maps or the forecast for a given area.

Individuals can protect themselves from wildfire smoke by remaining indoors when the AQI is above 100 (or lower for more sensitive individuals); sealing off at least one room indoors from outside air; setting up a portable air cleaner or filter; and by wearing an N95 or P100 mask when outdoors. Please visit the CDC webpage on wildfires for more information.

In December 2022, 300 conifer trees were planted at Lake Stickney Park as part of Forterra's Evergreen Carbon Capture Program. Now the new trees are battling the resurging weeds, primarily blackberry and ivy. Come join Healthy Forest Project staff to save some trees from the weeds on Saturday, June 24th from 10 am to 12 pm. Participants can expect to cut back and remove weeds, flag new plantings, add mulch to the soil, and water the establishing trees. This event is open to the public, all ages are welcome. Please click on the link to register on CEDAR.

Wear long sleeves and long pants that you don't mind getting dirty, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring a full water bottle and a snack. Hand tools and gloves will be provided, but you may bring your own if you wish. Remember to bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast. 

Park in the paved parking lot next to the meeting point or in the gravel parking lot at the intersection of Manor and Admiralty Way. Street parking is available but limited. The paved parking lot is quite small, so please try to arrive early or carpool if possible.

For more information, click to visit the Healthy Forest Project website, email Jay Tavarez-Brown at isabellajay.tavarez-brown@snoco.org, or call (425) 312-0586.