3/21 Gumweed, Oly Pipeline update, TM pipe, Heiltsuk oil spill fight, joint carbon market, Salish Sea Wonders, climate changes, biosolids

Gumweed [Sound Water Stewards]

 

Gumweed Grindelia integrifolia
Another native species common on Island County beaches, Grindelia integrifolia belongs to the sunflower family. These shrub-like plants grow to 2-1/2 feet in height and are laden with bright yellow sunflower-like blooms that reach a diameter of 2-1/2 inches.   Immature flower heads have a bur-like appearance and exude a white sticky substance. This species blooms from June until November. Other common names for this plant are Puget Sound gumweed, resinweed, gum plant, and entire leaved gumweed. (Sound Water Stewards)

Today's top story in Salish Current: Community Voices / Getting it done in Olympia

Olympic Pipeline spill update meeting today 
A virtual community meeting to update the progress of the Dec. 10 Olympic Pipeline spill in Skagit County and presentations on final response operations is scheduled for today at 6 p.m. Join in here. Update: Skagit gasoline pipeline spill cleanup still underway  (Salish Current Jan. 17, 2023)

$34B Trans Mountain expansion pipeline begins filling with oil with first shipments before Canada Day
The odyssey of developing and building the Trans Mountain expansion project in Western Canada is finally nearing the finishing line as sections of the pipeline begin filling with oil. The first export shipment will happen before Canada Day, the federal Crown corporation said, although Alberta's premier expects it could become operational as soon as May. The Trans Mountain is Canada's only oil pipeline to the West Coast. The project will transport oil from Alberta to the West Coast and triple the amount of crude that is shipped on an existing pipeline, from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 bpd. Kyle Bakx reports. (CBC)

Frustrated with Canada’s spill response, Heiltsuk leaders take their fight international
In the lasting aftermath of the Nathan E. Stewart spill off coastal B.C., Heiltsuk leaders embark on a mission to reshape maritime law, advocating for recognition of cultural losses and justice for their community. Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood reports. (The Narwhal)

WA, CA, Quebec move closer to creating a joint carbon market
California and Quebec on Wednesday took the next step toward partnering with Washington to form a bigger carbon market. The state and Canadian province formally announced their interest in the joint venture. The earliest that the proposed alliance could happen is 2025. Lurking in the background is a November referendum on whether to repeal Washington’s cap-and-invest program. John Stang reports. (Crosscut)

Wonders of the Salish Sea 2024
Transition Salt Spring welcomes all to the 8th Wonders of the Salish Sea program through April 15 presenting learning experiences about creatures big and small, ocean dynamics, and restoration successes with the guidance of scientists, naturalists and environmentalists. $25 for the series, subsidies available. More information and full schedule here.  Everyone welcome!

Climate change is bringing earlier springs, but it's wreaking havoc on animals
With Canada coming out of its warmest winter on record, some may be enjoying the signs of spring that are showing up much earlier this year: plants beginning to pop up out of the ground, the earlier calls of robins or migrating birds or even just the warmer and sunnier days. But this isn't good news for the natural world. Climate change is altering the way animals, insects and plants behave, and has cascading effects in delicately balanced ecosystems. Nicole Mortillaro reports. (CBC)

Firm behind CRD biosolids sued in Texas over health issues
The company that produces biosolids at Hartland Landfill for the Capital Regional District is being sued by a group of Texas farmers. The farmers claim fertilizer made from a product of sewage treatment by Synagro Technologies’ operation in Fort Worth, Texas, is making them sick and killing their animals. Darron Kloster and Roxanne Egan-Elliott report. (Times Colonist)

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Here's your tug weather—
West Entrance U.S. Waters Strait Of Juan De Fuca-  700 AM PDT Thu Mar 21 2024    
TODAY  SE wind to 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft or less. W swell 3 ft  at 12 seconds.  
TONIGHT  SE wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. W swell 3 ft  at 15 seconds.

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"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. It is included as a daily feature in the Salish Current newsletter. Click here to subscribe. Questions? Email mikesato772 (@) gmail.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.



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