New Richland PNW Hydrogen Hub begins initial phase
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 2 months AGO
RICHLAND — The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub project in Richland, Washington has received a Phase 1 award from the U.S. Department of Energy, with Washington State University Tri-Cities playing a key role according to an announcement from WSU. The project aims to establish the Pacific Northwest as a national leader in green hydrogen production.
Kate McAteer, vice chancellor at WSU Tri-Cities, is leading the planning of the Community Benefits Plan, which will focus on job equity and energy justice for disadvantaged communities, according to the announcement. The plan will be developed with input from local communities and tribes to ensure maximum benefits and minimize negative impacts.
The project will create more than 10,000 quality jobs, reduce emissions, and develop STEM education programs, according to the announcement. The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association is sponsoring the project, which includes eight project sites across three states.
Phase one, according to the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association's website, is expected to last one year and will include initial planning, analysis of technology and finances and building engagement with the local community.
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Westbound Winchester rest area closed until further notice
MOSES LAKE — The Winchester rest area west of Moses Lake will be closed for an undetermined length of time as Washington Department of Transportation crews drill a new well. The westbound rest stop was closed in mid-September, according to a WSDOT press release. "Crews identified significant issues with the facility's well system," the press release said. "Further evaluation determined that a full well replacement would be needed to restore reliable water service to the rest area." The replacement is expected to take at least until mid-December, the WSDOT release said. "The process requires funding, permitting and hiring a contractor," it said. The eastbound rest area will still be open, and has the nearest RV dump, the release said. The nearest westbound rest areas are at Schrag, 22 miles west of Ritzville, and Ryegrass, 25 miles west of George.
Soap Lake to hold cleanup day
SOAP LAKE — Residents of Soap Lake can dispose of household refuse at the city’s Free Fall Cleanup Friday through Sunday, according to a statement from the city. The cleanup is for Soap Lake residents only, the city wrote, and either a photo ID or a current utility bill will be required as proof of residency. Certain items may not be dropped off, including liquids, animal carcasses, car parts, appliances, oil and hazardous materials, according to the statement. The city may limit the number of loads per household if it becomes excessive. Materials may be brought to the Cardboard Recycling Center on Second Avenue Southwest, according to the statement.
Household hazardous materials disposal Friday in Mattawa
MATTAWA — People who want to dispose of those mostly empty paint cans and bottles of weed spray, or those burned-out fluorescent tubes, among many other things, will have the opportunity at a household hazardous waste event from noon to 3 p.m. Friday.