Rush-hour traffic in Seattle increases blood pressure, but not for the reason you think It will come as no surprise to anyone who braves I-5 on a weekday at either 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. (or practically any time in between) that your blood pressure tends to increase during sudden slowdowns and bumper-to-bumper backups. But a new study from University of Washington researchers suggests that it’s not just the Tesla changing lanes without using a directional that is causing your heart to pound. Ultrafine particles circulating on and near congested freeways — a toxic mixture of exhaust from tailpipes, brake and tire wear, and road dust — could increase blood pressure and lead to other health problems.
New culverts in Washington state cost $20 million each. The DOT needs to replace 400 of them by 2030 The Washington State Department of Transportation has a lot of very expensive projects it has to manage in order to keep people moving around, and legislators recently got some pretty massive sticker shock for a different project — one that’s aimed at improving the way salmon move around.
Want some good news? King County streams are getting healthier Several 20-year long studies show that King County streams have fewer pollutants compared to previous samples, despite a population boom. In one study, a quarter of sites improved in water quality while only 3% declined in health.
Tacoma Rail to buy Northwest’s first electric locomotives Tacoma Rail is replacing two diesel locomotives with battery-powered ones, a first in the Northwest.
Major Walla Walla gas station leak fouling the ground beneath historic Marcus Whitman hotel, federal The spill’s source isn’t yet known, and more buildings are becoming involved downtown
To lid or not to lid: Should I-5 be covered through the heart of Seattle? Soundside host Libby Denkmann speaks with Seattle's Office of Planning and Community Development urban planner Lyle Bicknell about the proposal to create a lid on top of I-5.
Tribes call for national ban on salmon-killing chemical in car tires Three Northwest tribes have petitioned the federal government to ban a salmon-killing chemical found in tires and urban streams worldwide.
Oregon’s new SB 85 will further regulate water use on big livestock operations Some Oregon farmers say they need less regulation, not more. But Governor Tina Kotek recently signed new laws on water rules for big farms. It’s called Senate Bill 85.
Congress moves to mandate leaded fuel sales The U.S. House of Representatives voted to require airports to keep selling leaded aviation fuel. The small-plane fuel is the biggest source of airborne lead pollution in Washington and nationwide.