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Aphids

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1. What is an aphid?

Appearance

Aphids are small (less than 1/4 inch long), soft-bodied insects that suck sap from leaves, twigs, or roots. Depending on the species and the plants they feed on, they may appear:

• Black
• Brown
• Green
• Red
• Yellow

They are pear-shaped insects with long legs and antennae. Adult aphids can be winged or wingless. They are often clustered on new growth.

Habits & Reproduction

Although aphids are most common in spring and summer, some species mate and produce eggs in fall or winter, which provides them a more hardy stage to survive harsh weather. Under ideal temperatures, many aphid species can complete their life cycle in less than 2 weeks, and because of their prolific reproductive capacity, enormous populations of aphids can build up in a short time.

2. Where do aphids live?

There are many thousands of species of aphids around the world. Aphids are plant specific and do not transfer from one type of plant to another. There are rose aphids, birch aphids, and the list goes on. Anywhere there are plants there are aphids.

3. How long do aphids live?

Aphids have a life span between a few weeks and a few months.

4. What roles do aphids have in the ecosystem?

They provide food for many small insects and other invertebrates.

5. Are aphids bad for plants?

Although aphids seldom kill a plant, the damage and unsightly mold growth they cause sometimes warrant control. Aphids cause curling, yellowing, and distortion of leaves and stunting of shoots. In urban environments, aphids can produce copious amounts of “honeydew” excretion, which often turns black with the growth of a sooty mold fungus. Sooty mold is usually just unsightly, coating leaves with a black residue, but can kill a small tree that is already under stress.

Check plants frequently for aphids, including the undersides of leaves. Look for curled green leaves and/or wilted buds. Many species of aphids cause the greatest damage when temperatures are 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The presence of ants often indicate aphids, because ants act as “farmers,” protecting the aphids, in order to harvest their honeydew excretions.

6. How can we get rid of aphids?

Decide if It's Necessary

First, ask yourself if the impact they cause warrants getting rid of them. If there is little damage, some aphids are okay. Even in our urban environment, aphids have natural predators (such as lady bugs) that will keep the population under control. We actually want some aphids in order to sustain the predators so they can reproduce to eat more aphids! The key here is not to panic if a few aphids are feeding on a tree.

Getting Rid of Aphids

A heavy rainfall usually reduces aphid population.  If there is no rain in the forecast, the easiest thing to do is to wash off the aphids with a strong jet of water one morning per week (morning is best, allowing the leaves to dry during the day). Doing it more than once a week helps keep the population down. You can wash leaves when you’re watering your young tree, washing your car, or watering plants.

Insecticides

If aphids are causing sufficient damage to warrant further treatment, or if washing with plain water has not worked, we suggest one of two insecticides. Always follow manufacturer’s application instructions:

• Neem Oil - Works quickly by suffocating the aphids. Also serves as a repellent and a fungicide. Local nurseries carry neem-based insecticides.
• Safer Insecticidal Soap - A contact insecticide that is fully biodegradable. It works by smothering rather than poisoning.

Keep in mind, using a broad spectrum insecticide will kill ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and other beneficial insects that feed on aphids.

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Cart Placement

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1. Why is placement of my containers so important?

Cart placement is important. The right cart in the right place ensures the collection trucks can maneuver in and out of areas quickly and safely. The mechanical arms on the collection trucks need to have an unobstructed access to both your garbage and recycling containers. Correct cart placement also helps reduce the time trucks spend idling, saving fuel.

2. How should my containers be set out?

Remember these three steps when setting your container(s) out for collection

• Give it space, at least 2 feet clearance on all sides
• Park it near the curb, at the curb or at the road/alley edge
• Point it with the handles facing your home

3. Are there any things I should be aware of when setting my containers out?

Here are some helpful tips to remember when setting your cart(s) out for collection:

• Leave sidewalks and bike lanes unobstructed where possible. It helps to place your container(s) level with the roadway
• Watch for overhead obstructions such as trees, phone or cable wires, and basketball hoops

4. What are some helpful do's and dont's about cart placement?

Check out these other things to remember regarding your garbage and recycling cart:

Do

• Have your containers a minimum of ten feet away from any parked vehicles or other obstacles.
• Have your containers out either the night before collection or by 7 a.m. the morning of collection.
• If your garbage or recycling container was/is missing or damaged, go to Report a Damaged or Missing Container and request a new container or repair for a damaged container, or contact the City of Longview directly at 360-442-5099.
• If your garbage or recycling container was missed on collection day, go to Report a Missed Collection and request a pickup, or contact the City of Longview directly at 360-442-5099. If the request is made prior to 3 p.m. on the day of collection, Waste Control will return on the same day. If the request is made after 3 p.m. on the day of collection, Waste Control will return the following day.
• Remove your containers from the curb or alley by 7 p.m, or sooner, on collection day.

Don’t

• Leave your containers out at the curb or in the alley all the time. This may result in theft or illegal dumping into your containers. You are responsible for the contents found in your containers.
• Place excess garbage or unwanted materials next to your garbage container. Either contact Waste Control at 360-425-4302 for a special pick up for a nominal fee or bring the materials to the Waste Control Transfer Station.
• Place recyclables into your garbage container. To know what is recyclable, go to Recycle list Yes-No (PDF) or request a recycling brochure at Request a Recycling Brochure.
• Put ashes in your garbage cart, as this can cause your cart to catch fire and melt.
• Put household hazardous materials in your garbage or recycling containers. Bring these materials to the Household Hazardous Facility at Waste Control every Tuesday and Saturday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m, at no charge.

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Code Compliance

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1. How do I report a concern or a complaint?

All concerns/complaints to the city must be done so in written or electronic form. In order to ensure that every concern is appropriately addressed and to protect complainants from possible reprisal, every complainant must provide a written or electronic statement regarding the nature of their complaint. Complainants must provide their contact information, but can indicate that they wish to remain anonymous/confidential. (If a case were to make its way to court, it is possible that a judge could require a complainant to be named if their testimony is pertinent to the case) If you have any questions or wish to file a concern/complaint, visit Ask Longview. You will find the Submit Request button at the bottom of that page.

2. I noticed graffiti has shown up in our neighborhood. What should we do?

To report graffiti within Longview city limits, please call the police non-emergency number at 360-442-5800. If the graffiti does not get removed within two weeks, call the Code Compliance Division at 360-442-5093.

3. What are the regulations regarding tall grass and weeds?

All yards must be free from overgrown grass and weeds. Grass and shrub areas should be mowed, trimmed and kept weed-free. Lawn grass and weeds should not exceed 12-inches in height. Mow and trim ditch lines and right-of-way along the roadway.

4. My neighbor has a dog that barks throughout the night. Is there anything we can do?

If you have a complaint regarding an animal, the appropriate jurisdiction to call is the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, at 360-577-0151.

5. Whose responsibility is it to maintain alleys?

It is the city’s responsibility to maintain the alley roadways, such as grading and filling potholes. All other maintenance issues, such as overgrown vegetation, yard waste piles or illegally dumped household furnishings such as couches and mattresses are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain, remove and properly dispose of.

6. What is the City’s position regarding accumulating junk and garbage on a property?

Any person owning, managing, renting or having control of property within the city must keep it in a condition that meets city regulated minimum maintenance standards set out in the Longview Municipal Code. Properties are to be kept free of unsightly accumulations of materials including, but not limited to:

• Garbage
• Inoperable vehicles
• Junk
• Litter
• Overgrown vegetation

7. What is the process once the city issues a Notice for violations found on a property?

When the Code Compliance division receives a complaint about a particular violation, the complaint is investigated. If it is determined that a violation exists, the owner of the property is sent a notice to correct the violation(s) within 14 days. If no progress is made within the 14-day period, a $500 fine per violation could be assessed against the owner.

8. What is voluntary compliance and what is a Voluntary Compliance Agreement?

The Code Compliance division will always look to resolve complaints by communicating with the owner or tenant and getting the problem resolved without having to initiate the enforcement process. In those instances where voluntary compliance could not be reached, or if the successful resolution would take longer than 14 days, a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) is the only way to avert enforcement and subsequent penalties. In determining the new deadlines for the VCA, the city will usually ask the owner or tenant what kind of time they would need to resolve the violation. If the city feels the proposed date is reasonable, those deadlines are put into the VCA, which would need to be signed by the owner or tenant to become effective.

9. What if the negotiated dates in a Voluntary Compliance Agreement pass and the violation is not completed?

As long as the problem is being addressed, the city will work with the owner or tenant in bringing the problem into compliance. That flexibility must be supported by the city is satisfied that the owner or tenant is working to get the problem corrected. As an example, going out once a week to move a few things around will not be construed as the owner or tenant working in earnest to resolve the problem, and any subsequent request to grant additional time outlined in the VCA will likely be denied.

10. What are the rules regarding garage sales? Can my neighbor have them every weekend?

Residents may conduct “garage,” “yard,” “estate,” or “moving” sales from their residences up to 20 days per calendar year. Each sales event may not exceed 4 consecutive days and the goods must be removed between sales. In addition:

• No goods or merchandise shall be offered for sale that does not belong to those conducting the sale
• No sale no sale shall commence prior to 8 a.m. or continue beyond 9 p.m.
• Signs for the sale shall not be placed more than six blocks or 2,400 feet from the place of the sale
• Signs must be removed within 24 hours of the event
• Signs shall not be placed on utility poles, trees, medians or other devices within the public right-of-way

11. What is the position of the city with regards to inoperable vehicles?

Any vehicle which is visible from public or private view that is inoperable, wrecked or dismantled, and/or is not registered or licensed must be stored/parked within an enclosed structure or screened from public view by a fence at least 6-feet tall. For a definition of “screened,” refer to LMC 16.30 Section 202 of the  Longview Municipal Code. This includes such other vehicles as all-terrain, boats or personal watercraft vehicles.

12. All vehicles are required to be parked on an “approved parking surface.” What is considered an approved surface?

An approved parking surface is defined as a permitted parking space designed for all motorized or non-motorized vehicles and is to be constructed using either asphalt or Portland cement concrete. All approved surfaces must also meet property setback requirements and measure 9 feet by 20 feet or 8.5 feet by 18 feet for compact spaces.

13. As summer approaches, what do I need to keep in mind if we want to purchase an above-ground swimming pool?

Swimming pools that have a depth of 24-inches or more are required by state law to be completely enclosed by a barrier or fence 48-inches or higher. For additional information, contact the Building Department at 360-442-5084 or the Code Compliance division at 360-442-5093.

14. What are the requirements regarding address numbers?

In the interest of ensuring public safety, in addition to the required front address numbers, those dwellings and businesses that have alley access are required to display their addresses with 5-inch numbers at the rear of the dwelling, shop, garage or business in a way that is clearly visible from the alley. Addresses on the backside are also very helpful when Waste Control tries to locate your address if the collection of your garbage or recycling is missed.

15. Need more information?

In an effort to serve you better, we have compiled common information that residents often require plus created an easy way for you to communicate with us. If you do not find what you are looking for, go ahead, ask a question, request a service, or give us some feedback. We are here to serve you! Ask Longview.

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Composting

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1. What is Composting?

Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic waste, you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil - dark brown, crumbly, and smelling like a forest floor.

Composting ideas to consider:

• Backyard Composting (PDF)
• Composting Using Worms
• Fertilizing with Yard Trimmings
• Other Composting Ideas

2. What is grass-cycling?

Grass-cycling is the simple practice of leaving grass clippings on the lawn when mowing. Once cut, grass clippings first dehydrate, then decompose and quickly disappear from view.

Grass-cycling

• Benefits the environment by naturally recycling the clippings
• Encourages a healthier lawn by returning nutrients to the soil beneath the lawn
• Reduces work because you don’t have to bag or rake and dispose of your clippings
• Saves you money because you don’t have to pay for disposal of your clippings

Common Concerns Regarding Grass-cycling

• Does grass-cycling cause thatch? 
  • No! Research has shown that grass roots are the primary cause of thatch, not grass clippings. Thatch is composed primarily of roots, stems and other plant materials. These plant materials contain large amounts of lignin (fibrous material) and decompose slowly. Grass clippings are approximately 80-85% water with only small amounts of lignin and decompose much quicker.
• Does grass-cycling spread lawn disease?
  • No! Improper watering and fertilizing have a much greater impact on disease spread than grass-cycling. If a desirable environment for turfgrass disease is present, the infestation will occur whether clippings are collected or not.
• Will grass-cycling make my lawn look bad?
  • No! If a lawn is properly mowed, watered, fertilized, grass-cycling can actually produce a healthier lawn. It is important to cut the lawn frequently to produce small clippings that will decompose quickly. If a lawn is not cut frequently and the clippings are left on the lawn, it will produce a “hay-like” look which may be unsightly.

3. Why should you compost?

Here Are Ten Good Reasons

• Adding decomposed organic material to the soil feeds beneficial organisms.
• Adding organic materials to the soil improves moisture retention.
• Compost amends both sandy and clay soils.
• Compost provides a balanced, slow-release source of nutrients that helps the soil hold nutrients long enough for plants to use them.
• Composting saves money and you avoid the cost of buying soil conditioners, bagged manure, etc.
• Feeding your edible plants will improve your own diet. Plants grown in depleted soils have reduced nutrient content.
• Healthy plants from healthy soil look better, produce better and have a much greater ability to fight off pests and diseases.
• Home composting is a valuable tool in educating children about nature and the cycle of life.
• Yard and food waste make up 30% of the waste stream. Composting your kitchen and yard trimmings helps divert that waste from the landfill, waterways, and water treatment facilities.
• You will significantly reduce pest problems and your use of pesticides.

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Comprehensive Plan

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1. What's a comprehensive plan?

A comprehensive plan is an in-depth look at all the things that make up our city:

• Businesses and industries
• Economy
• Environment
• Historic resources
• Homes
• Sidewalks
• Streets and others

That sets the City’s goals, objectives, and policies related to each. The plan anticipates how much our population will grow over time and what the City will need to do in terms of guiding development and facilitating economic prosperity to offer future residents a good quality of life. In turn, the plan serves as the basis for development regulations such as zoning and permit requirements. It also provides a foundation for the City’s future investments in public infrastructure such as parks, roads, and public buildings.

The 2019 Comprehensive Plan can be viewed on this page: Longview Comprehensive Plan

2. What’s required for a comprehensive plan?

Cowlitz County and the cities within it are not subject to the full state Growth Management Act (GMA). However, Longview is subject to the planning and zoning requirements for “code cities,” a particular form of governmental organization (Chapter 35A.63 RCW).

This statute sets minimal requirements for comprehensive planning, which must include land use (“the proposed general distribution, general location, and extent of the uses of land,” including environmental protection) and circulation (“the general location, alignment, and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, major transportation routes, and major terminal facilities”). A number of other topics may also be included.

The land-use and circulation provisions must correlate, and the development regulations are consistent with the comprehensive plan. In addition, Cowlitz County jurisdictions must designate and work toward preserving natural resource lands, as well as planning for and regulating critical areas such as wetlands and floodplains.

3. Why is the City updating the comprehensive plan?

A comprehensive plan is intended to take a 20-year look into the future, but it’s also intended to be a “living document” that is periodically revisited to make sure it’s still on-point for the community. Longview’s current comprehensive plan was adopted in 2006, and its demographics are based on the 2000 federal census. Many of the priorities stated in the plan have either been accomplished or may have changed over time. By keeping the plan up to date and relevant, we will ensure that local decisions on laws, regulations, programs, and services are geared toward the community’s vision of Longview’s future.

4. How can I get involved with the comprehensive plan?

Broad public outreach and participation are an important part of “getting it right” when a city develops or reevaluates its comprehensive plan. The City of Longview will be working with community members and its Planning Commission and City Council throughout the remainder of 2017 to complete the update that was started in 2015. We invite you to take a look at the following background information that was prepared for the Planning Commission as part of the update process:

• Demographics and Housing Overview (PDF)
• Economic Development Trends and Issues (PDF)
• Energy and Telecommunications Highlights (PDF)
• Land Use Trends and Issues (PDF)
• Natural Environment Trends and Issues (PDF)
• Public Facilities and Utility Highlights (PDF)
• Transportation Highlights (PDF)

Chapters of the Old 2006 Plan

View chapters of the current comprehensive plan, which was adopted in December 2006:

Comprehensive Plan - December 2006

• Cover Page (PDF)
• Title Page (PDF)
• Table of Contents (PDF)
• Chapter 01 - Introduction (PDF)
• Chapter 02 - Land Use (PDF)
• Chapter 03 - Housing (PDF)
• Chapter 03 - Figure 3-2 (PDF)
• Chapter 04 - Economic Development (PDF)
• Chapter 05 - Natural Environment (PDF)
• Chapter 06 - Energy and Telecommunications (PDF)
• Chapter 07 - Public Facilities, Utilities, Services (PDF)
• Chapter 08 - Transportation (PDF)
• Chapter 09 - Historic Preservation Element (PDF)
• Chapter 10 - Action Plan (PDF)
• Chapter 11 - References (PDF)
• Appendix A - Transportation (PDF)
• Land Use Map (PDF)

Ordinance Number 3244 (PDF) - Amending Comprehensive Plan policies regarding annexation - April 2013

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Encampment Cleanup

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1. What are the rules for conducting a clean-up and what do they entail?

In summary, the Policy outlines the City’s process for: 

• Prioritizing cleanup and removal of encampments. 
• Providing notice when an encampment is scheduled for cleanup. 
• Offering outreach and alternative shelter options. 
• Cleaning up an encampment site. 
• Collecting, cataloguing, and storing personal belongings and how individuals can recover their property. 
• Immediately removing obstructions and immediate hazards. 
• Identifying and specifying emphasis areas that will be subject to daily inspection and immediate removal of any encampment-related materials. 

2. When there is a clean-up, what level of outreach will be conducted and what services offered?

In many cases, outreach occurs before notice of an impending cleanup and after cleanups. Outreach always happens after a cleanup notice has been posted and during the cleanup. The City works with community organizations and other providers to help identify and implement individual solutions that break down barriers preventing unsheltered people from moving indoors. These organizations are helping people with everything from getting legal IDs to finding shelter, from mental health and substance issue services to referrals to affordable housing programs. 

The Policy for Unauthorized Encampments on City Property, requires outreach providers to inform individuals in the encampment of alternative shelter options prior to encampment removal. Those options include housing programs, shelter programs with or without day programs, and “no-barrier” authorized shelter programs.

3. What notice will be required before a scheduled encampment cleanup?

No fewer than 72 hours in advance of a scheduled cleanup, notice will be posted throughout the encampment warning of the removal of all tents, structures and personal property. The notice will include the date it was posted, the dates of the scheduled cleanup, where personal property will be stored and how to retrieve it, and contact information for an outreach provider that can provide shelter alternatives.

4. How and where will the City store personal belongings during the cleanup?

On the dates of the cleanup, staff collect, inventory, photograph and store personal belongings whether or not the individual is present, unless the items are clearly hazardous, a biohazard or evidence of a crime. Information on how to retrieve items from storage is handed to campers (if on site) and posted at the site. 

Items are stored for at least 60 days. Belongings may be recovered by calling 360-414-5002 and accurately describing the items. 

5. What are obstructions or immediate hazard encampments and how is their removal different than other encampments?

An “obstruction” could be people, tents, personal property, solid waste or other objects related to an encampment that are in a City park or on a public sidewalk, interfere with the pedestrian or purposes of public rights-of-way, or interfere with areas that are necessary for or essential to the intended use of a public property or facility. An “immediate hazard” means an encampment where individuals occupying the encampment are at risk of serious injury or death beyond that caused by increased exposure to the elements or their presence creates a risk of serious injury or death to others, or the encampment is causing imminent compromise to the structural and environmental integrity of the surrounding location. This includes encampments at roadway shoulders and off-ramps, areas exposed to moving vehicles, areas that can only be accessed by crossing driving lanes outside of a legal crosswalk, and landslide or flood prone areas, areas at high risk of fire, areas along or on top of river levees and other critical areas where the lack of sanitation facilities results in human solid or liquid waste being discharged in a manner that threatens public health.

6. What are key points of the Policy regarding Unauthorized Encampments on City Property?

The Policy for Unauthorized Encampments on City Property requires the City arrange for outreach resources to come to the encampment site to offer shelter and other services that would be an improved situation than living rough, but individuals have a choice as to whether they accept the offers. However, building relationships through repeated, intensive outreach can be successful in meeting people’s individualized needs to find them a better alternative than an unsafe encampment. 

 The City is not required to provide additional alternatives to individuals who have been previously or are currently excluded from all usual and appropriate alternatives because of the individual’s behavior. 

7. Does the Policy for Unauthorized Encampments on City Property require acceptance of alternative shelter before an encampment can be removed?

The Policy for Unauthorized Encampments on City Property requires the City arrange for outreach resources to come to the encampment site to offer shelter and other services that would be an improved situation than living rough, but individuals have a choice as to whether they accept the offers. However, building relationships through repeated, intensive outreach can be successful in meeting people’s individualized needs to find them a better alternative than an unsafe encampment.

The City is not required to provide additional alternatives to individuals who have been previously or are currently excluded from all usual and appropriate alternatives because of the individual’s behavior.

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Fishing at the Lake

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1. What kinds of fish are in the lake?

There are many varieties of fish that can be fished for in the lake, such as:

• Bluegill
• Brown Trout
• Carp
• Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Perch
• Rainbow Trout
• Sunfish
• Warmouth

2. What are the rules regarding fishing?

Fishing regulations for the lake are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife so it is important to check their fishing regulations book for correct information, size limits and catch limits.

Anyone 15 and older must have a valid fishing license with them while fishing at the lake. Kids 14 and under do not need to have a license to fish.

The Fish and Wildlife Department does enforce these rules at the lake so be sure you are familiar with the regulations.  Local sporting goods stores that sell fishing gear are also good sources of information.

3. Where do the fish come from?

Trout

The lake gets stocked with trout 4  to 5 times per year. These fish come from various hatcheries from around the state. Most trout that are planted in the lake are from 6 inches to 14 inches in length. Broodstock trout (the really big ones!) are also planted a few times a year as well. These fish can weigh up to ten pounds!

Other Fish

All other fish except trout, reproduce naturally in the lake. Some bass have been caught that have weighed up to five pounds! Some carp can weigh up to 20 pounds!

Size & Catch Limits

Remember to check the Fish and Wildlife regulations book for size and catch limits if you are unsure. You can also view stocking reports from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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Garbage

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1. What are the general rules regulating garbage or recycling collection?

We encourage you to place your garbage and/or recycling container out for collection the night before your scheduled pickup day and bring them back within 24 hours after they have been emptied.

2. How will the garbage or recycling containers get collected during severe weather conditions?

Waste Control will make every effort to get all garbage and recycling containers collected during severe weather conditions, such as flooding or snow events. If an event occurs and your neighborhood is not collected, Waste Control will go back as soon as it is safe to do so. If a miss collection is anticipated, Waste Control will contact the news media in an effort to notify its customers.

3. What can I do with my household hazardous waste?

Household hazardous waste is accepted at the Waste Control Transfer Station every Tuesday and Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Items accepted include:

• Antifreeze
• Batteries
• Corrosives
• Flammable Materials
• Motor Oil
• Paints
• Pesticides
• Solvents
• Thinners
• Toxic Waste

 Learn more about hazardous waste.

4. How do I dispose of old medications?

Unused medicines can be brought to the Household Hazardous area at the Waste Control Transfer Station every Tuesday and Saturday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Place the medicine into a container, such as a plastic soda bottle, with enough water to dissolve the medicines, and secure the lid with strong, sturdy tape. Unwanted or unused medicines can also be brought to the Longview Police Department, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

5. How do I dispose of used needles?

Place your used or unused needles into a container, such as a plastic soda bottle, and secure the lid with strong, sturdy tape. Bring the container to the Household Hazardous area at the Waste Control Transfer Station, at no charge, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

6. What is E-waste?

E-waste is also known as electronic-waste, and generally includes such items as televisions, computers, monitors, and laptops. These items can be brought to the Waste Control Transfer Station. Learn more about e-waste.

7. How do I dispose of unwanted household furniture?

If you have household furniture that you no longer need, such as couches, mattresses, chairs or televisions, please do not place them in the alley. Please bring the items to the Waste Control Transfer Station for proper disposal or contact Waste Control at 360-425-4302. There will be a modest charge for either of these options.

8. Someone illegally placed garbage and/or household furnishings in the alley behind our residence. What do we do?

While we recognize that a majority of these instances are doing illegally, unless the City can get information about who may have placed those items there (license plate, description of the vehicle, etc.), the City has no choice but to require the adjacent property owner to remove and properly dispose of those items. Even though these items may be placed in the City right-of-way, it is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to keep that portion of the alley clean of debris, tall grass, overgrown vegetation, etc.

9. I have noticed an abandoned shopping cart(s) in our area. What is the process for having it removed?

Please call the store that owns the cart. If it remains after three days, or if there is no store name on the cart, please call the city’s Code Compliance division at 360-442-5093.

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Homelessness

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1. How does the mission statement address not only the quality of life for the homeless citizens in Longview but the housed taxpayers as well?

The mission statement addresses quality of life for all residents in Longview – housed as well as unhoused.

2. What is the purpose of providing shelter for these people? Shouldn’t they secure housing on their own?

The goal of the emergency shelter site is to ensure residents who are facing an emergency and don’t have shelter, have a place to safely reside while they actively pursue permanent housing. The site should be safe, secure, and structured. Like many cities in the state of Washington, and throughout the US, the cost of living and lack of affordable housing has exacerbated the need for housing for low-income citizens. As a result, the number of unhoused citizens has increased.

3. How does the city plan to guarantee a low or no impact on surrounding areas when the city has failed for three years with the unhosted site?

It is recognized that the results with an unhosted site have not been acceptable. Goal is to replace the unhosted encampment with a hosted, safe, secure, and structured site that will not be adverse impact to neighboring businesses and residents. Goal of the hosted shelter site, is for residents of the site to adhere to a code of conduct and rules that ensure the surrounding neighborhood is clean and not impacted by the shelter site or its residents.

4. How will a hosted site / hosted safe parking at Alabama Street continue to affect the local neighborhoods, businesses, and the city shop? Where will the city shop workers park?

It is recognized that the results with an unhosted site have not been acceptable. Goal is to replace the unhosted encampment with a hosted, safe, secure, and structured site that will not be adverse impact to neighboring businesses and residents. Goal of the hosted shelter site, is for residents of the site to adhere to a code of conduct and rules that ensure the surrounding neighborhood is clean and not impacted by the shelter site or its residents. City shop workers will park at redesignated and signed parking.

5. Why should businesses have to pick up bags of trash in front of their business weekly, and why should they have to pay for the labor to pick this trash up?

It is recognized that the results with an unhosted site have not been acceptable. Goal is to replace the unhosted encampment with a hosted, safe, secure, and structured site that will not have an adverse impact to neighboring businesses and residents. The goal of the hosted shelter site is for residents of the site to adhere to a code of conduct and rules that ensure the surrounding neighborhood is clean and not impacted by the shelter site or its residents.

6. How will this program prioritize only citizens of Longview and not any person or persons who decide to come? How will we know that they are locals?

To be eligible to stay at the site (beyond an initial emergency short stay) residents would require a referral from a case manager from a local social service agency and/or would be using an intake form. The intake form includes questions identifying where people are from.

7. How are you determining a location?

The committee asked City staff to evaluate all city-owned property and staff recommend the site at which we can be most successful. 

8. What happens to residents who choose not to accept the rules of a hosted camp?

People who are unwilling or unable to follow the rules will not be allowed at the hosted Shelter. A Code of Conduct will be required for all residents and if violated, they will not be able to reside at the hosted site. The Longview Police Department will enforce existing codes, including the loitering and camping codes, to ensure the safety for all residents.  For those who do not want to actively work towards permanent housing, and/or don’t choose to adhere to the Code of Conduct and Good Neighbor Agreement, they will need to work with local support services to attain the needed services.

9. What are the plans for the people who do not want to participate in this program?

People who are unwilling or unable to follow the rules will not be allowed at the hosted Shelter. A Code of Conduct will be required for all residents and if violated, they will not be able to reside at the hosted site. The Longview Police Department will enforce existing codes, including the loitering and camping codes, to ensure the safety for all residents.  For those who do not want to actively work towards permanent housing, and/or don’t choose to adhere to the Code of Conduct and Good Neighbor Agreement, they will need to work with local support services to attain the needed services.

10. How does the City plan to provide extra support to the Longview Police Department as this hosted camp is established and everything stabilizes?

Longview Police Department will be getting two additional Behavioral Health Officers soon who will be dedicated to working issues with unhoused residents.  We have also discussed utilizing a CSO (Community Service Officer) and Community Policing.

11. Why doesn’t the City of Longview just hire more police officers and arrest the homeless people at Alabama St and living in other parts of the community?

Being homeless is not a crime.  When crimes (theft, assault, malicious mischief, trespassing, drug possession, burglary, possession of stolen property, disorderly conduct, unlawful display of a weapon, bomb incident) occur in and around the Alabama Street camp, Longview Police Department has been arresting the suspects involved in those crimes. Also, the staffing needs of the police department are not singularly tied to the people living at the Alabama Street camp.  The patrol staffing level for the police department has remained the same since 1980 – it is 1 supervisor and 4 patrol officers.  Since 1980 we have seen a 40% increase in police calls for service and 0% increase in patrol staffing levels.  In addition, we are not able to book every suspect into jail.  Jail booking restrictions limit our ability to book on some offenses.

12. Are residents allowed to enter another residents dwelling? How do we plan to keep this from happening?

Will need to work with the Host Agency once they are selected to create detailed rules for residents of the site. In the interim, the City of Longview is asking all residents to sign a Code of Conduct and follow it. If not they will be removed from the site.

13. What is the duration of this housing plan?

The plan is for this to be a 1-year pilot project with regular reviews and adjustments to ensure success. Success is demonstrated by securing housing for our unhoused residents. If success is demonstrated after 1-year and the need is still present with our Longview citizens, continuation of the project will be considered.

14. Is a resident in one of the “huts” no longer considered “unsheltered” or “homeless”?

The huts are shelters, so the residents would be considered homeless but not unsheltered.

15. Once the hosted shelter site opens, are we going to pass an ordinance against unhoused transients?

The City has adopted Longview Municipal Code 7.29 – Camping and Storage of Personal Property in Public Places.

16. Are we just going to continue to ignore the destruction that is happening already?

Based on the declaration of Emergency approved by Council August 23, 2022, City staff is working to get the current site cleaned up and focus on the security of the site and surrounding businesses and neighborhood to mitigate issues.

17. Why aren't businesses held responsible for their shopping carts?

Businesses are held responsible for their shopping carts; they pay fines and are required to have a plan for those carts. The carts continue to get stolen due to several factors, including most companies are having their workers not intervene in shoplifting and thefts, due to the perception that nothing will get done about it if they try to report the property thefts.

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Inspections

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1. Do I need an inspection?

All permits have required inspections that we will need to perform. The cost of the inspection is built-in to your permit cost in most circumstances.

2. How do I request an inspection?

To request an inspection, you can schedule via our online scheduler or call 360-442-5090. If you receive an error trying to schedule online, please call into the automated phone system. 

Inspections are performed Monday - Thursday from 7:30AM to 5PM. Please request your inspection at least the day before you need it to allow us time to schedule you and ensure we can fit you into our schedule. 

3. How can I cancel an inspection?

If you need to cancel a scheduled inspection, please call our office main line or email us at permits@ci.longview.wa.us and we can help you. 

4. Do I need to be onsite for my inspection?

Generally it is preferred that the person requesting an inspection have a representative onsite in case we have any issues finding the location of the work, gaining access to inspect, or if there are any pets on the property which may not appreciate us being in their territory. If you can't be onsite, please be sure that your permit document is easily accessible for our inspectors to record their results on for your records, and that the work is easily accessible and free from potential hazards.

5. The PUD needs me to get a permit before they will re-energize my service due to my property being without power for an extended period. What do I need to do?

Please stop into our office or apply online for a permit. The cost is generally between $54 and $64 and will include a single inspection of the service/meter, and a call to PUD to approve re-energizing. To make the process smooth, please make sure you have documentation that you can provide proving ownership of the property.

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Online Permits

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1. Is my project eligible for the online permitting process?

At this time, only projects in our "One-Stop" category can be applied for or issued online. 

Examples of "One-Stop" permits are:

• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Minor building projects like re-roofs, window replacements, sheds (200sf or under), fences, siding, etc.

Essentially, any project we do NOT need plans to review would be online-eligible. 

2. How do I apply online?

Visit https://longview_wa.permittrax.com/Citizen and create an account to start applying for permits online. 

3. Can I search for existing permits online?

Yes!

There are currently two places where we keep permit records online. 

The first, which houses our more-recent permits is our online permit system. You can see active projects on the homepage map, and search by address (or permit number) via the search function. 

The second place is our online repository for archived documents. Archived documents go back to the 1920's in some cases, and include many scanned permits, code enforcement, and other documents which can help with property research and permit history.

If you are expecting to find something that you don't see in either system - just reach out and let us know what you are looking for. We'll do our best to help! Email us your inquiry for the best response: permits@ci.longview.wa.us.

4. How do I use your online permit system?

We made a helpful guide and are updating it frequently. It's available for download here.

5. Can I email my submittals?

Generally we do not accept plans or submittals via email, except in cases where we are currently reviewing an ongoing project and specifically request a submittal be emailed to us. 

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Permits and Plan Review

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1. How long will my plan review take?

In general:  Residential plans can take up to 4 weeks for review and Commercial plans can take up to 5 weeks. These timeframes assume that the initial submittal is perfect and requires no resubmittals, revisions, or additional materials. Depending on the project complexity, whether or not the project requires SEPA or other planning clearances, the timeframe may be extended. 

The best way to estimate review time and ensure you are submitting a complete package is to reach out to our office. In most cases, we can put together a checklist of submittal materials to help guide you toward a perfect submittal and faster processing times. For more complex developments, we may suggest having a pre-application meeting with all of our reviewers and planning staff to go over submittal requirements, plan feasibility considerations, and give you a realistic idea of your processing timeframe. 

We have some pre-configured checklists here:

• New Single-Family Residence (or Duplex)
• Addition to Single-Family Residence (or Duplex)
• Remodel to Single-Family Residence (or Duplex)
• New Residential Accessory Building (Garage/Shop) Greater Than 200SF

And some helpful guides for other projects:

• Commercial Submittal Requirements
• Residential Submittal Requirements

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Police - Online Police Reporting

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1. What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If the incident is a non-emergency, call 360-442-5800. 

2. What if this happened in another city? Can I file a report using this Online Police Citizen Reporting System?

No, if a crime took place outside of the City of Longview Police Department, please contact the police department for that city.

3. What if the incident happened on a state freeway?

If this took place on a state freeway, please contact the Highway Patrol Office nearest you.

4. What is a known suspect?

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in.

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Police - Parking Enforcement

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1. What is chain parking?

Chain parking is staying within a designated block (defined as a portion of a street, both sides, between two intersections) for more than the allotted time limit. Drivers must move to a new block within the specified time limit.

For example: If you are parked on the 1100 block of Commerce, you must move to the 1200 block or around the corner onto another street to avoid an overtime parking fine.

2. What is a boot?

A boot is an immobilization device that is placed on the tire of a vehicle. A notice is also placed on the vehicle giving the owner 24 hours to pay all outstanding parking fines plus a $50 immobilization fee to have the boot removed. 

After 24 hours the vehicle will be impounded and the owner will be required to pay all original fines, the $50 fee, and tow and storage fees to get the vehicle returned.

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Recreation

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1. How do I rent a park or building?

Call us at 360-442-5400

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Recycling

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1. Who do I call when my recycling or garbage container does not get collected?

If your recycling or garbage container is missed, please contact Waste Control at 360-425-4302 or fill out a request form.

2. Who do I call when my recycling or garbage container is damaged or missing?

If your recycling or garbage container is damaged or missing, please contact the City of Longview at 360-442-5099 or fill out a request form.

3. What are the requirements for recycling our Christmas tree?

Typically, there will be a one week period in which the City will advertise where the trees will be collected either at the curb or in the alley at no charge, or you can drop them off at a selected site for up to thirty days. For those that do not get the tree out at the curb or in the alley in time, please contact Waste Control at 360-425-4302.

4. What items can be placed in the brown recycling containers?

The current recycling program accepts:

• Catalogs
• Clean newspaper
• Flattened cardboard
• Junk mail
• Magazines
• Phone books
• Plastics 1 and 2
• Tins and aluminum cans

Learn more about what items are or are not recyclable (PDF) or view an extensive list (PDF) of what items are or are not recyclable.

5. Can we recycle those new energy-efficient light bulbs?

Yes! The new energy-efficient light bulbs can be recycled one of two ways. Either take them to Home Depot, or you can bring them to the Household Hazardous Waste area at the Waste Control Transfer Station, at no charge, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

6. How do you prepare the materials for recycling?

The good news is - our curbside program is comingled, so there is no separation necessary for the different materials. Please rinse out any food products. No need to remove paper labels from tin cans or glass containers. Plastic lids from water bottles or milk jugs should be thrown in your green garbage container. Learn more about how to prepare your materials for recycling (PDF).

7. Why can’t I put my recyclables in plastic bags?

While plastic bags are recyclable, they are not accepted in Longview’s curbside program. The main reason why they are now accepted is for safety reasons. Most plastic bags are a solid color - either black or white. Workers on the sorting line cannot see the contents in the bags and unfortunately, used needles and hazardous materials have been found. So, help keep employees safe and do not place your recyclables in plastic bags.

8. I got a violation tag on my recycling cart. What does this mean?

The tag you have received is either a brown “Education Notice,” or a red “Violation Notice.” You should see one (or more) of the boxes checked to see what the Notice was issued for. Please look on the back to learn more about the garbage and recycling guidelines. Learn more about the recycling inspection program.

9. I got a violation tag on my recycling cart, but the violation was for material that someone else put in my container. Am I still responsible?

Unless you can provide us with a description of the vehicle (license plate, vehicle, etc.) or if you can tell us where the illegal material came from, such as a neighbor, then, unfortunately, you still become responsible for the contents that are found in your brown recycling container. One key to minimize this from happening is to remove your containers from the alley after they have been emptied. We do find that many residents keep their containers in the alley all the time - leaving them susceptible for others to use and abuse.

10. Our recycling container is by our home and not placed out for collection. Will the recycling contents still be inspected?

No! The inspector will only look into those recycling containers placed at the curb or in the alley for collection. They will not go onto private property to do any inspections.

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Recycling Inspection

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1. Why did the City initiate a recycling inspection program?

In 2006, the City’s recycling program reached an all-time high with a contamination rate of 44.8%. This means that close to half of all the material collected in the brown recycling containers was garbage or other similar contaminants. This high level of contamination is simply unacceptable. In an effort to reduce recycling contamination, the Longview City Council approved a recommendation to implement the current recycling inspection program.

2. What are some miscellaneous notices information?

• Both the Education and Violation notices will provide information as to what was found that warranted the respective notice being issued.
• On the backside of both the Education and Violation notice, information is also provided as far as proper guidelines for recycling and garbage.

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Reducing Recycling Contamination

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1. What is recycling contamination?

Contamination occurs when garbage or other similar items are disposed of improperly in the brown recycling container. When you are not sure whether an item is recyclable, check out the Recycle list Yes-No (PDF). You can also send an email to the Solid Waste and Recycling Manager, or discard questionable items in your green garbage container.

2. Why is reducing recycling contamination so important?

• Contamination costs you more in the end
  • The materials in your brown recycling container are taken to the sorting facility at the Waste Control Recycling Center, and ultimately to end-market recyclers. Placing garbage or other similar items into your recycling container will contaminate other recyclables and potentially entire loads of good, marketable material.
  • By reducing recycling contamination, we can save on sorting and processing costs, and receive more revenue from the sale of the recyclable materials. By reducing recycling contamination, we could potentially help offset future rate increases.

3. Why can’t we put our recyclables in plastic bags?

While plastic bags are recyclable, they are not accepted in Longview’s curbside program. There are two main reasons why plastic bags are not accepted:

• First, plastic bags mixed with other recyclables can jam the sorting equipment at the Waste Control Recycling Center.
• Second, and more importantly - it’s a safety issue. Most plastic bags are a solid color - either black or white. Workers on the sorting line cannot see the contents in the bags and unfortunately, used needles and hazardous materials have been found. So, help keep employees safe and do not place your recyclables in plastic bags.

4. What can I put in my brown recycling container?

To avoid contaminating your recyclable material, view the Recycle list Yes-No (PDF) for detailed information, or send an email to the Solid Waste and Recycling Manager if you have a specific recycling question.

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Sewer Collections

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1. Am I responsible for clogged sewage pipe between my property line and the sewer main line?

Yes, effective March 2012 the city council decided that the City of Longview is no longer responsible for a customer’s main line. If a customer has a backup it is up to the customer to hire a private company to determine the problem. If it is determined that the clog is a result of a “soft plug” such as grease rags, towels, or other items that shouldn't have been flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain, the homeowner must pay to clear the line. If the defect is caused by a break or tree roots in the right of way, then the city will come and repair the line and the customer can be reimbursed for any costs associated with fixing the line.

View the Sewer Diagram (PDF) to better visualize this distinction.

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Start, Stop / Changing Recycling Services

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1. Are you a new customer?

If you are a new customer, your garbage and recycling service is part of a bundled utility, where it also includes services for water, sewer, and stormwater. To set up a new account, please contact the Finance Department at 360-442-5099.

Please note that currently, recycling services are only provided to residential customers and not commercial. If you are a new commercial business, Waste Control Recycling can set you up with recycling services to collect either office paper or cardboard. They will coordinate a schedule that accommodates your needs and will bill you directly. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Waste Control Recycling at 360-425-4302.

2. Are you wanting to stop your garbage or recycling service?

Typically, the need to stop your garbage or recycling service is because you are moving or a tenant has left a rental unit. As noted above, because the utility charges are all bundled together, we do not have the means to stop only the garbage and recycling charges. When you stop service, all of the utility charges are stopped, including water, sewer, and stormwater. If you are moving or a tenant has vacated a property and you need to temporarily stop these services, please call the City Utilities Division at 360-442-5099.

3. Are you wanting to change your garbage or recycling service?

• If you are a residential customer and would like to change your current level of garbage or recycling service, such as wanting a second garbage container, please contact the City Solid Waste and Recycling Division at 360-442-5222.
• If you are a commercial business and would like to change your current level of garbage service or to find out what other options are available for your business, please contact the City Utilities Division at 360-442-5099.

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Street & Alley Vacations

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1. Who may start the street vacation process?

There are two methods by which the street vacation process may be started:

• One is by petition of the property owners that abut the street area to be vacated. The petition must be signed by two-thirds of the property owners that abut the area to be vacated. The petition is presented to the city council.
• The second method is for the city council to initiate a street vacation by resolution.

2. Must a public hearing be held before a street may be vacated?

Yes. Whichever method is utilized to initiate the street vacation, a public hearing must be held. This may be held before the full council or before a subcommittee of the council. If held before a subcommittee, then the subcommittee must report its recommendation to the full council for a final decision.

3. Who owns the vacated property?

Normally the abutting property owners become the owners of the vacated property because the property owner on each side of the street owns to the centerline. This is because in most situations the street dedication on a plat merely grants an easement to the city for public travel and the underlying fee ownership of the street remains with the abutting property owners. Therefore, when the city vacates its easement, the abutting property owners on each side of the street become the owners of the land.

4. What if the city owned the underlying fee to the street area?

Although this is rare, occasionally the city actually owns the underlying fee to the street area as well as the easement for public travel. If this is the case, then when the property is vacated the city becomes the fee owner of the vacated area. Ownership can be determined by a title search if there is doubt.

5. May the city charge the abutting property owners a fee for the street vacation?

Yes. Many cities charge an initial fee for the street vacation application. In addition, state law allows the city to require compensation for the vacated easement in an amount that does not exceed one-half the appraised value of the area so vacated. See the Revised Code of Washington 35.79.030 for more details.

6. May the city retain an easement for underground utilities that may be in the vacated area?

Yes. The ordinance vacating the street may provide that the city retain an easement to construct, repair and maintain public utilities in the vacated area.

7. Does the vacation need to be granted by ordinance?

Yes, this is required. A certified copy of the ordinance granting the vacation must be recorded by the clerk and a copy must be sent to the office of the auditor of the county in which the land is located.

8. May a portion of the street be vacated?

Yes. It is not necessary that the entire street area be vacated. For example, a strip along one side of the street may be vacated if that is all that is desired or needed by the abutting property owner. Also, the full street along part of a block may be vacated.

9. May a street that abuts a body of water be vacated?

State law prohibits a city or town from vacating a street if any portion of the street of alley abuts a body of fresh or salt water unless very specific procedures are followed. These procedures are outlined in the Revised Code of Washington 35.79.035 and should be checked very carefully before attempting to vacate any such street.

10. Is there a statute that provides for an automatic vacation of streets if they are not opened for public travel within a certain time period?

Not any longer. There was an old statute which was enacted in 1889 which provided for the automatic vacation of county roads which remained unopened for five years after being platted or dedicated. This statute was amended in 1909 so that it no longer applied to platted streets and alleys. Therefore, this statute only applied to roads which were county roads and remained unopened for five years after dedication between 1889 and 1909.

Obviously, this is not going to apply in very many situations but occasionally reference is still made to the provision and it is found to be applicable.

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Utility Rate Relief

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1. Do I qualify for the program?

The basic eligibility criteria as defined in the resolution include the following definitions:

• Low-Income Disabled Citizen
  • A blind person as defined in RCW 74.18.020
  • A disabled, handicapped or incapacitated person as defined under any other state or federal program
  • A person qualifying for special parking privileges under RCW 46.16.381 (1)(a-f)
• Low-Income Senior Citizen - A person who is 62 years of age or older.
• "Income" or "Total Income" - includes all:
  • Dividends
  • Interest
  • Other earnings which are reportable for federal income tax purposes, and cash payments such as reimbursements received from pensions, annuities, social security, and public assistance programs
  • Salary
  • Wages

Also included in income are any contributions received from any family member or other people who are living in the same residence as the applicant for reduced utility rates, and who is helping defray such applicant's living costs.

Persons in Household	Income Limit
1	$27,900
2	$31,850
3	$35,850
4	$39,800

2. If I qualify for the program, how much of a reduction will I receive?

Customers qualifying for the utility rate relief program shall receive a 50% reduction on the sanitary sewer residential base rate and a 50% reduction on the single-family residential rate for garbage/recycling service. In addition, all applicants qualifying for the City’s utility rate relief program shall be exempt from stormwater utility charges.

3. How do I apply for the program?

Residents who wish to apply for the discount program should complete the rate relief application (PDF), either by printing it at home and bringing it to the Utilities Customer Service Counter at the Finance Department or coming into the Finance Department to pick up an application. Complete the application, attach the appropriate documentation, and return the form in person or by mail to the Finance Office:
Longview City Hall
1525 Broadway Street
P.O. Box 128
Longview, WA 98632

4. If I have additional questions, whom should I call?

You may phone the City Utility Billing department at 360-442-5099 or email Susan Chamberlain for further information on this program.

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Water Distribution

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1. Why does my tap water appear to be discolored?

If unusually high water flows occur in the water mains to due a main break, firefighting efforts, or during system flushing, then a customer’s water may be brown or orange in color.  In this case, the water should clear up within several hours.  Please not that the discolored water is still safe to drink.  The City of Longview Utility Department conducts a flushing program to remove sediment that accumulates in the water main to minimize these causes of discolored water.

2. Where is my water meter?

Your water meter generally will be in front of your property line by the street or at your property line by the alley way.

If you still have trouble locating your water meter please contact the Utility Operations Center at 360-442-5700.

3. Where does my water come from?

The Mint Farm Regional Water Treatment Plant, which takes water from underground. To learn more about our water system, visit the Water Treatment Division web page.

4. What is my water pressure?

That depends on where you live in Longview. Please contact the Utility Operations Center 360-442-5700.

5. Why is there increased sediment present when city staff performs flushing activities?

Sediment and scale have built up on cast iron pipe walls over the past 75 years due to the corrosivity of the river water supply. Changes in water chemistry and increased flushing at higher velocities have dislodged some of these materials, which are now coming out of the system when the City performs flushing activities. As the system stabilizes, a decrease in flushed sediment is expected.

6. Has there been a change in the pH levels after switching to the new water source?

No. The pH targets for river water and groundwater sources are the same, approximately 7.6 to 7.7 leaving the plant. Upon startup of the groundwater plant, the pH was a bit lower, so it was increased to meet the established target.

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Water Treatment

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1. Why does my tap water appear to be discolored?

If unusually high water flows occur in the water mains to due a main break, firefighting efforts, or during system flushing, then a customer’s water may be brown or orange in color.  In this case, the water should clear up within several hours.  Please not that the discolored water is still safe to drink.  The City of Longview Utility Department conducts a flushing program to remove sediment that accumulates in the water main to minimize these causes of discolored water.

2. Why didn't we rebuild the Fisher's Lane water treatment plant?

The Fisher’s Lane water treatment plant was constructed in 1946. Despite capacity upgrades in 1960 and 1980 and a regulatory upgrade in 1998, the facility was aged and failing. Several concrete structures had deteriorated to the point that it was not practical to rebuild. The plant struggled to keep up with demand due to frequent mechanical and structural failures. Eleven filters failed over a period of ten years, including three catastrophic failures which were declared emergencies in order to expedite repair.

If the existing water treatment plant were to have been rehabilitated, it would have been necessary to keep the plant in operation throughout construction. To do that, construction would have had to be phased to meet water demand year-round while constructing improvements. Three phases of construction were expected to require roughly nine years and $52.6 Million to complete – approximately $18 million more than the cost of the new groundwater supply.

3. Why didn't we stay with the Cowlitz River?

Turbidity

Volcanic debris continues to wash down the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers from Mount Saint Helens. In spring and winter, high turbidity caused by suspended sediment significantly reduced plant capacity. Turbidity in the river can exceed 2,000 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) during spring run-off and winter storms. Turbid raw water significantly slows the treatment process in order to produce finished water less than 5 NTU to meet drinking water standards.

Dams

In the summer, rising sand bars and low water levels threatened to leave the intake dry. In 1986, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) constructed a dam on the Toutle River to capture sediment before it reached the Cowlitz. 

By 1998, the dam was full and water began coming over the spillway, bringing silt, sand and sediment with it. In 2002, the USACE projected the Cowlitz River bottom would raise 9-feet at the City’s intake structure by 2034. But four years later, the river had already filled in roughly 12-feet at the mouth of the Cowlitz.

In 2005, the City constructed its own 8-foot sediment dam in front of the intake to keep it from being silted in but the dam was overtopped the next year. The USACE dredged the lower Cowlitz but funds are not available to dredge far enough upriver to reach the intake structure.

Fish Code

The City’s dredging permit to maintain a sump in front of the intake structure and keep it clear of sediment has expired; renewal will require the intake to be upgraded to meet current fish code. The size of the openings in the intake screens is too large to keep out smelt larvae and recently hatched fish. The structure also lacks a fish return to send entrained fish back out to the river, and the flow velocity at the face of the intake screening is too high. Screen failures due to sediment build-up against the screens were already problematic; smaller screen openings would create more plugging problems because coarser sediment would not be able to pass through.

4. How long will the groundwater supply last?

High rate pump testing conducted during pre-design indicated there was an abundant supply of water available from the aquifer. Little draw down has been observed in the deep aquifer since the Mint Farm Regional Water Treatment Plant started producing water, further confirmation the aquifer is a sustainable supply. Static water level is continuously recorded in the deep monitoring wells which surround the Mint Farm wellfield and the data confirms the aquifer is continuously recharged during pumping.

To meet current demand, approximately 5 million gallons per day are pumped from the aquifer and we are confident the aquifer will easily continue to meet our needs as demand grows to 20 million gallons per day, in the future.

5. Will the groundwater stain my laundry and household fixtures?

No. It is not uncommon for groundwater in the Longview-Kelso area to contain some amount of iron and manganese.

Iron & Manganese Stains

Left untreated, raw water containing iron and manganese will oxidize when exposed to air (as it leaves the tap) and these minerals will change from a colorless, dissolved form to red-brown (iron) or brownish-black (manganese) particles. If not removed from the water, iron can cause reddish-brown staining of:

• Dishes
• Glassware
• Laundry
• Porcelain
• Utensils

Manganese acts similarly but causes a brownish-black stain. Soaps and detergents do not remove these stains, and use of chlorine bleach can intensify the stains.

Iron & Manganese Removal

The City treats for iron and manganese removal in order to prevent the problems associated with staining and to prevent the build-up of iron and manganese deposits which can collect in pipes, pressure tanks, water heaters, and water softeners. Temporary water quality issues including discolored water have been experienced in some areas of Longview, particularly in older areas of town where the distribution system is made up of cast iron and galvanized water main pipe. The City is actively working to resolve this problem and continues to flush areas of concern on a regular basis until a long term solution can be implemented.

6. Why not move the water supply intake to a better location on the Cowlitz River or Columbia River?

Sediment Transport

The problems in the Cowlitz River with moving sandbars and turbid water are not specific to the location of the intake structure at River Mile 5.2. Moving the location of the intake structure to a wider or deeper section or a bend in the river that historically seems to stay scoured out does not address the larger problem of sediment transport. River training structures such as rock dike fields, submerged pile dikes and Iowa vanes have been suggested as a way to improve water flow but all of these would require extensive modeling evaluation and there is disagreement amongst river experts about whether or not it would work. Rock vanes installed in front of the intake structure in 2005 to promote flushing flows across the face of the intake were buried by sediment within the first year of operation.

Federal Approval

The Cowlitz River and Columbia River are federally defined as navigable waterways and fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Construction in or over the river, excavation or discharge of material into the river, or any work which affects the course, location, condition, or capacity of the river requires approval and permitting from multiple state and federal agencies. The permitting process to construct a new intake structure on the Cowlitz River or Columbia River is expected to be lengthy, difficult and expensive.

To further complicate the situation, NOAA Fisheries is taking a close look at adding Pacific Smelt to the list of Endangered Species in response to a recent petition from the Cowlitz Tribe urging smelt protection in the Columbia River and its tributaries. Salmon and steelhead fish are already listed as endangered species, making the process and conditions of any permit to construct and operate a new intake very complex, if it is possible at all.

Cost

Finally, the cost of a relocating the intake to a presumed better location on the Cowlitz River or to the Columbia River, together with rehabilitating the existing water treatment plant, was evaluated early on in the planning process and determined to be not cost effective. In order to avoid similar sedimentation problems at a new intake on the Cowlitz River, the intake would need to be located upstream of the confluence of the Toutle River (the primary source of the sediment).

The distance from an intake structure at either location to the water treatment plant on Fisher’s Lane and the need for a river crossing in order to route a raw water main back to the plant make the total project cost prohibitive. In 2007, the cost to install an intake structure upstream on the Cowlitz River and rehabilitate the existing water treatment plant was estimated at $66 Million. And the cost to install a Columbia River intake and rehabilitate the existing water treatment plant was estimated at $72 Million.

7. What is in the groundwater?

Naturally Occurring Elements

The groundwater contains small amounts of naturally occurring iron, manganese and arsenic. Iron and manganese are not considered a risk to human health and federal regulations do not require treatment to remove them from drinking water. Many people take vitamin and mineral supplements containing iron and manganese, and when ingested in small concentrations, both can provide a health benefit. However, at the concentrations found in the Mint Farm aquifer, state regulations do require treatment because iron and manganese cause objectionable aesthetic issues like taste, odor, color and a tendency to stain. The City plans to treat for iron and manganese removal in order to produce high quality drinking water and prevent those types of problems.

Arsenic

The groundwater also contains trace amounts of naturally occurring arsenic. For many years, the drinking water standard for arsenic was 50 parts per billion (ppb). In 2004, regulations tightened the drinking water standard for arsenic from 50 to 10 ppb to lessen people's long-term exposure.

The groundwater at the Mint Farm contains approximately 6 ppb of arsenic, roughly one-half the allowable limit. At that concentration, drinking water regulations only require that we notify our customers that arsenic exists above the specified reporting level. Our current water source, the Cowlitz River, also contains arsenic but at lower levels. Although not required, the City plans to treat for further arsenic removal and reduce the arsenic concentration to approximately 2 to 3 ppb.

8. Until how long is the groundwater supply expected to last?

Our testing indicates there is an abundant supply of water available from the aquifer which will ensure a safe and sustainable water supply for years to come.

In the fall of 2009, we constructed and pumped a test production well continuously at a rate of 5.5 million gallons per day for 36 days. While it is typical to pump a test well for only a few days, we pumped for an extended period of time to capture any changes in groundwater quality caused by pumping and confirm the viability of the aquifer as our municipal water supply. Using our network of 17 monitoring wells in and around the Mint Farm, along with sampling from other water sources, we collected and analyzed water quality and flow data.

Our test pumping showed very little effect on the aquifer, and that it recharged continuously during our pumping. We are confident the aquifer will easily meet our needs and remain sustainable when we begin pumping 10 to 20 million gallons per day from the aquifer.

9. How do I know the groundwater won’t become contaminated?

Sampling

An extensive sampling program collected numerous soil and water samples from multiple locations and performed more than 14,500 analytical tests to identify any potential contaminants in the groundwater. In addition to contaminants that are regulated by the State for drinking water, we also tested for non-regulated contaminants, emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals and personal care products) that may be of concern in the future, and compounds specific to local industry. In all of these tests, naturally occurring iron, manganese and arsenic were the only contaminants detected at levels which warrant treatment.

Sentry Wells

In addition, a network of monitoring wells (or sentry wells) has been constructed around the perimeter of the Mint Farm and proposed well field. These monitoring wells will become a critical part of a Well Head Protection Program and will be regularly monitored for changes in water quality. They are intended to safeguard the well field by providing early detection of potential contaminant migration, allowing the City several years advance notice to install additional treatment equipment or implement an alternative solution.

Difficulty to Contaminate

Water Seepage Resistant Soil

While drilling the first 17 shallow and deep monitoring wells, soil samples were collected to confirm that a confining layer exists which is very resistant to water seepage, and that confining layer protects the deep aquifer from potential contamination at the surface.

Pressure

In addition, the deep aquifer is under pressure, which prevents potential shallow contamination from migrating into the deep aquifer. We constructed a full size production well and tested the well by pumping it at 5.5 million gallons per day continuously for 36 days and the pressure in the aquifer dropped only the equivalent of 3-feet (less that 2 pounds per square inch), confirming that the aquifer will remain under pressure after our plant begins operation. We collected water samples before, during, and after test pumping, specifically looking for indications of migration of potential contaminants, and actually found that the water quality improved slightly during pump testing.

10. Where does the groundwater come from?

The deep aquifer has a strong hydraulic connection to the Columbia River. The deep wells show a clear tidal response and the fluctuation of the static water level inside the well column correlates closely with changes in tide. Isotope analysis is a way to match water chemistry signatures of different water sources and draw inferences about where it is coming from.

Although the actual water chemistry is different between the Columbia River and the deep aquifer due to filtration through thick layers sand, silt and gravel, the isotope analysis indicates the deep aquifer is recharged by the Columbia River.

11. Has there been a change in the pH levels after switching to the new water source?

No. The pH targets for river water and groundwater sources are the same, approximately 7.6 to 7.7 leaving the plant. Upon startup of the groundwater plant, the pH was a bit lower, so it was increased to meet the established target.

12. What if the water smells funny?

Some customers have reported their tap water smells like chlorine, blood, or metal. The City is committed to providing water that looks, tastes, and smells good, but it is important to note these types of odors are aesthetic and usually do not pose a public health threat. In order to correct the problem, it is first necessary to determine whether the odor originates from the water supply or your household plumbing.

If the odor occurs at every water faucet at the residence, it is probably the main water supply. If it only occurs in certain faucets, the problem is the household plumbing. In most cases, the best way to reduce odor caused by household plumbing is to run the faucet for several minutes. If the smell persists or you have concerns, contact the City of Longview Utility Operations Center at 360-442-5700.

Common Odor Complaints

Chlorine

To prevent illness, a small amount of chlorine is added during the water treatment process to kill any bacteria or microorganisms that might be present in the raw water. The chlorine concentration in the finished water supply leaving the Mint Farm Water Treatment Plant is closely monitored, but the amount of chlorine in the water at your home or business varies slightly depending on location. Chlorine is virtually odorless at the proper concentration to maintain a slight residual, but you may detect its odor if the level is too low or too high. 

Metallic or Blood

The finished water leaving the Mint Farm Water Treatment Plant has been treated to remove iron, manganese and arsenic from the raw groundwater. However, as the water moves through the distribution system and interacts with the scale build-up inside the water mains, some minerals are dissolved into the water. Iron has been determined to be the most common cause of these odors, but other metals such as copper, zinc, and manganese may also be found.

Sulfur or Rotten Egg

Bacteria living on food, soap, hair, and other organic matter in the drain / hot water heater can form gases which produce a sulfur or rotten egg small. The bacteria is not a health hazard and it is common to associate the smell with the water because it is most noticeable when the water is turned on.

To confirm the odor is gas pushed out of the drain by the water rather than the water itself, take a glass of cold water into another room to smell it. If the water has no odor, the problem is in the drain and can likely be eliminated by disinfecting the drain to kill the bacteria. If the problem is isolated to the hot water systems, contact a licensed plumber or consult your owner’s manual to evaluate the heating element and/or temperature setting.

13. Should I consider getting a water softener?

Personal Preference

Installation of a private water softener is a matter of personal preference. Because residential softening systems replace the calcium and magnesium with sodium, consumers will experience increased salt intake.  You are encouraged to research any water softener product, particularly customers with sodium-restricted diets. Water softened by private softening systems tends to be more corrosive to household plumbing than hard water, and it is not recommended for watering plants, lawns and gardens due to higher sodium content.

Sources

This information was developed with input from the following sources:

• American Water Works Association, Public Notice Article, May 2007.
• City of Ferndale, WA Hard Water Fact Sheet
• National Research Council, Drinking Water and Health, Volume 3, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1980.
• Washington State Department of Health Division of Environmental Health Office of Drinking Water Sentry website, August 2013
• Wilson, Amber; Parrott, Kathleen; Ross, Blake. “Household Water Quality - Water Hardness”. 2009.

14. What can I do about hard water?

Here are some helpful hints for dealing with hard water:

• Leave a squeegee in the shower to clean the walls and shower door after each use.
• Remove hard water deposits from glass and plumbing fixtures using distilled vinegar and a soft cloth.
• For plugged shower heads, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and attach it to the shower head with a rubber band and let it sit overnight.
• Use distilled water for steam irons and automobile batteries (if applicable) to extend their life.
• Consult manufacturer recommendations for dishwashers, clothes washers, and coffee makers for use with moderately hard water.
• For bathroom cleaning, laundry, or kitchen applications, use detergents that include a phrase like “works in hard water” on the label.

15. How does hard water impact my life?

Hard water minerals may result in the following:

• Cooking utensils, baby bottles, coffee pots, and glassware may be coated with white calcium deposits
• Dry hair or skin
• More soap or detergent may be needed to produce a good lather
• More soap scum or film on surfaces such as:
  • Bathtubs
  • Faucets
  • Glass Shower Doors
  • Shower Walls
  • Sinks
• Spotting on vehicles

16. What is the City doing to reduce hardness?

Public water supplies are not typically softened unless the hardness value exceeds 200 milligram per liter. However, in response to hard water complaints, the City Council recently authorized staff to investigate softening alternatives.

The City has teamed with Confluence Engineering to review current and historical hardness and develop a softening treatment goal, evaluate potential softening treatment processes, identify potential health effects, and estimate the cost to construct and operate softening treatment at the Mint Farm Regional Water Treatment Plant. The results of the evaluation will be presented to the City Council to decide whether softening treatment will be implemented.

17. What is the hardness of the City's new groundwater source?

Prior to making the transition to groundwater wells, the treated surface water from the Cowlitz River was historically “soft”, with a hardness level of approximately 27 milligrams per liter. Groundwater hardness from the Mint Farm aquifer varies slightly among each of the four production wells, ranging from 69 to 91 milligrams per liter. Although the difference in hardness is a change from what our customers are accustomed to, the City of Longview groundwater is similar in hardness to other local water systems.

18. Where do hard water minerals come from?

The City of Longview has permanently switched to groundwater wells for its water supply instead of using water from the Cowlitz River. The wells are drilled deep underground to extract water from a deep aquifer. As the water moves through the underground aquifer, it dissolves and absorbs traces of rock and soil minerals which contain calcium and magnesium, resulting in moderately water hard.

19. Is hard water safe?

Yes.  Hard water is safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. Hard water tends to leave white calcium deposits and can make soap more difficult to lather, but it is not dangerous. The State of Washington Department of Health and the federal Environmental Protection Agency do not require treatment to reduce water hardness. Calcium and magnesium are essential nutrients that do not pose a public health hazard and may contribute some health benefit.

20. What is water hardness?

Hardness is a measure of naturally occurring calcium and magnesium minerals dissolved in water, the higher the mineral content, the harder the water. The following table classifies hardness by category based on mineral content in milligrams per liter. City of Longview groundwater hardness ranges from 69 to 91 milligrams per liter and is considered to be “moderate”. According to the U.S. Geologic Survey, more than 85% of the United States has hard water.

Classification Hardness (milligrams per liter) Soft 0 to 60 Moderate 61 to 120 Hard 121 to 180 Very Hard Greater than 180