Archives : Posts By Author : Maria Thi
Posts by Maria ThiSenior Policy Director
Livability, Environment and Sustainability
Brownfield Investment Fund Receives $500,000
With more than 700 contaminated properties (Brownfields) across Portland, Commissioner Adams spearheaded an initiative to streamline the regulatory and redevelopment of these Brownfields by securing $500,000 to help property owners clean up and redevelop their property. This Brownfield Investment Fund will allow us to continue and build on the City's...May 30, 2006 in Environmental Services, Good Government, Livability & Environment, North Portland | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Portland gets A+ credit rating
If you had money to invest, would you loan it to the City of Portland for building sewers? Someone would, since investors now hold about $1 billion in sewer system revenue bonds. Now the City has asked investors for another $270 million for sewer construction, mainly for ongoing combined sewer...May 19, 2006 in Environmental Services, Good Government, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Owens Corning Backs Out of Town
For more than a decade, Portland has worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Even with rapid economic and population growth, fortunately, emissions in Multnomah County are now only slightly above 1990 levels. This is the result of continued, combined efforts and deliberate decisions to help maintain the ecological and environmental...May 15, 2006 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (1)
Big Pipe Breaks Ground
Today marks the beginning of the final major project in our 20-year program to control combined sewer overflows, also known as CSOs, to the Willamette River. This morning, I was joined by staff from the Bureau of Enviornmental Services, Kiewitt Belfinger and Berger (KBB) and a host of other local community memberss to break ground on the East Side Big Pipe Project--one of the largest, longest, and deepest tunneling projects in the United States...
May 12, 2006 in Environmental Services, Events, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (43) | TrackBack (0)
EPA Overflows with Enforcement
Why has the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) given Portland more enforcement attention than other cities? Last week, Jim Barnett, Washington correspondent for The Oregonian, delved into this question and found some interesting discoveries which are noted in his article "EPA Shifts to Hardball with Portland" ...April 6, 2006 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Flood Insurance Rates May Go Down
Due to a resolution that Commissioner Adams introduced this week, you may be eligible to increase the current $200 savings to your flood insurance premium. Council's approval of a resolution to amend the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan makes it possible for the City to improve our ranking with FEMA’s Community Rating System. Because Portland has gone above and beyond FEMA's standards for flood preparedness and management especially in the Johnson Creek Watershed, residents may receive an additional 10% off of the already 20% discount to their flood insurance premium....March 24, 2006 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, Southeast Portland (inner) | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Where you clean your paintbrush may not clean the river
Where do you wash your paintbrushes? Depending on where you live, washing your paintbrush into the gutter of the street versus the sink could send pollutants to two different places. Most Portland businesses spend the time and money to handle materials responsibly. Now, thanks to five years of work and a unanimous City Council vote on March 22, the City has more muscle to deal with the few that don’t...March 23, 2006 in Environmental Services, Good Government, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Southeast Portland Blight to Bright
Imagine having affordable housing across the street from the New Seasons store at 20th and Division... and know that we are cleaning up one of nearly 500 Brownfield sites in Portland. Today's Oregon Live highlighted this Southeast Portland Seven Corners property Brownfield clean up. This projects' transformation from blight to affordable homes exemplifies the kind of redevelopment we need for future economic prosperity. To help jump start future redevelopment projects...March 16, 2006 in Environmental Services, Jobs & Economy, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
H20shed Plan Gets Council Approval
Yesterday, Sam received unanimous support by Council for Portland's Watershed Plan. This Plan is a call to action and is based on science, collaboration, and partnerships. In the photo, Sam has an exclusive interview with Kristen Foden-Vencil of OPB at the mouth of Stephens Creek where it enters the Willamette...March 7, 2006 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Sewer Fix Has Heads Pounding
The collapse of the Portland's 100-year-old sewer underscores our need to invest in maintenance before we have a collapse. Last fall, the 100-year-old Woods Line brick sewer collapsed. Click here to read what Anna Johns of the Tribune has to say about it. BES quickly moved into action with setting...March 3, 2006 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, News, Southwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
PUMA Goes Bowling
Just past daylight, Terry Richardson and I were met by the smiling faces of the PUMA crew (Pump Station Maintenance) of the BES. These are the good folks that fish bowling balls out of our pipes - among other things. I learned that we have nearly 100 pump stations that...March 2, 2006 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Big Pipe Contract Goes to Council
Today, Council will consider the largest contract to come before the City of Portland - $426m for the East Side Big Pipe. This is the last phase of the City of Portland’s combined sewer overflow (CSO) control program. A construction contract with the joint venture Kiewit-Bilfinger Berger (KBB) went to the City Council this week. Yesterday, (February 21), Sam and others briefed reporters from the Daily Journal of Commerce, KOPB, KATU, KEX, KOIN and the East County News...February 22, 2006 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Green Side Up
Remember, green side up, Governor Kulongoski says with a smile as he is seen here watching Sam dig a hole for one of the 10,000 trees that were planted last Saturday. Sam and I joined Michael Bogert, EPA, Stephanie Hallock, DEQ, Travis Williams, Willamette River Keepers, Cheryl Kennedy, Confederated Tribes...February 14, 2006 in Environmental Services, Events, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Dear Sunset Magazine,
Last December, Sunset Magazine encouraged its readers to use ivy for decoration with their poinsettia arrangements. The use of English Ivy and other invasive species is contrary to Sam's Invasive Species Resolution and his work to get City bureaus' pulling together to tackle ivy and other invasives. Here is his...February 14, 2006 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Cleaner Air Coming to Sewer Treatment Plant
The BES treatment plant on Columbia Boulevard will soon be generating it's own electricity and heat by reusing excess methane gas. Yesterday, (February 8, 2006), the Council accepted a $362,000 grant from the Energy Trust of Oregon to help finance this co-generation project. The Columbia Boulevard facility already reuses more...February 9, 2006 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
FAA to Disperse Cargo Plane Noise
From train whistles to race cars, Sam is an intimate neighbor to urban noise issues. This morning, Sam addressed the Port of Portland Commission on the cargo plane (box haulers) noise issue. He applauded the work of the Citizen's Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC), the ad hoc noise committee, the Port,...February 8, 2006 in Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
The City's Biggest Pipe is the Biggest Project
Rain becomes stormwater when it hits the ground. And the rain we hear falling on our roofs are a gentle reminder to what is happening underground; Portland's Big Pipe Project. While this is not new news to most Portlanders, setting up a big tunnel stage in the Opera Plaza parking...February 2, 2006 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Walkabout in Multnomah Village
After much rescheduling, Commissioner Adams visited Multnomah Village as part of his Business Association Walkabouts. Multnomah Village is one of 11 Business Associations selected for a pilot program to have Environmental Services and Transportation Community Liaisons. These Liaisons are intended to provide a single point of contact for navigating City...January 6, 2006 in APNBA, Environmental Services, Events, Front Page, Good Government, Livability & Environment, Office of Transportation, Southwest Portland, Transportation | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Mambo Queens Come to City Hall
People poured into City Hall while stormwater poured outside at last night's First Thursday. More than 150 visitors helped us celebrate the 25th anniversary of El Hispanic News and our first year of First Thursday art exhibits. We listened to music by the Mambo Queens and feasted on Latino treats...January 6, 2006 in Arts & Culture, Events, Front Page | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Minimizing Damage from Measure 37
Oregon voters passed Measure 37 in November, 2004 and shortly after Sam was sworn in, he was poised to take a close look at how the City would address claims. He introduced and Council passed an ordinance to establish a filing fee and create a private right of action and...January 4, 2006 in 2005 Year-in-Review, Environmental Services, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
New Year's Cambodian Celebration
On New Year's Ever, Sam and I were honored guests at the 3rd Annual Khmer heritage celebration. The evening was filled with the indulgence of good food, speeches, and performances. I especially enjoyed the playful flirtation of the Fishing Dance and the beautiful costumes of the Aspara Dance. This year...January 2, 2006 in Arts & Culture, Events, Front Page | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Not so Loud! Reducing Noise in NoPo
Sam, a Kenton Neighborhood resident, is no stranger to noise generated by Portland International Raceway (PIR). Following up on a campaign promise to address noise from PIR, we began delving into the world of noise early in 2005. Sam first had an opportunity to address PIR noise by restoring the...December 29, 2005 in 2005 Year-in-Review, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Citizen Review of Noisy Cargo flights Takes Off
Early in 2005, Fred Stovel, Erwin Bergman, and Robin Denberg asked us for help on addressing the long-standing issue of cargo airplane noise. Sam staffers Maria Thi Mai and Gordon Johnston brought together a group of citizens which in tandem with the Port of Portland became known as the Air...December 29, 2005 in 2005 Year-in-Review, Livability & Environment, North Portland, Northeast Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Burnside sewer collapse underscores aging sewer system
Today, Sam and I visited NW Burnside where a sewer tunnel had partially collapsed and overflowed onto the street. Randy Neves, from KGW was there to follow up on an earlier interview and sewer visit. Sam underscored our ancient sewer system and the dire need for maintenance. Here's Peter Wojcicki,...December 22, 2005 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Stormwater Discount Passes Council
City Council approved a resolution yesterday (Wednesday. November 30) to deliver stormwater discounts beginning in September 2006. The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Sam Adams, sets a timetable for starting discounts and retroactive credits, establishes the basic program elements, calls for aggressive marketing and outreach activities, and targets special efforts to serve low income ratepayers. In addition...
December 1, 2005 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Good Government, Livability & Environment, News | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
DEQ fines Portland for discharging sewage
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) notified the City of Portland today that it will assess nearly $449,800 in civil penalties against the City for 67 sewer system discharges into the Willamette River and four of its tributaries over the last five years...
November 21, 2005 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
River Trust brings agency heads together
Last Friday afternoon (Nov 18), Sam convened a meeting of federal and state agency directors to identify collectively environmental priorities for the coming year. The River Trust was originally initiated by Sam when he was Chief of Staff in the Mayor's Office and builds on the 2001 River Renaissance Vision....November 21, 2005 in Environmental Services, Good Government | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Inside the sewers with Sam
Last Thursday Sam and I had "sewer training" so we could safely be hoisted down a man hole and into a 1906 brick sewer off of SE 17th. Our sewer tour...
November 10, 2005 in Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Why should people who don't use sidewalks pay for them?
On our way to last night's Multnomah Neighborhood Association's monthly meeting, we were almost hit by an oncoming car on Capital Highway near the Hoot Owl market. This near miss underscored some of the safety issues raised by some of the 40 neighbors who came to hear Sam talk about...November 9, 2005 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, Southwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
"Why don't the 'walk' signals give you enough time to cross the street?"
Why don't the 'walk' signals give you enough time to cross the street and why aren't there sidewalks on Taylor's Ferry? were several among many questions students asked Commissioner Adams. This afternoon in the pouring rain, Sam and I stopped by Jackson Middle School to acknowledge Rob Coats' students for...November 4, 2005 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, News, Southwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tell us what you think about stormwater discount registration form
After 2 community meetings, several stakeholder meetings, and lots of conversations with Portland residents, we're anxious to hear from you as to what you think about the draft resolution and registration forms for Portland's stormwater discount program. We expect that you will be able to register for this discount beginning...October 31, 2005 in Downtown Portland, East Portland, Environmental Services, Front Page, Livability & Environment, North Portland, Northeast Portland, Northwest Portland, Southeast Portland (inner), Southwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Saving Portland's Sanitary Sewers
Sullivan Gulch Sewer: 94 years and still working (with a little help)By Don Henry, Steve Hawkins and Jim Wood of Environmental Services The Sullivan Gulch Sewer, constructed in 1911, is a 72-inch horseshoe shaped pipe that collects sewage and stormwater from about 1,700 acres. If you live in inner northeast...October 27, 2005 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, Northeast Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Breakfast of Champions
Early (6:30am) this morning, Sam helped Lynn Sandretzky and Duane Sanger serve breakfast to the good folks at the BES's Columbia Boulevard Treatment Plant. This breakfast is the managment's way of saying thank you to the 150 employees at the treatment plant. While this was Sam's first appreciation breakfast, the...October 19, 2005 in Environmental Services, Events | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Stormwater Art Exhibit Extended
If you missed the Stormwater Art Exhibit last Thursday at City Hall, you can visit the art exhibit at one of the following locations. Oct 10-22 Ecotrust Building, 721 NW 9th Avenue, second floor Oct 22 OMSI-Community Planning Day Oct 25 Environmental Services Watershed Management Plan Open House, 6-9pm, Hinson...October 11, 2005 in Arts & Culture, Environmental Services, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Stormwater hits East County News front page
Adams, Potter hear sewer fee complaints; relief possible - http://www.eastcountynews.com/cat/20#8661...October 7, 2005 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, News, Southeast Portland (inner), Southwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Street Twigs
Last Saturday (Sept 24), Sam and I stopped by Sullivan's Gulch Neighborhood's dedication of Street Twig. This 16-foot-tall sculpture represents a gigantic Big Leaf maple Twig and was hand forged by Nick Lyle and Jean Whitesavage of Whidbey Island, Washington. Come on by the corner of 16th and Weidler and...October 6, 2005 in Arts & Culture, Events, News, Northeast Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Swimming with salmon
On Monday, September 26th I hosted a meeting of regional salmon experts at the Portland Building. The meeting was a great reminder of how connected Portland is to the larger Northwest Region. From transportation to economics to environmental protection, what we do -- or don't do -- in Portland has...September 29, 2005 in Environmental Services, Good Government, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Vocation Vacation (pseudo)
Thursday, September 22nd marked the Office of Transportation Maintenance’s 15th annual Field Day event. This year, more than 100 field workers put on a hardhat and bright orange safety vests to fulfill their public works dreams. From spreading hot asphalt on roadways to cleaning storm drains, everyone gained a better...September 26, 2005 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, Office of Transportation, Transportation | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Celebrate Preservation in Portland
Please join us in honoring preservation in Portland at the gay and lesbian reception in Portland's historic City Hall (1220 SW 4th Ave, between Madison and Jefferson), September 28, 8pm. This event will feature Commissioner Sam Adams. This reception is part of the National Preservation Trust Conference being held at...September 23, 2005 in Arts & Culture, Equality, Events | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
What should we do with Corno's fruit?
As seen on Northwest News Channel 8 KGW: What would you do with a 6 foot cornstalk sign that has been a Portland icon for more than 50 years? Wander down Martin Luther King Boulevard past the Corno's Grocery site near Alder Street and feast your eyes..
September 20, 2005 in Arts & Culture, Front Page, Livability & Environment, News, Southeast Portland (inner) | Permalink | Comments (29) | TrackBack (0)
Coffee with the Commish
I think it's amazing that you are here said Susan Levine of Metal Urges. Yesterday, Sam and I started our morning at the Coffee Haven, (3551 SE Division) with about 10 other people who either work or live in the area. Sam heard about an array of issues including concerns...August 25, 2005 in Good Government, Southeast Portland (inner) | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Want to have fun?
Please join us this Saturday, August 20, for the Multnomah Days Parade. We would love to have you walk in the parade as a supporter of Commissioner Adam's. Sam will be announcing the entries while his staff and supporters will be one of the entries. Your job would be to...August 18, 2005 in Events | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sam shows promise as a sewer diver
Guest Blog, Doug Hutchinson, Environmental Program Manager for Field Operations When Sam was assigned the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES), he sent an introductory email discussing his vision with a fine print offer to come out and observe workers in action. I took him up on his offer and yesterday...August 17, 2005 in Environmental Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Celebrating 10 years of watershed stewardship
Last night, Sam and I drove the the American Youth Hostel on Hawthorne Blvd. to kick off the 10th anniversary of Portland's Community Watershed Stewardship Grant Program. Administered by Environmental Services and Portland State University, this event was organized by more than a dozen PSU capstone program students. The youth...August 10, 2005 in Environmental Services, Events, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Paddling the Slough
Sunday, July 31, Sam and several of his staff joined hundreds of others who basked in the sun and paddled the Columbia Slough. This regatta helped highlight the educational efforts of the watershed council and the Bureau of Environmental Services....August 7, 2005 in Environmental Services, Events, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Update: Tunnel Collapse
Is it a cave in asks the 911 operator. The project manager, Jim McDonald says, uhhh, you could say that. This confirmation set into motion the mobiliation of several fire rescue vehicles, including an ambulance and a cave-in unit. Within 7 minutes of this call, the photographer who was pinned...August 5, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Some Repairs are Easier Than Others
The OHSU collector sewer (historically called the Woods Gulch trunk line) is a 30 brick and stone pipe that runs through SW Portland. It runs deep, approximately 50 feet beneath Barbur Boulevard, Naito Parkway, I-5 and Macadam Avenue in that tangle of on and off ramps at the west end...August 5, 2005 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment, Southwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Come celebrate the Tanner Springs Park Grand Opening
Pleas joing Commissioner Adams, Commissioner Saltzman and a host of others who have worked to create Portland's newest park, Tanner Springs Park. The dedication begins at 6pm this evening, August 5, NW 11th Avenue and Marshall St. This park gives the illusion of rolling back the human impact of more...August 5, 2005 in Environmental Services, Events, Livability & Environment, Northwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Chinese Delegation Comes to Portland
Hwan ying! (Welcome). A delegation from our sister city, Suzhou, China stopped by our office this morning and met with Commissioner Adams. They are here to attend the Sister City International Conference in Spokane. Representatives included: Li Xiao Nan; Pan Yue; Tang Rong Long; Cheng Congwu; Chen Tishan; Zhao Chang...July 26, 2005 in Arts & Culture | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sam works out at the SW Community Center
This morning (Monday, July 25), I rode my bike to the SW Community Center where Sam and I met with Terri Davis and Max Behrens of Portland Parks. Since I live in the neighborhood, I had been to the Center before, but it was Sam's first time. Commissioner Adams is...July 25, 2005 in Livability & Environment, Southwest Portland | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sam meets PDOT maintenance staff
This morning, Sam started his day with the maintenance staff from the Bureau of Transportation (PDOT). He told them about what he expects from PDOT and learned about their issues and ideas. For example, Rudy Carmichael is the Vactor operator suggested that one of the 7 Vactor operators and an...July 5, 2005 in Transportation | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Greetings BES Employees
Dear Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Colleagues,
I am enthusiastic to be working with all of you as your Bureau’s new Commissioner in Charge, beginning Friday, July 1. With the largest capital improvement project in the state since the Umatilla Army Depot, you definitely carry a full plate...
June 23, 2005 in Environmental Services, Livability & Environment | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Beer and Politics
Earlier this week (Tues., June 21), Sam and I met with about 15 members of the Columbia Chapter of the Sierra Club at The Rose and Raindrop. As a diligent staffer, I carefully crafted Sam's remarks to highlight his work on green streets, platinum bike status, and invasive species removal....June 22, 2005 in Events | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sam is no fly by night
Sam kicked off the noise flight test day (June 18, 2005). As a North Portland resident, Sam is not just a fly by night on this issue. He cares about the impacts of noise to his neighbors and has Gordon and myself working diligently on solutions. We'd especially like to...June 19, 2005 in North Portland | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)