News briefs

Spokane County issues burn upgraded restrictions

Hot, dry weather and elevated fire potential have prompted the Spokane County Fire Code official to issue burn restrictions for the unincorporated areas of the county. The restrictions went into effect Monday, July 16.

The restrictions mean that unauthorized open burning and specified outdoor recreational fires (campfires, fire bowls and fire pits) are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Spokane County until further notice. Any person(s) responsible for open burning could be charged with a misdemeanor and could be fined up to $1,000 or go to prison for up to 90 days — or both.

Citizens may still use manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces, barbecues, outdoor fireplaces and patio/deck warmers – if the appliance is equipped with a spark arrestor and a chimney. In addition, only approved fuels may be used: seasoned (clean and dry) firewood, briquettes, natural or propane gas.

For additional information, or questions please contact Spokane County Building and Planning by calling: (509) 477-3675, or by visiting http://www.spokanecounty.org/247/Building-Planning.

Regulators seek more information on Avista merger

Olympia – The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission issued a notice of intent on July 12 to conduct additional process before the commission concludes its consideration of the proposed merger of Avista Corp. and Hydro One Limited. 

The notice intends to ensure the commission’s case record is fully developed with respect to how the UTC will address recently announced changes to Hydro One’s executive management and board of directors during the three-member commission’s ongoing consideration of the merger proposal. 

The commission also requires Avista and Hydro One to file comments concerning the leadership changes and invites other parties to the case to provide comment, including any recommendations they may have for additional process. 

In September 2017, Avista and Hydro One filed a joint application with the UTC to approve the companies’ proposed merger agreement.  

Hydro One is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with more than 1.3 million customers. 

Spokane-based Avista serves more than 240,000 electric and nearly 153,000 natural gas customers in eastern Washington. 

In March, the parties filed a settlement with nine intervening parties, including UTC regulatory staff, asserting that the settlement’s financial protections for Avista would help insulate the company from Hydro One financial risks.  

The settlement is now pending before the three-member commission, which can approve, modify or reject the settlement.

Cheney 2018 water quality report released

The city of Cheney is presenting its annual Consumer Confidence Report, which keeps residents informed of their water quality.

The full report is on the city’s website at http://www.cityofcheney.org/DocumentCenter/View/1706/Cheney-CCR-2017.

For more information, request a copy of the report or to ask questions, contact the Public Works Department at (509) 498-9293, 112 Anderson Road.