Courtney Flatt

Portable Wind Turbines Bring Renewable Energy To Cities

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:49:39 +0000

Tall, noisy wind turbines may not go over well in some urban areas. A Northwest company has developed residential-sized turbines to push renewable energy to cities. The portable turbines could also generate power during disasters.

No New Wind Farm Construction In PNW This Year

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:16:43 +0000

You may have seen wind turbines springing up all over the Pacific Northwest in the past decade. So far this year, the region’s wind industry has faced a different story. For EarthFix, Courtney Flatt has more.

How To Clean Up A Crude Oil Spill From Trains

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:04:10 +0000

Pacific Northwest refineries have been getting their crude oil for years from tankers and pipelines. Last September, trains began shipping crude oil into the region by rail. EarthFix reporter Courtney Flatt explains what that means for emergency crews.

What A Golf Course Could Mean For Washington’s Groundwater

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:58:25 +0000

Northwest conservationists are suing Washington State University. They say the groundwater used to irrigate the University’s golf course is draining the region’s aquifer. But this case is about more than just watering the fairways and putting greens. It could change how cities and towns manage water for future development. For EarthFix, Courtney Flatt has more.

Washington Issues First Dairy Fine Under 2009 Law

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:19:02 +0000

The state of Washington has fined a Yakima Valley dairy for spreading cow manure on an empty field. It’s not a big fine -- but it’s the first one issued under a 2009 law.

What Do Antibiotics Have To Do With Organic Apples, Pears?

Courtney Flatt and court — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:21:30 +0000

Not all organic food is created equally. Unlike beef or chicken, apples and pears can be certified as organic, even if they’re treated with antibiotics to prevent disease. Food safety groups are meeting this week in Portland to petition against the practice.

WA Wildlife Managers To Euthanize Bighorn Sheep

Courtney Flatt — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:26:20 +0000

Wildlife managers are euthanizing bighorn sheep in central Washington. A herd has been infected with a disease that causes pneumonia.

Biorefinery Lays Off Eastern Oregon Workers

Courtney Flatt — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:50:04 +0000

An eastern Oregon biofuel plant has announced it’s laying off workers. The news comes three weeks after it began producing ethanol.

Preparing for Zebra Mussels in the Pacific Northwest

Courtney Flatt — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:29:25 +0000

Invasive zebra mussels could soon be heading toward the Pacific Northwest. So, researchers are working to protect and prepare the region’s waterways.

Washington Confirms ‘Wenatchee Wolf Pack’

Courtney Flatt — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 01:08:17 +0000

Washington officials confirmed a new wolf pack outside Wenatchee this week. But the pack has already run into trouble with ranchers.