Listening sessions aim to address environmental, health concerns in the lower valley

Lower Yakima Valley residents will be able to participate in a series of listening sessions addressing local environmental challenges, according to Maricela Santana-Walle, Environmental Justice Coordinator for Empowering Latina Leadership and Action (ELLA).

“We hope to use the input we receive to shape the outreach programs, resources and educational materials we provide to promote self-advocacy and access to resources that support community growth and resilience,” Santana-Walle said in an interview.

Three sessions will take place next week in Mabton, Sunnyside, and Grandview. Each session will focus on issues such as water contamination and air quality concerns.

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Mabton Jr/Sr High, 500 B St, Mabton
Wednesday, Nov. 20: Gusto Casa Mia, 200 N 1st St, Sunnyside
Thursday, Nov. 21: District Learning Center, 313 Division Rd, Grandview

Each session will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and include a free dinner, childcare, and Spanish-English interpretation services. “Access to information in Spanish is one of the biggest barriers we face in our community,” Santana-Walle said. “We want to make sure that those who don’t speak English are represented as well.”

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Foul-smelling water in Mabton
Free nitrate testing

Foul-smelling water in Mabton

Residents in Mabton have been facing foul-smelling water for some time. Many people were unable to perform simple tasks including showering or washing dishes due to the issue.

The Sunnyside Sun reported on a similar meeting hosted by ELLA on Nov. 15, 2023, where residents addressed that the foul smell was not a new issue. They said it has been recurring specifically during the summer seasons.

At the time, construction on a new well had begun but residents were told that initial sample results were not positive, showing low water levels and elevated nitrate numbers.

Free nitrate testing

According to a Yakima County Public Services news release, testing is still available as of October 22, 2024. This continues in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health and the Yakima Health District, offering free nitrate and coliform testing for private and shared drinking water wells.

Households with nitrate levels greater than the EPA standard of 10 milligrams per liter qualify for an installation of an in-home treatment system and free bottled water until such system can be installed.

The in-home treatment system is being offered as a long-term solution for homeowners to limit nitrates in their drinking water. As part of the program, maintenance of the system will also be provided at no cost for one year.

Residents with questions can call the Lower Yakima Valley GWMA Nitrate Treatment Program Hotline at 1-866-886-7117. Residents can also call the hotline to request a test kit packet or to sign up for well water testing and a brief onsite well survey.

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