City Councilman Proposes Pollution Post

Valley City Councilman Greig Smith has proposed a city ordinance to allow the city Environmental Affairs Department to issue orders to stop polluters that threaten public health. If passed, it would be the first time a city agency has been able to issue such orders. Currently, the city must notify the county Health Department, Regional Water Quality Board or state agencies to issue citations. “This will give our departments a tool to stop polluters that threaten our public health and safety in their tracks,” Smith said in a written statement. The ordinance would create an inspector within the Environmental Affairs Department authorized to issue preliminary cease and desist orders to stem businesses operating illegally. The motion calls for city departments to report on the feasibility of the ordinance.