Don’t forget, the 2020 Census is underway! It’s important that everyone in Franklin County is counted. For more information about the 2020 Census or to find resources and materials to promote it, check out https://frcog.org/publication/view/census-2020-preparation/.
Archive | March, 2020
Public Comment Period for Draft Amendment to the 2020 TIP Highway Project List
The Franklin County Transportation Planning Organization will open a 21-day public review and comment period on Draft Amendment #1 to the 2020-2024 Transportation Improvement Program. Comments on the Draft will be accepted from Monday, March 30, until Monday, April 20, 2020. The Draft document is available for review at the links below or by calling (413) 774-3167 x 139 to request copies. Comments should be submitted in writing to lscarbrough@frcog.org or to Franklin regional Council of Governments, 12 Olive Street, Suite 2, Greenfield MA 01301.
The Draft Amendment and a summary are available for review at the following links:
2020 Franklin TIP Highway Project List Amendment 1 DRAFT
2020 Franklin TIP Amendment 1 Summary
Wipes Clog Pipes: Water Protection During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Cooperative Public Health Service Health District of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments reminds people to consider what is going into their household drains. People served by public sewer systems or private septic systems should be aware of what happens with items that are not biological and therefore not intended for the wastewater system.
While the Coronavirus requires an increase in the need to sanitize, even within our own homes, we need to limit the amount of sanitizers that go into our sanitary sewer systems. These sanitizers kills viruses and bacteria, both harmful and the useful bacteria that breaks down your family’s waste. The district’s recommendations:
DON’T FLUSH WIPES, paper towels, cotton swabs, sanitary products, toilet cleaning pop-off wands…
If your home has its own septic system: Even flushable wipes can clog your plumbing and create problems for your septic system. Wipes don’t break down quickly and entirely like toilet paper. Flushing wipes and items other than toilet paper can plug the building sewer line and build up at the inlet of the septic tank causing sewage to back up into your house. Wipes in your septic tank will reduce its ability to remove solids from the water, contributing to system failure. Flushing wipes can also clog up much-needed pumps within your septic system.
If your home is on public sewer, leading to a wastewater treatment plant: Flushing wipes and items other than toilet paper can plug the building sewer line, causing sewage to back up into your house. They can also clog up the pumps in your local wastewater treatment plant.
USE BLEACH SPARINGLY
Combating the Coronavirus requires an increase in the need to sanitize, even within our own homes. However, bleach, and other disinfectants kill the beneficial bacteria and may lead to premature system failure. Choose non-bleach cleaning alternatives whenever possible or use sparingly and well diluted. Hot water and soap are effective against Coronavirus.
WHERE TO LEARN MORE
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/protect-home.html
Resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19
For information about resources and guidance to support businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by COVID-19, click here for more information.
To view the findings report from the Pioneer Valley businesses and organizations survey – click here.
Franklin County Emergency Communication System Oversight Committee
This meeting will be held via conference call starting at 10AM.
Call-In Number – 1-712-770-4856
Passcode is – 182969
