Monthly Archives: May 2016

PUBLIC NOTICE: City of Cottonwood AZPDES Renewal Permit

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PROPOSED ARIZONA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (AZPDES) RENEWAL PERMIT

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and in accordance with §40 CFR 131, §40 CFR 25, and Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A907, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proposes to issue an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Permit to discharge pollutants to Waters of the United States to the following applicant, subject to certain effluent limitations and special conditions:

Public Notice No.16-70        Published on May 15, 2016 Published in the Prescott Courier

AZPDES Permit No. AZ0024716
City of Cottonwood
827 N. Main Street
Cottonwood, Arizona 86326

The City of Cottonwood applied for a renewal AZPDES permit for the proposed discharge of up to 1.5 million gallons per day (mgd) of treated domestic wastewater from the City of Cottonwood Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to the Del Monte Wash in the Verde River Basin in Township 16 N, Range 3 E, Section 32, in Yavapai County, Arizona. The Cottonwood WWTP is a publicly owned treatment works that receives domestic wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources in the City of Cottonwood. Sludge is dewatered for land application by a contractor. Variances from the Verde River standards for nitrogen and phosphorus are proposed in the draft permit.

The permit and fact sheet may be viewed online at http://www.azdeq.gov/cgi-bin/vertical.pl by typing the permit number in the box left of “Search Event”. The public notice and related documentation also are available for public review, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. In Phoenix, please call (602) 771-4380 or e-mail recordscenter@azdeq.gov 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to review the file.

Persons may submit comments or request a public hearing on the proposed action in writing, to Jacqueline Maye, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, 1110 W. Washington St., 5415B-3, Phoenix, Arizona 85007. All written comments received by ADEQ by the close of business on the date 45 days after publication of this notice will be considered in the final permit decision. A public hearing request must be in writing and must include the reasons for such request. If there is a significant degree of public interest, the Director will hold a hearing in accordance with A.A.C. R18-9-A908(B).

ADOT, Flagstaff team to improve traffic flow on US 180 downtown

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FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff residents and visitors will be able to spend more time enjoying the attractions of northern Arizona and less time getting there thanks to an upcoming Arizona Department of Transportation project designed to reduce congestion in the heart of that city.

ADOT and the city of Flagstaff are teaming to add turn lanes where North Humphreys Street (US 180) meets Historic Route 66, with the city contributing land for right of way. That intersection is where area residents, Grand Canyon visitors and those who play in the snow turn onto and off of US 180.

Using $1.9 million in federal funding, ADOT will add a second right-turn lane from southbound Humphreys Street onto Route 66. The project also will add a single right-turn lane from northbound Humphreys Street onto West Aspen Avenue, the first intersection north of Route 66 and a common route to downtown businesses. That lane eventually will become part of dual northbound lanes through the area.

The project involves land next to Flagstaff City Hall but won’t take any land from Wheeler Park north of Aspen Avenue, according to Audra Merrick, district engineer for ADOT’s Northcentral District, who added that the city’s contribution of land in the right of way made it possible to move ahead quickly.

“When we have partners contributing to these projects ‒ in this case, opportunities for rights of way ‒ it provides the needed value for these projects to be really successful,” Merrick said.

ADOT will do the work because Historic Route 66 and US 180 are state highways.

Design work is set to begin in fiscal year 2017, and construction is expected to start in fiscal year 2019.

Updated Arizona Diamondbacks specialty license plate inspired by new uniforms

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118PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ updated look doesn’t end with redesigned uniforms rolled out for this season. The organization has worked with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division to overhaul the look of the specialty license plate raising money for team charities.

The plate, with red and black pinstripes across the top and bottom of the plate against a gray background matching the team’s new road uniforms, is now available for purchase at ServiceArizona.com.

Funds raised by the plates go to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation for youth education and development, and to provide housing and health care for those in need.

“We are excited to refresh the D-backs license plate to reflect the same look and feel of our new uniforms,” said Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall. “We have had such a positive reaction to the new design and look forward to having fans support the team and our Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation on Arizona roadways.”

Also available through ServiceArizona.com is a new Southwest PGA license plate supporting youth golf programs in Arizona that foster sportsmanship, honesty and perseverance, and funding golf scholarships for youth based on community involvement and academic excellence.

“On behalf of the more than 1,300 PGA golf professionals that make up the Southwest PGA and that serve as our daily contact with the golfers throughout Arizona, we are extremely grateful to ADOT and state legislators who helped us create the golf license plate,” said Michael Miller, executive director of the Southwest PGA.

Specialty license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities.

There are no special requirements to get the license plates. They are also available with a disability symbol.

Because the Arizona Diamondbacks license plate is a redesign, anyone with the current plate can request the new plate design for a $5 replacement fee. However, the redesigned plate has six characters instead of the seven that are on the current Diamondbacks plate, so some personalized messages won’t transfer. Those holding personalized plates that won’t transfer will have to start the application process from the beginning and pay the full $50 fee.

The original Arizona Diamondbacks license plate design is still valid for use.

For more information on specialty plates, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

Quagga-affected waters grow: AZGFD identifies Apache, Saguaro, Canyon lakes

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AZGFD_Quagga-GA-2PHOENIX — Conclusive evidence of quagga mussels has recently been discovered at Canyon, Saguaro and Apache lakes, major recreational waters on the Tonto National Forest. Effective May 1, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will list these lakes as AIS-affected waters under AIS Directors Orders #2.

There is not an infestation of quaggas at Apache, Saguaro or Canyon. Yet there is genetic and visual evidence in all these waters of the invasive quaggas that colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can ruin recreational watercraft motors, alter water quality for aquatic wildlife, and clog water intake structures such as pipes and screens, thereby impacting pumping capabilities for power and water treatment plants.

Eight of the 12 major reservoirs in Arizona (Powell, Mead, Mojave, Havasu, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro and Pleasant) are listed as quagga-affected waters.

The other major reservoirs – Roosevelt, Bartlett, Alamo and Horseshoe – are not impacted by quagga mussels, but require AZGFD’s increased protection.

“By law, boaters and anglers must pull their drainage plugs before transporting a watercraft from these listed waters,” said Tom McMahon, AZGFD aquatic invasive species program coordinator, “but it makes sense to simply pull their drainage plugs, and leave them out, anytime they are transporting watercraft in and through Arizona.”

In addition, inspect your boat and ensure it is completely dried before launching into any state waters. This is where the need to “Clean, Drain and Dry” is vital.

Under Arizona law, boaters and all recreationists who take watercraft and other equipment out of waters designated as having aquatic invasive species must use the following steps when leaving that listed water:

1. CLEAN. Clean/remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from the anchor, boat, motor, hull, trailer, etc.
2. DRAIN. Remove all water drainage plugs (and keep them out during transport). Drain the water from the bilge, live-well and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain the water from the engine and engine cooling system(s). You can do this by lowering the outboard, while on the ramp, until the water is removed.
3. DRY. Ensure the watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance is allowed to dry completely before placing in water in Arizona. Leaving your plugs out during transport will assist in ventilating and speeding the drying time of those difficult-to-dry areas of your boat.

If you are in need of decontaminating your moored boat before transporting from an AIS-affected water, please contact AZGFD at (623) 236-7608.

ADEQ, ADOT and Keep Arizona Beautiful Host Free Environmental Resources Roadshows in Williams and Prescott Valley

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and Keep Arizona Beautiful (KAZB) staff will conduct two “Environmental Resources Roadshows,” where attendees will learn about ways to improve their local environment.

The meetings will be held at:

  • Williams
    Tuesday, May 24, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    Williams Council Chambers
    113 S 1st Street
    Williams, AZ 86046
  • Prescott Valley
    Wednesday, May 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    Chamber of Commerce
    7120 Pav Way, Suite 102
    Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

Don’t Tread on US – the Freedom Rifle by Zanna

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800-2-donttredonusFormer Italian and naturalized American, Gianluca Zanna, launches his latest creation: The “Don’t Tread on US – the Freedom rifle”—billed as the most affordable military grade semiautomatic AR15 rifle. The rifle comes in M4 configuration chambered in .223 Wylde that can shoot both 5.56 NATO and .223 4 MOA. The rifle is made in the USA—some from a company in Arizona—and has a lifetime warranty on the lower for just $499.

The affordable rifle is inspired by the sad reality of his former country Italy, where law abiding people have no Second Amendment Right “to keep and bear arms,” but a privilege granted by the government. After studying history, where slaves were never allowed to be armed, Zanna wanted to create the most affordable rifle for the working American man and woman who are committed into the defense of the Republic and innocent life.

Zanna states “The main purpose of the Don’t Tread on US Rifle is to give the opportunity to every law abiding American who loves freedom and refuses to be a subject to be armed with at least one military spec rifle and the knowledge on how to use it. This is my way of social justice!

300--m4“As you know, there are so many great rifles out there on the market, but not every American can afford one, especially now in this economy. After two-years of research and testing I was able to find two American companies (one in Mohave County Arizona) that could provide a great quality product and, thanks to my work, for an incredible price. I dare to say that the Don’t Tread on US Rifle, is the most affordable and reliable military grade rifle on the US market chambered in .223 Wylde.

“Since I am not an FFL dealer (and I do not want to be one) or a gun manufacturer, I want to be sure that is clear, that I will not sell you the whole rifle, but just the upper and then I will direct you to one of my FFL dealers where you will be able to get the lower for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle for an incredible price.”

For that combined with the Zanna-designed upper, you will be paying just $499 (tax and shipping not included).

“When I came out with the idea to create a rifle that every American could afford—and also be able to shoot, considering recoil, rifle’s size and ergonomics—the choice was clear: I needed to focus on the AR15 platform. My original choice for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle was the chamber in 5.56 NATO, so it could shoot both 5.56 and .223. As you know it is not safe to shoot 5.56 in .223 chambers.

“Then by accident, I stumbled into the .223 Wylde chamber. After testing the upper with this chamber I was so impressed that I decided to adopt it for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle. One of the things convinced me the most, was the reliability in being able to shoot and cycle without malfunctions in both calibers the 5.56 and the .223. Even the cheapest steel case rounds like .223 Russian ammunition—that normally would often get stuck in some of the more expensive 5.56 rifles—were cycling smoothly with no problems in the .223 Wylde chamber.

“Also the accuracy was phenomenal. Being able to shoot 4MOA—that translates in groups of 1 square inch group at 25 yards with iron sight and no bench—with this cheap ammo was a great plus. Also, doing more research, I was able to find out that this chamber and rifle twist (1:9) allows you to shoot heavier bullets than the standard 55 or 62 grains, that with quality rounds it can definitely help in overcome the average reach of the .223 or 5.56. These are the reasons why I chose the .223 Wylde Chamber for the Don’t Tread on US Rifle.

When you purchase Don’t Tread on US – The Freedom Rifle, you get more than just a military grade Rifle that can shoot 4 minutes of angle (4MOA). You will receive also knowledge and inspiration with free bonuses that Gianluca believes are as important as the Rifle itself.

  • Free Parchment replica of the US Constitution
  • Free Digital CD Don’t Tread on US by Zanna
  • Free ebook how to become a Rifleman by Zanna
  • Free T-shirt Slaves are never Armed – I am not a slave
  • Free 30 rounds magazine (where permitted by the law)
  • Free laser engraved ejection port “Don’t Tread on US”

“Remember, the rifle is just a tool. Your knowledge and your heart are the weapons,” Zanna stated in a press release.

Phoenix’s newest residents begin to hatch

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Peregrine_chick_2016-05-09_at_7.16.27_AM_webPHOENIX — After more than 30 days of anticipation by viewers around the world, the first of downtown Phoenix’s peregrine falcon eggs was welcomed on Mother’s Day after hatching at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

It’s anticipated that a second egg could hatch any time as an influx of viewers the world over monitor the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife camera live stream at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

The falcon pair laid four eggs in late March, but two cracked and were discarded by the parents. The first chick hatched Sunday appears active, healthy and can be seen as the mother repositions herself on the nest.

“The live stream offers a unique, unobtrusive opportunity for viewers to witness one of nature’s wonders that is rarely seen,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Viewers will be able to follow the development of the young hatchlings and will want to stay tuned for the next important milestone in the young birds’ lives, fledging, which will occur about 30 days after hatching.”

Anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can watch the birds that live atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

Game and Fish launched this live stream in early March when the pair was starting to display courtship behavior. Viewers can help support the costs of bringing the live feed to their homes by selecting the donation button found just below the viewing screen and making a small contribution.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.
Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999.

Peregrines feed almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.

Two boys found apparently unharmed in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona Gazette received an email that two boys approximately eight-years old were lost, today, in the woods near Woody Mountain Road in Flagstaff. Search teams were dispatched and the boys were found apparently unharmed. The boys were returned to their parents.

Missing Person Debra Schwartz – Found Deceased

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FLAGSTAFF — Today at approximately 11:10 am the body of missing hiker Debra Schwartz was located in an unnamed slot canyon below the rim of Oak Creek Canyon. A three member technical rescue team that was tasked with checking the slot canyons located her.

On this third day of this intensive search for the missing ASU Professor, rescuers were in the field and under way by daylight. Today the search resources consisted of:

· One Team of five searchers mounted on horseback
· Three teams of off-road vehicles
· Six teams of ground searchers with five people in each team
· One dog team consisting of 3 dogs and six handlers
· Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Air Rescue Helicopter and crew
· Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Helicopter and crew based in Flagstaff
· The Yavapai County Jeep Posse
· Three technical rescue teams with three technicians in each team

Several slot canyons that run from the rim to the canyon floor were partially searched yesterday however steep inclines, very rough terrain and thick underbrush made conditions unsafe for conventional ground searchers. The three technical rescue teams that were deployed today were assigned to thoroughly check the slot canyons in the area. At approximately 11:10 am today a technical rescue team that was searching an unnamed slot canyon from the rim down discovered Debra Schwartz’s body.

It should be noted the this technical rescue team completed two rope rappels to make their way into the canyon to a spot where they were able to see the body and then a third rappel to actually reach the body. She was located approximately ½ mile from her campsite. The body will be transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives will work with personnel from the medical examiner’s office in an attempt to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Unit for providing ground searchers, dog search teams, mounted searchers, the Yavapai County Jeep Posse, their Air Rescue Helicopter and their technical rescue teams. We would also like to thank the Arizona Department of Public Safety for the assistance of their air rescue helicopters and crews based in Flagstaff and in Kingman.

We are also grateful for the investigative assistance given by the ASU Police Department. Finally we cannot express the extent of our continuing gratitude to all of the tireless men and women of the Coconino County Search and Rescue Unit.

Another Clean and Beautiful for Williams

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C&B16-05-07-01WILLIAMS — Another Clean and Beautiful event passes despite inclement weather. The weather cleared up later on in the event allowing citizens to clean up around Williams.

Northern Arizona Gazette collected three bags of trash plus two separate bags of recyclable materials.

The event ended with a barbecue by the members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13.
C&B16-05-07-02

Some even came in their classics.

Some even came in their classics.