Propane tank explosion injures 1

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue was called for medical aid and fire response after a propane tank exploded at a campsite in the woods behind Puget Sound Energy at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14.

One person was transported to Harborview Medical Center to be treated for burns to the hands and arms, but the injuries were not life-threatening, VIFR Assistant Chief Bob Larsen said.

He noted that the events that caused the tank to explode were not clear.

A small brush fire resulted from the explosion and was contained and extinguished quickly, Larsen added.

“It wasn’t going to go anywhere,” he said.

Paving contractor resumes millings’ removal

The contractor that paved Vashon Highway last summer has resumed removing the stockpiled millings from the island.

ICON Materials first removed a stockpile of the ground-up asphalt last November from the county’s Mileta Pit.

In January, it began removing them from Misty Isle Farms, but was interrupted by poor weather, county officials said. A final inspection of that property was expected this week, according to Jim Chan, the director of the Permitting Division for King County Local Services.

Also this week, ICON was expected to begin removing the stockpile on the main highway across from Williams Heating. Their removal was originally expected to begin earlier, but was also delayed.

Meanwhile, many property owners also have used the millings, and Chan said the county will have more information about how it will proceed with them after a meeting with its legal team next week. Among the properties the county will determine how best to proceed with are more than 40 on a list that an anonymous person turned in to the county last winter.

Chan also said that ICON has contacted his department regarding options to remove the millings or have the work permitted at the former VFW Hall and at the Shawnee Hills Condo Association. The current tenant of the former hall, Vashon Island Books, did not return an email seeking comment about the millings. Paul Peretti, president of the condo association, said he is still waiting to hear how the situation with his community’s millings — 30 truckloads, covering a .6 mile stretch of road — will be resolved.

Millings — ground up asphalt that was removed from the road before the new layer of asphalt was put on last summer — have been the subject of much scrutiny since the paving project got underway. County codes restrict its use on Vashon, a critical aquifer recharge area, but it was stockpiled in unpermitted locations on the island and spread on several roadways, parking areas and driveways around Vashon-Maury islands. That work also was conducted without permits.

Their presence here has been controversial, with some people worried about their effect on Vashon’s aquifer and others believing they pose little risk, particularly now that the most leachable components have likely been washed away in heavy rains.

According to a King County spokesman, the millings removed from Vashon are taken to Auburn, Belfair or Sumner.

County hosts transit fair Thursday

King County will host a Metro transit fair from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust.

Islanders are invited to stop by and learn more about the Community Van program, which began in 2017.

The vans — black with a vibrant yellow stripe — are noticeable about town, and are part of a program that is a partnership between King County Metro and the Vashon-Maury Island Chamber of Commerce. Islanders and guests can request rides on and off the island, for anything from a trip to the grocery store to a ride to a movie theater. While destinations vary, program requirements are set: A Metro-approved volunteer driver must be at the wheel, and two or more passengers must be served by the ride. Advance notice is required, as the trips need to be publicized, typically either via Facebook or online at CommunityVan.org.

Representatives will also be on hand for the ORCA program to assist with sign-ups for monthly passes. Those who attend will have the chance to see a Transit Go mobile app demonstration to help them connect to Metro transit.

All Vashon residents will receive a flier in the mail with additional details and an offer for four free Metro transit tickets.