Department implements service changes in keeping with governor’s proclamation
VANCOUVER — Starting Wednesday, Vancouver Public Works has reduced on-site staffing to providing essential services in compliance with the “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” statewide order to help change the trajectory and impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Except where necessary to support those services defined under Gov. Inslee’s order, work on other regular Public Works services and programs has been reduced to a basic, minimum level of operations.
These essential Vancouver Public Works services, which support the community’s health and safety, include providing clean, safe drinking water, assuring safe public sewer systems and treatment, keeping streets and signals functioning properly for safe transportation, and supporting public safety in emergencies. Core Utility Services will also continue as needed for assisting customers with payments and billing, but at reduced on-site staffing levels and to limit exposure, per the ‘’Stay Home’’ directive.
Meanwhile, neighborhood street sweeping, mowing of medians and other services have been temporarily suspended for now. Street and utility construction projects are also currently delayed, with the exception of those that meet criteria for being critical to essential services, as defined by the statewide order.
Due to limited staffing and focus on essential services only at this time, Vancouver Utility customers are encouraged to email utilitiescs@cityofvancouver.us for all non-urgent concerns. Likewise, non-emergency Public Works service requests may be submitted online at www.cityofvancouver.us/servicerequests. These will be handled when all regular services resume, based on state and local guidelines.
Garbage, recycling and organics collections in Vancouver, provided by Waste Connections, are not affected by Washington’s ‘Stay Home’ order and are continuing according to schedule at this time. For added safety for drivers and the community, customers are asked to help by bagging garbage as tightly and securely as possible before placing in carts or containers. Please note: Empty, clean, dry recyclables should be placed in the blue recycling cart but not bagged, as plastic bags impact sorting equipment and contaminate recyclables.
Washington’s “Stay Home – Stay Healthy’’ order is currently in effect until midnight April 8, but could be extended.
For ongoing updates related to the city’s response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
