Flu, erosion, occupy board

Wahkiakum County commissioners discussed influenza, erosion along Grays River, a report on river patrol liabilities and other issues when they met Tuesday.

Health Officer Jennifer Vines reported that the first wave of H1N1 (swine) flu infection apparently peaked last week in the county.

"We had the first wave of H1N1 virus," she said. "The sense is that it peaked last week. Another wave can come at any time, and waves can continue into the next flu season."

Vines said 99 percent of the flu cases are H1N1 flu; seasonal flu hasn't made its appearance.

She said health officials hope early vaccination is helping keep the number of infections down.

Vaccination doses continue to be in short supply. When officials have vaccine available, they're now focusing on young children, pregnant women, child care workers, and people age 25-64 with medical conditions.

Reacting to news reports from last week's commission meeting, Mattson Road resident Tom Doumit commented that the Grays River is rapidly eating into the shoreline along the road.

"It's right up to the tarmac now," he said. "A 70-foot-long stretch of road is exposed to the asphalt line; a telephone line is exposed.

"Therefore, I suggest you declare an emergency and do something to shore up the road."

Commissioners Dan Cothren and Blair Brady said they had looked at the erosion in the past week and agreed that an emergency declaration might be the best way to go.

Cothren also said he wanted a meeting with area residents, Public Works Director Pete Ringen and a biologist from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to discuss the situation.

"The bottom line is the cost," he said. "To do it right would be very costly."

Cathlamet Councilor Steve McNicholas and other citizens reported a visit they made last week to a law firm and an insurance company in Portland, both specializing in maritime issues to discuss potential county liabilities for operating a security patrol fleet for potential tankers carrying liquefied natural gas.

McNicholas and Doumit, attorney for the town of Cathlamet, said maritime law brings many issues with it.

McNicholas added that the markets are changing as the United States accesses more gas deposits.

"The bottom line is that you need . . . a feasibility study," McNicholas said, "so you can analyze what your liability is. We can get out of the state of being emotional and down to business."

Commissioner Lisa Marsyla reported that the process leading to the Family Practice Clinic taking over operation of the Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic in Cathlamet is proceeding on schedule with a January 1 target.

The Family Health Center has hired a full-time physician's assistant and is continuing to recruit a full-time doctor.