HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2002-068tvueTCnerCnrivTYCn177%TCIT .AC7F.N7)A RILL NO, 2002 -191 F
CLEARANCES Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned To
Ong. Dept.: County Council
10/22/2002
10/22/2002
Introduction
1
Division Head'.
Dept. Head
Prosecutor:
Budget.
Executive.
SUBJECT:
Ordinance amending WCC 20,40, interim composting regs
ATTACHMENTS
SUMI4AR Y STATEMENT
Related County Contract #'. Should the Clerk schedule a hearing? CY/MY Requested Date: 11/26/2002
This ordinance temporarily amends WCC 20.40 to further protect and enhance the general welfare of the public by specifically
addressing potential nuisances within the conditional use criteria, to include but not be limited to nuisance level odors from
mushroom composting facilities
RECOMMENDED MOTION (for final action):
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN
2002 - 191 F 10/2212002: atroduced
11126/2002. Amended and adopted 7-0, Ord. #2002 -068
Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number (this item only):
AB2002 -191
cR.D * 2002.0109
Sponsored by: Consent
Proposed by: Brenner
Introduction date: October 22, 2002
ORDINANCE NO. 2002 -068
TEMPORARILY AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY
CODE 20.40, ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR SITING
MUSHROOM COMPOSTING AS A CONDITIONAL USE WITHIN THE
AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the general health and welfare of many citizens of Whatcom
County have been negatively impacted by nuisance level odors mushroom
composting; and
WHEREAS, the existing conditional use criteria of Title 20 Whatcom County
Code (WCC) appears inadequate to respond to nuisance level odor impacts from
mushroom composting; and
WHEREAS, scientific improvements in the control of odors from mushroom
composting sites have occurred; and
WHEREAS, certain scientific improvements, such as bio- filters, wet
scrubbers, negative pressurized building(s), and aerated floors have been proven to
be successful in eliminating nuisance level odors which emanate from mushroom
composting facilities; and
WHEREAS, increased setback requirements, combined with scientific
improvements, have proven successful in further mitigating the impacts of
otherwise nuisance level odors from mushroom composting facilities; and
WHEREAS, the site requirements and regulations in British Columbia
governing mushroom composting have become much more stringent in recent
years; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Planning and Development staff report that
inquiries have been received by them, including many from British Columbia, that
mushroom composting facilities may be seeking siting within the County; and
WHEREAS, the County has received a significant increase in complaints
regarding nuisance odors emanating from mushroom composting facilities; and
WHEREAS, the current Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance may not
adequately address water quality impacts and nuisance odors which have been
found to emanate from mushroom composting, nor require control technologies
such as bio- filters; and
WHEREAS, the County Council desires to further protect and enhance the
general health and welfare of the public; and
WHEREAS, additional criteria are necessary to more adequately protect water
source aquifers and to respond to nuisance level odor impacts; and
WHEREAS, RCW 36.70.790 and RCW 36.70.795 permits adoption of interim
official controls as long as a public hearing is held within 60 days of adoption; and
WHEREAS, RCW 36.70.795 requires the adoption of findings of fact which
justify Council action; and
WHEREAS, the above recitals are findings of fact of the Council; and
WHEREAS, the Council hereby enters the following additional findings of fact:
1. This temporary amendment of Title 20 WCC is necessary to avoid
imminent harm to the health and welfare of the public from nuisances
and health impacts that may arise due to the inadequate provisions of
the current zoning regulations as they pertain to mushroom
composting operations.
2. Without the imposition of additional interim official controls, nuisances
and health impacts from mushroom composting facilities may cause
irreparable harm to the welfare of the public.
3. The Whatcom County Council desires the opportunity to review
existing code and regulation to permanently address these health and
welfare concerns, without allowing for the vesting of new uses under
the existing code in the interim.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that
Whatcom County Code 20.40 is hereby amended as indicated in Exhibit A to this
ordinance.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that if any section, subsection, sentence, clause
or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it would have passed this code and
each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases has
been declared invalid or unconstitutional, then the original ordinance or ordinances
shall be in full force and effect.
BE IT FINALLY ORDAINED that this ordinance shall
remain
in
effect
for
six
months following its effective date, and may be renewed
for one
or
more
six -month
periods if subsequent public hearings are held in accordance with law and findings
of fact are made prior to each renewal.
APPROVED this 26th day of November, 2002.
ATTEST
(yam ^T
Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
bm s� GWAk
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY WASHINGTON
. Ward N on, ouncil Chair
( Approved ( ) Denied
<remen, County Executive
Date: 124 -0).
EXHIBIT A
Section 1. Section 20.40.164 of the Whatcom County Code shall be amended to
read as follows:
(Strike existing .164 and replace with the following)
.164 Commercial composting;' excluding commercial mushroom composting, which
satisfy the conditional use criteria of WCC 20.84.220;'pYOVided that, commercial
composting shall take place solely in areas zoned Agriculture, exclusive of the
Agricultural Protection Overlay zone=of Chapter &.38 WCC. Commercial
composting conditionally, permitted in accordance herewith shall not constitute a
nuisance.
Section 2. A new section shall be added to Chapter 20. 40 WCC to read as
follows:
20.40.165 Mushroom composting (commercial and noncommercial). "Mushroom
composting" includes the production or preparation of compost utilized in growing
mushrooms. In addition to the conditional use criteria of WCC 20.84.220, each of
the following criteria shall also,be satisfied by the applicant:
(1) The activity shall take place solely in areas zoned for Agriculture,
exclusive of the Agriculture Protection Overlay zone of chapter 20.38
WCC.
(2) New applications, and any applications for expansion, shall include:
a) Plans prepared and certified by a professional engineer whose
field of expertise includes this specialty; and
b) A facility management plan that includes monitoring,
maintenance and reporting measures. Reporting requirements
shall require periodic review and evaluation of the facility
prepared by a professional engineer In the field and include:
i. Submission of the report to Whatcom County Planning &
Development Services and Whatcom County Health &
Human Services within three months of commencement
of operations, within three months after a material
system or procedural revision, and annually, due three
months after the year end, for the latest calendar year;
and
ii. A. description ofthe facility and operating procedures; and
iii. A statement whether the facility is operating as designed.
(3) The facility, an6expansion of existing facilities, must be located,
designed, constructed, and operated such that:
a) All compost shall'be contained on awimpermeabie surface; and
b) Drainage: shall prevdht pooling, and any groundwater or surface
water contamination; and
c) Organic materials, except straw, shall be kept under covered
storage; and
(4)
(5)
d) AIL. mixed organic ingredientsnd straw that has been pre -
wettedand n "genated, sha be traff?;ferred to an enclosed
building on the sa 'cal ndar day as mixing occurs; and
e) All c6mpos,z , after the ganici terial"'re mixed,. shall only
take place in an e%9sed building7th the following.or
e q u ikua l e nt�te c h n o l ogy :
is Ant °erate *floor
ii: Xwet scrubber
iii: A biofifter, or equival4nt ter4inology
iv: Other systeli� components, including but not limited to
the fan and monitbfing system, as required by a qualified
maintain a
%ic c mpost, and �ovidel or the collection and
air eions.and leachates. The blbfilter, or
and conttime with the contaminants to reduce them
that does alter, or impair the usefulness of the
f) All mushroorcomposting filitiestand operations shall
maintain the follo,ng setbacks:
i, 500' from adjoiQ'ng parcels other than those described in
ii. 4,00' from a watdrf, ourse.or well;
2640' fromadjoini arce`hvin,E
Resideitial, Residential- I d, RuraVRural Forestry,
Commercial, Gateway In ufal, Light Impact Industrial,
Point Roberts, Special District,', Point Roberts Transitional
Zoning
There shall be: compliance: with ordinances and laws regulating solid 11-1
waste facile sand sites, including without limitation, WCC Title 24,
theV✓hatc .gounty SEPA Ordiriafice, and all applicable state and
fe€)eral reg(j "'ions.
A permanent securi'i deposit in the`form of cash)�bond, letter of
credit, or assignment 'of savings, may be requirddas a condition of the
permit in the discretion th ring examiner, for so long as
mushroom composting exist site. If following a public hearing the
hearing examinerl termines that@tbe facility is operating in violation
11 Of the conditional ermit rec W x,; `nts, and the owner or operator
does not cure the v ion within 3d" ,. ` of;receipt of such notice, the
security deposit shall 6S vbpplied to remedy,the non - compliance in the
most expedient and effective*manner.
Section 3. The text of WCC 20.40.159
(as
adopted
in Ordinance 2002 -033) shall
be amended to read as
follows:
Transitory solid waste facilities for treatment, storage, or collection,
including, but not limited to: recycle centers and drop boxes for
household materials excluding large items such as automobiles or
major appliances; noncommercial composting and mulching facilities,
except for all mushr°oonrcomposting fcfdities and including but not
limited to the types of facilities operated by neighborhood or public
service organizations.
Section 4. The text of WCC 20.40.051 shall be amended to read as follows:
Section 5. The text of WCC 20.40.108 shall be amended as follows:
Composting and mulching facilities other than ee,;;me ek-,: mushroom
composting facilities, if the use is ancillary to the primary agriculture use, when in
compliance with federal and state water quality standards. Mushroom osting
as an accesso se s only "b permitt hen in compliance tai �: al a
state water quality standards ands when con - d in compliance c
20.40.165':,
WHATCOM COUNTY (16.08)
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of proposed project: Ordinance temporarily amending Whatcom County Code Title
20.40, establishing additional criteria for siting mushroom composting as a conditional use within the
agricultural zoning district
2. Name of applicant: Dana Brown- Davis. Clerk of the Council Telephone: 50739
3. Address: 311 Grand Avenue. Suite #105 Contact: Dana Brown -Davis or Ward Nelson
Telephone: 50739 (Dana) 50738 (Ward)
4. Date checklist prepared: 10/28/2002
5. Agency requesting checklist: Whatcom County Council
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Ordinance introduction on
October 22, 2002. Public hearing and adoption of ordinance on November 26 2002
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to orconnected with
this proposal? If yes, explain. No.
8. List any environmental information (studies, reports, etc.) you know about that has been prepared,
or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. Currently, no.
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals
directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. N /A.
10. List any governmental approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Include
Federal, State, City, County, and local districts or regional offices. Adoption by County Council
11. Give a brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the
project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain
aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (You may attach
a page if this space is not adequate.) This ordinance will amend Whatcom County Code Title 20 by
establishing additional conditional use criteria for the siting of mushroom composting as a
conditional use within the agriculture zoning district
12. Location of the Proposal: Unincorporated Whatcom County.
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page 2 AGENCY USE ONLY
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1. EARTH
a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling hilly, steep slopes,
mountainous, other: Any of the above maybe found. Whatcom County contains
wide range of terrain.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? The steepest
slopes in Whatcom County exceed 35 %.
C. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel,
peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and
note any prime farmland. Whatcom County contains a wide range of soil types.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity?
If so, describe. N.A.
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities of any filling or grading
proposed. Indicate source of fill. None proposed.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally
describe. N.A. Non-pro act proposal.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after
project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? N.A. Non-pro iect
proposal
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if
any: Whatcom County land use and development standards will be maintained
2. AIR
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust,
automobile, odors, industrial, wood smoke) during construction and when the
project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if
known. None.
b. Are there any off -site sources of emissions or odors that may affect your
proposal? If so, generally describe. No.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Whatcom County land use and development standards will be altered
3. WATER
a. Surface:
i) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site
(including year -round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds,
wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state
what stream or river it flows into. No, non - oroiect proposal..
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet)
the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
No non-pro act proposal.
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page 3 AGENCY USE ONLY
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or
removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site
that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. N.A. Non-
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water
impacts, if any: Related W hatcom County land use and development regulations
will be maintained.
°�J111e1:YP:
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: Any of the following may be
found.
x deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
x evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
x shrubs
x grass
x wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
x water plants: millfoil, other
x other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? None
project proposal.
4)
Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give
general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No.
5)
Does the proposal lie within a 100 -year floodplain? If so, note location on
the site plan. N.A. Non-project proposal.
6)
Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface
waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of
discharge. No.
b. Ground:
1)
Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground
water? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if
known. No.
2)
Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic
tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial,
containing the following chemicals...; agricultural; etc.). Describe the
general size of the system, the number of houses to be served (if
applicable), or the number of animals or humans the systems) are
expected to serve. N.A. Non - oroiect Proposal.
C. Water Runoff (including storm water):
1)
Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of
collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this
water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. N.A.
Non-pro act proposal.
2)
Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally
describe. No, non-pro act Proposal.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water
impacts, if any: Related W hatcom County land use and development regulations
will be maintained.
°�J111e1:YP:
a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: Any of the following may be
found.
x deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
x evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
x shrubs
x grass
x wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
x water plants: millfoil, other
x other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? None
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page 4 AGENCY USE ONLY
C. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
Unknown.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or
enhance vegetation on the site, if any: None proposed.
5. ANIMALS
a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are
known to be on or near the site: No, non - oroiect proposal
birds: raptors, ducks, geese, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, beaver, other:
fish: salmon, trout, other
amphibians
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. No
non-pro act proposal.
C. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. No, non-pro act proposal
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: The provisions of the
Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program and Critical Areas Ordinance
will be maintained.
6. ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
a. What kind of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to
meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for
heating, manufacturing, etc. None, non - oroiect proposal
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy byadjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. No.
C. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this
proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if
any: Whatcom County land use and development regulations will be maintained
7. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
a. Arethere any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemica-
Is, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occuras a result
of this proposal? If so, describe. No.
1) Describe special emergency services that might be required? N.A.
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if
any: None Proposed, non - pro iect proposal
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for
example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? No, non-pro act proposal
2) What types and levels of noise would be created byor associated with the
project on a short-term or long -term basis (for example: traffic,
construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page S AGENCY USE ONLY
from the site. None.
2) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: N.A. Non-
pro act Proposal.
8. LAND AND SHORELINE USE
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? No. non-pro act
Proposal.
b. Has the site been used for agriculture? If so, describe. No non-pro act proposal
C. Describe any structures on the site. No non-pro act proposal
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No, non - project proposal
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? This non-pro act proposal is
specifically addressing the Agriculture zone within Whatcom County
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? While this is a
non - project proposal Agriculture would be the primary comprehensive plan
designation - although there are agriculture zoned lands in the Urban Growth
Areas.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
Various. Non - pro iect proposal
h. Has any part of the site been classified as an "environmentally sensitive" area? If
so, specify. No non - oroiect Proposal
I. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
N.A. Non-pro act proposal.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None
non-pro act proposal.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: None
Proposed, non - project Proposal
I. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and
projected land uses and plans, if any: Provisions of the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan will be maintained
9. HOUSING
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low- income housing. None.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether
high, middle, or low- income housing. No, non - pro iect proposal
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: None proposed
% AESTHETICS
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page 6 AGENCY USE ONLY
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas;
what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? N.A.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: The primary
effect of this non-pro act proposal would be to minimize nuisance odors
11. LIGHT AND GLARE
a. What types of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it
mainly occur? None.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with
views? No.
C. What existing off -site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: N.A.
None proposed.
12. RECREATION
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate
vicinity? No, non-pro act proposal
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so,
describe. No.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreat-
ion opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: N.A. None
proposed.
13. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION
a. Are there any places or objects listed on, or proposed for, national, state, or local
preservation registers known to be on or next to the site? If so, generally
describe. No, non-pro act proposal.
d. Generally describe any landmarks or evidence of historic, archaeological,
scientific, or cultural importance known to be on or next to the site. No, non -
pro act proposal.
C. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts, if any: N.A. None proposed
14. TRANSPORTATION
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site, and describe proposed
access to the existing street system. Show on -site plans, if any. N.A. Non -
proiect proposal.
e. Is site currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance
to the nearest transit stop? No, non-pro act proposal
C. How many parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would
the project eliminate? N.A.
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page 7 AGENCY USE ONLY
d. Will the proposal require any new roads or streets, or improvements to existing
roads or streets, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate
whether public or private). No non-pro act proposal
e. Will the project use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe. N.A.
f. How many vehicular trips per daywould be generated bythe completed project? If
known, indicate when peak volumes would occur. None, non-project proposal
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: N.A. Non-
pro iect proposal.
15. PUBLIC SERVICES
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire
protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe. No.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
N.A. Non - pro iect proposal
16. UTILITIES
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse
service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other. No non-pro act proposal
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the
service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate
vicinity which might be needed. None proposed, non-pro act proposal
C. SIGNATURE
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency is relying
on them to make its decision.
Signature. Date Submitted:
Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk o e Council
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page 8 AGENCY USE ONLY
WHATCOM COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ADMINISTRATION
PART D
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
AGENCY USE ONLY
D. SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NON - PROJECT ACTIONS
Because these questions are very general, it maybe helpful to read
them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent of the
proposal, or the types of activities likelyto result from the proposal,
would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if
the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general
terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water;
emissions to air; production, storage, or release of toxic or
hazardous substances; or production of noise?
The proposed text amendments are intending to minimize the
negative affects of the production of mushroom compost on the
environment and to reduce the nuisance odors often associated
with the production of mushroom compost
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are
Whatcom County land use and development regulations will be
strengthened.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or
marine life?
The proposal will not be likely to affect plants animals fish or
marine life. The proposal in part is intended to reduce the
likelihood of such impacts from the production of mushroom
compost that might otherwise occur.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or
marine life are:
Heightened efforts to reduce the potential runoff from mushroom
composting facilities by increasing the performance standards for
construction and on -going operation of the facility are a major
component of this proposal.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural
resources?
The proposal will not result in the depletion of enemy or natural
resources.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural
resources are:
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR
Page 9 AGENCY USE ONLY
The proposal maintains W hatcom County development regulations
in those respects.
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally
sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for
governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and
scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or
cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
The proposal is not anticipated to have any adverse impacts upon
environmentally sensitive areas. The intent of the Proposal is to
reduce the possibility of adverse impacts to the county that might
result from additional mushroom composting facilities.
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce
impacts are:
The Provisions of the W hatcom County land use and development
standards, including the W hatcom County Shoreline Management
Program and Critical Areas Ordinance, will be maintained.
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use,
including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline
uses incompatible with existing plans?
The proposal will not allow or encourage land or shoreline uses
incompatible with existing Plans.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use
impacts are:
The provisions of the W hatcom County land use and development
standards including the Whatcom County Shoreline Management
Program and Critical Areas Ordinance, will be maintained.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on
transportation or public services and utilities?
The proposed ordinance would not increase demands on
transportation or public services and utilities.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
None proposed. Non-pro act proposal.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local,
state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the
environment.
None identified.