HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources June 3 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
June 3, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(9:32 :22 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Sam Crawford and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Rud Browne, Pete Kremen and Barbara Brenner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PORTAGE BAY SHELLFISH RECOVERY PLAN
2014 UPDATE (AB2014 -210)
Erika Douglas, Public Works Department, submitted and read through a presentation
(on file).
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, continued the presentation describing the
pollution identification and correction (PIC) program.
(9:47 :49 AM)
Crawford stated he supports the overall effort. He is concerned about making septic
systems the scapegoat. Modern septic systems are sophisticated. He's skeptical that
recent pollution increases are due to septic issues. He asked and there was discussion about
what they know about a septic system inventory in the Portage Bay area. Make sure they
know what every septic system in that area is doing.
He referenced Council packet pages 12 and 13. He asked and there was discussion
about staffing for the program and for enforcing the critical areas ordinance, whether more
staff was available to work on the original pollution problems, if staffing has decreased, and
whether the Executive plans to adjust the staffing plan in the upcoming 2015 -2016 budget
process for enforcement purposes.
Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, answered questions.
Weimer stated septic systems aren't being targeted more than other potential
sources. The emphasis will be on agriculture, but they will address all kinds of problems.
The plan will look at all the problems. The PIC program will identify problem sources. He
moved to recommend approval of the resolution. The resolution should acknowledge all the
shellfish protection district members who put a lot of work into this update, particularly
Albert de Boer.
Natural Resources Committee, 6/3/2014, Page 1
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Brenner asked and there was discussion about whether past pollution control efforts
have stopped, resulting in increased bacteria; whether they are finding bacteria in the lower
or upper Nooksack; where all the problems are coming from Terrell Creek and Ten Mile
Creek, given all improvements that have occurred; funding from the onsite septic system
(OSS) fees; whether the County requires an OSS inspection of systems in which property
owners already know the systems are failing, and; buttercup plants not always being used
as a measure of whether there is a wetland on private property, according to the critical
areas ordinance.
John Wolpers, Health Department, answered questions.
Kremen stated he is perplexed and concerned about rising bacteria levels. Increased
population in the area may be a cause, but not necessarily via septic systems. There's also
been record rainfall amounts. Community awareness of these issues has waned. Keep
awareness high. He asked and there was discussion about how much funding the County
used to receive from the State at the time the County initially addressed high bacteria
levels. The State legislature will reduce overall funding without decreasing its mandates.
Be mindful of and prepared for State budget reductions.
Weimer stated federal and State efforts originally focused on dairies, which resulted
in declined bacteria amounts. Those efforts continue, but the County's efforts have
declined. The Conservation District support to farmers is gone. There is less County staff.
General education efforts have declined. County responsibility is for smaller farms,
education, dog waste, and septic systems. This update plugs that hole.
Brenner asked and there was discussion about which areas the County provided
education for onsite septic systems, whether Portage Bay will be included in the same
category as Drayton Harbor and Lake Whatcom, and how often the County hosts OSS
classes.
Kyle Dodd, Health Department, answered questions.
Browne stated they don't know why bacteria levels are increasing. Put emphasis on
gathering data. Review results quarterly instead of annually. Map the results.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Crawford and Buchanan (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
Crawford stated the Council recently received information on a notice of violation for
a dog kennel in an agricultural zone. He would like to know why kennels aren't allowed in
agricultural zones. Only two counties don't allow kennels in agricultural zones. Most other
counties allow it as a conditional use, administrative approval use, or an outright permitted
use. He would like to allow dog kennels as a conditional use in the agricultural area. They
can still protect farmland while allowing this use. He stated and there was discussion that
he would like the Council to explore this issue. He's not advocating for the property owner
who was cited, but would like to know why such a use would be restricted in general. He
will explore the possibility with staff and possibly schedule something in Planning
Committee.
Natural Resources Committee, 6/3/2014, Page 2
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Browne state(
Western Washington,
Eastern Washington.
ADJOURN
agricultural land in Eastern Washington is less productive than in
so there may be less concern about dog kennels in agricultural land in
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Committee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 6/3/2014, Page 3