HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources August 5 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
August 5, 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
Present: Carl Weimer and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: Sam Crawford.
Also Present: Rud Browne, Barbara Brenner, and Pete Kremen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE FROM WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS REGARDING FISH
PASSAGE BARRIER CULVERTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WHATCOM COUNTY
ROAD SYSTEM (AB2014 -277)
Steve Fox, Public Works Department, submitted and read from a presentation (on
file).
Brenner asked about the culvert replacement size and cost. Fox stated the cost is
extremely variable. The size is the stream width, so it builds a bed while the fish go
through it.
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, spoke about the issues that will have a bearing
on the cost of the culverts.
Fox stated there was a grant to help out with the Johnson Creek culvert.
Browne asked how the life span changes with concrete as opposed to steel. Fox
stated the steel is easier for fish, and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife usually does
not approve concrete culverts.
Rutan stated the life span will depend on the flow, grade, and soil. Generally,
culverts last 50 years.
Kremen stated concrete in general has a life span of about 50 years. He asked about
the cost differential. Fox stated the price of pipe is small compared to the cost of
construction.
Rutan stated cost is very site specific. Those decisions regarding the costs of
culverts will be brought to the Council.
Kremen asked how much a recent grant paid for a particular project. Fox stated the
grant paid for about one - quarter of the cost of the project.
Natural Resources Committee, 8/5/2014, Page 1
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Fox stated it would be much easier to fix the culverts without going to court with the
Tribes.
Weimer asked whether the number of culverts listed to be fixed is current or from
2006. Fox stated the list is current.
Weimer asked how many culverts there are in total, not just on County roads. Fox
stated there are probably another 200 culverts.
Weimer asked and there was discussion about how they coordinate with federal
salmon efforts and about fixing more than one culvert on the same stream. Fox stated
fixing the stream all the way would be the best way to go.
Brenner asked if a landowner can refuse to fix a culvert. Fox stated that if a
landowner does not want to allow permission, it would be up to the State Department of
Fish and Wildlife.
Rutan stated landowners usually don't know if they have a problem or not, and they
don't want agencies showing up to tell them they have a problem.
Weimer asked and there was discussion about whether the County is under a court
order to fix fish culverts now, or if it will be under court order if they don't do this work.
Weimer asked and there was discussion about the funding sources for this work.
Rutan stated funds used are mainly grant funds and road funds. If there is a fish passage
problem, it's usually a drainage problem too.
Browne stated that if these are flooding issues, it seems like it would be an option to
use those funds.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. DISCUSSION OF REQUEST TO HAVE COUNCIL SEND A LETTER TO THE STATE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ASKING THAT WESTERN DRAYTON HARBOR BE
RE- OPENED FOR RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH HARVESTING (AB2014 -278)
(10:11:25 AM)
Erika Douglas, Public Works Department, gave a staff report and referenced a draft
letter on Council packet page six to be sent to the State Department of Health about
reopening recreational shellfish harvesting.
Steve Seymour, Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee and
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, stated millions and millions of dollars have been spent to
clean up the harbor. The Health Department is monitoring the water. Please support the
letter.
Buchanan asked if the letter would be from Board of Health or Council. Douglas
stated it wouldn't matter. It is a local voice supporting the issues.
Weimer moved to recommend approval of the letter to the full Council.
Natural Resources Committee, 8/5/2014, Page 2
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Browne asked and there was discussion about the deteriorating stations of concern
and the water quality tiers.
Weimer asked and there was discussion about whether a letter needs to go to the
State Department of Fish and Wildlife as well.
Seymour stated he suggests that the letter might also be sent to the City of Blaine.
Brenner suggested three amendments:
• Amend the third sentence of the first paragraph and suggested an
amendment, "...state and local agencies and watershed residents."
• Amend the sixth sentence in the first paragraph, "...we would like you to
eenside,= -a seasonally reopening e# recreational shellfish harvest in Drayton
Harbor."
• Amend the next to last sentence of the second paragraph, "We strongly
encourage DOH to eenside honor this request."
Weimer accepted the first suggestion and amended his motion to recommend
approval with an amendment to the third sentence of the first paragraph and suggested an
amendment, "...state and local agencies and watershed residents" and to send the letter
also to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and send a copy to the City of Blaine.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer and Buchanan (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Crawford (1)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:24 a.m.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Committee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 8/5/2014, Page 3