HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources April 9 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
April 9, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(9:32:04 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen, and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Pete Kremen, Barbara Brenner, and Kathy Kershner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE FROM WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
STAFF REGARDING PROPOSED WHATCOM COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 20.51,
LAKE WHATCOM WATERSHED OVERLAY DISTRICT (AB2013 -102)
Peter Gill, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read from
a presentation (on file) and gave a staff report.
(9:46:20 AM)
Brenner stated she likes the designs. She asked and there was discussion of
whether it's possible to have pre- approved, engineered designs from which people can
choose.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether there was an effort to identify
these designs in the county, whether all the designs will be on lots with sewer, and the
potential phosphorous sources from timber harvesting.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the phosphorous source if there were no
development and if the watershed were completely forested.
Sandy Peterson, Public Works Department, stated that although it will be a
challenge, they intend to have and are moving toward off - the -shelf designs for lot owners to
use. He continued the presentation, beginning with phosphorous - neutral approaches for
small lots.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether they can exempt people from the
current stormwater code.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether it will be a problem with the
State Department of Ecology (Ecology) if water is retained onsite.
Natural Resources Committee, 4/9/2013, Page 1
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of how long the rules have been in place,
whether people who have built in Sudden Valley in the past ten years have all installed
dispersion trenches, how much people are spending right now, and whether the engineering
is prescriptive.
Mike Kershner, Planning and Development Services Department, answered
questions.
Peterson continued the presentation on the existing stormwater standard and
design options.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of what percentage of lots drain well.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether a specific grade of sand is
required for the stormwater runoff treatment option.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of how often the sediment chamber must be
cleaned.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether an option would be creating a
stormwater association and of locating a central cistern.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of absorbing costs for these projects by
using grants.
Jason Porter, City of Bellingham Stormwater Utility Engineer, answered questions
about the City's homeowner improvement program (HIP) grant.
Eli Mackiewicz, City of Bellingham Engineering Technician, answered questions about
whether Ecology grants funds for public benefit projects versus private projects.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of when they might get design and
installation cost estimates.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of required soil testing for each design and
how they would reach out to folks.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the County performing soil testing to
simplify the process for homeowners and at a reduced rate.
Crawford stated they should ask the Realtor's Association to provide feedback on the
impacts of the costs on the market and on people's investments, once they're estimated.
He stated and there was discussion of defining the threshold at which it becomes not
feasible to develop the lot.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of more need for inspection to make sure
the engineered structures are maintained.
Cathy Craver, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Natural Resources Committee, 4/9/2013, Page 2
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Gill continued the presentation beginning with the cost differential and next steps.
At the next meeting, discuss the existing rules and proposed changes to comply with the
national pollutant discharge and elimination system (NPDES) regulations.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of whether the Silver Beach ordinance meets
the zero phosphorous loading goal.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:58 a.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council4o.w hatcom .wa.us
Natural Resources Committee, 4/9/2013, Page 3