HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources November 12 20131
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
November 12, 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 :32:44 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Staff: Kathy Kershner, Barbara Brenner and Pete Kremen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE COUNTY'S POLLUTION IDENTIFICATION AND
CORRECTION (PIC) PROGRAM (AB2013 -356)
Erika Douglas, Public Works Department submitted and read a presentation on the
pollution identification and correction (PIC) program (on file).
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether staff has considered doing dual
monitoring of fecal coliform and a -coli, which is less expensive, and of the community effort
at Ten Mile Creek watershed.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of not having community leaders contact
regulators if there is an extended problem, water quality testing methods that specifically
identify sources, and fee reductions or fee elimination for properties that have fixed their
problems.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether waterfowl is a large contributor
of problems in these areas and the semiannual Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
reports as shown on packet page three.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of County matches and funding.
Crawford referenced the regulatory measures and asked for data tracking on how
often people get referred and which jurisdictions enforce and the reason the State is
emphasizing Bertrand Creek.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the Conservation District's involvement in
the program.
Natural Resources Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE COUNTY'S AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AIS)
INSPECTION PROGRAM (AB2013 -145A) (10:00:44 AM)
Chris Brueske, Public Works Department, introduced City of Bellingham staff Clare
Fogelsong.
Clare Fogelson, City of Bellingham, began the presentation (on file) and described
how the zebra and quagga mussels have spread across the United States.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the cost for a decontamination if it's
necessary.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of the revenue generated from fees.
(10: 22 :13 AM)
Brueske continued the presentation beginning with the 2014 program
recommendations.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of changes to the proposed 2014 expenses.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of the program being successful with
engaging the public, inspecting boats, and preventing contamination; not finding any of the
invasive species they are trying to prevent; whether the expense of the program is worth it
if there is little risk; and whether the State would have an interception program at the state
borders that could eventually replace local inspection programs.
Knutzen asked if Laurel Baldwin will be able to focus on Noxious Weed program in
2014, whether Chris Brueske's time is accounted for in the estimate for 2014; partnering
with Canada officials and the U.S. Border Patrol; and if the inspectors notice whether a boat
has a current registration.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of working with sports fisher groups,
inspection and decontamination being more thorough, educating boat owners about flushing
their engines and cleaning their boats, and how many passes are sold at the office and
online.
Weimer stated this presentation was given to the Lake Whatcom Policy Group. The
City and Water District support continuing the program.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of not encountering any aquatic invasive
species yet being a good thing, the program being more cost - effective, and having the cities
and counties statewide being on the same page and contacting the legislative delegation in
Olympia.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Natural Resources Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
- Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Committee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 11/12/2013, Page 3