HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources November 18 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
November 18, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Tom Brown
Kathy Sutter
Absent:
None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED PORTAGE BAY SHELLFISH
PROTECTION DISTRICT (AB97 -195A)
Regina Delahunt, Health Department, addressed this issue by reviewing the history of the
Bay. She noted that following a downgrade, the County is required to establish a shellfish
protection district for a shellfish growing area that has been downgraded. The State Department
of Health =s report listed several potential pollution sources associated with that downgrade,
which included domestic waste; stormwater runoff; wildlife; industrial waste; and agricultural
waste. Portage Bay is located where the outflow is impacted by the Nooksack River. As a result
of this downgrade, the County was required to provide a closure response strategy.
George Boggs, Whatcom Conservation District, District Coordinator, spoke to the
closure response strategy to date. The Conservation District is the lead agency for this project
and will provide both technical and financial assistance. Various agencies are also participating
in this endeavor. A framework has been established with the completion goal of December 31,
1999. Also discussed was the effects of the closure, as well as funding and staffing.
Boggs continued with the definition and discussion of shellfish district formation.
Alternatives were also discussed. Delahunt pointed out the bigger picture included potential
problems with Chuckanut Bay and Birch Bay.
Those speaking from the public included:
Bob Andersen, Land Use Planner
Barbara Brenner, Council member
Ward Nelson, Council member
Joan Pelley, Department of Ecology
Natural Resources Minutes, 11/18/97, Page 1
Jan Hansen, Chair, Advisory Committee, Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District
Stuart Blasgow, Puget Sound Water Quality
Topics discussed included funding; causes and elimination of the situation; taxation of
the District; water quality; and coordination of efforts and staff.
(Clerks Note: Tape 1, side B)
Dawson stated more information will be forthcoming in February 1998.
2. RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
COUNCIL AS PROPOSED BY THE WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL OF
GOVERNMENTS (AB97 -113A)
Sutter spoke to this proposed resolution, which enables this body to be established. This
body will not be a policy - making one; rather, it will be a coordinating effort. A professional
grant writer would perhaps be available. Revision provisions are in the proposed resolution.
She noted she will be providing an amendment at tonight =s Council meeting regarding interim
funding for Task Order #14.
Sue Blake, Water Resources Manager, commented briefly regarding timelines. There
was discussion regarding further government involvement without direct oversight and final
authority, as well as funding, staffing, and an external review in six months.
Those speaking included:
Barbara Brenner, Council member
Bob Andersen, Land Use Planner
Kathy Bovenkamp, Building Industry Association
Robin Dexter, Purse Seine Vessel Association
Ward Nelson, Council member
Joan Pelley, Department of Ecology
Sutter moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried 2 -1 with Brown opposed.
There was discussion of the name of this committee and whether there should be a Water
Issues Committee.
ADJOURN
Natural Resources Minutes, 11/18/97, Page 2
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Natural Resources Minutes, 11/18/97, Page 3