HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Resources March 26 1991WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE
March 26, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 1000 N.
Forest, by chairperson Don Hansey.
Also Present: Absent
Emily Jackson None
Bob Imhof
1. REVIEW OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
REGARDING WATER AVAILABILITY FOR BUILDING PERMITS
(HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO ATTEND AND
EXPLAIN) (AB91 -127)
Hansey asked that someone from the Health Dept. explain to the committee the
policies and procedures followed regarding water availability for permits. This issue comes
under House Bill 29.29, better known as the Growth Management Act, which requires
certification that a water supply is available before a permit is issued by Building and Codes.
Dr. James discussed the criteria that the Health Dept. has developed for testing
water, based on experiences in this County as well as what the state and national safe
drinking water laws mandate. He also discussed using wells, springs, and surface water as
the primary source of drinking water. He explained that the Health Department is required
by Washington State law to assure that the water is both potable and has adequate flow or
volume before they are allowed to approve a building permit. After testing the water, the
Health Dept. makes a recommendation to Building and Codes who then approves or denies
the building permit.
Anne Atkeson gave a more detailed overview of what the specific quality and
quantity criteria guidelines are. Dr. James explained that these guidelines are interim
guidelines to be used while a definitive policy is being developed. The guidelines are
intended to give the public maximum protection.
Extensive discussion took place.
Hansey asked Dr. James what type of procedural recommendations can the
committee make to the Health Board or to Council that will get this issue moving toward
Water Resources Committee Minutes, 3 -26 -1991, page 1
a final conclusion. Dr. James replied that his department would be glad to put together a
proposal to present to the Committee at a later date. Hansey asked how long it would be
before the proposal would be ready for final consideration and was told that it would take
approximately two months.
Hansey recommended that this issue be brought before the Committee of the Whole
for an informational meeting to bring everyone up to date on the proposal and then the
Committee will schedule a date for an official public hearing.
2. Other business
The meeting was adjourned.
ATTEST
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Water Resources Committee Minutes, 3 -26 -1991, page 2