HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Resources May 28 1991WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE
MAY 28, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 12 :00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N.
Forest, by Council Member Donald G. Haney.
Also present Absent
Emily Jackson None
Bob Imhof
1. RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION TO MOTION MADE AT 4/9
MEETING: "...TO BRING FORWARD AN INTERIM REGULATION TO
IMPLEMENT SECTION 63 (AS APPLIES TO "ADEQUATE POTABLE
WATER SUPPLY') OF HOUSE BILL 2929 TO THE HEALTH BOARD
FOR PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLEMENTATIONS TO INCLUDE SOME
CLARITY ON THE APPEAL PROCESS, WITHIN TWO WEEKS."
(AB91 -127)
Sue Blake, Whatcom County Health Department, discussed what the Health
Department is proposing as a policy change for the surface water issue.
Mr. Bob James, State Department of Health, discussed the State requirements for
surface water systems as well as ground water systems with possible contamination problems.
He stated that the effectiveness of any water treatment system relies heavily upon the skills
of the operator.
Bob Carmichael, Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, answered legal question
asked by both the Health Department and the Water Resources Committee.
Dr. James, Whatcom County Health Officer, discussed with the Committee the two
major issues that must be dealt with if the County is going to allow surface water to be used
as a potable water source. The two issues addressed were operational practices and
monitoring.
Water Resources Committee Minutes, May 28, 1991, page 1
Haney requested that the Health Department explain the requirements for water
association.
Discussion followed.
Bob James discussed with the Committee the importance of chemical monitoring and
daily operational checks.
Dr. James stated that he remain steadfast in his belief that it is inappropriate to use
surface water as an interim way of dealing with this water issue. He also spoke on the
importance of establishing the Counties legal liabilities before making any decision on this
matter.
Discussion ensued.
Imhof said that what needs to take place now is the actual writing of the interim
policy. This policy would state the quality requirements for drinking water, what type of
monitoring schedule must be followed, and what kind of operational system will be
required.
Extensive discussion ensued on the interpretation of State Law and State Standards.
Several people from the audience spoke, including Fenton Norman, a P.E. from
Whatcom County, who brought with him a copy of the state regulations for drinking water
systems. This document contains all the requirements for designing and operating a
drinking water systems for two or more residents.
Dr. James and Mr. Norman discussed the designing and monitoring laws set forth by
the State.
Hansey asked that the meeting be recessed until 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, 1991.
Both the Health Department and the Committee agreed to the recess.
2. OTHER BUSINESS
No other business.
Water Resources Committee Minutes, May 28, 1991, page 2
The meeting was adjourned at 2:15.
ATTEST:
WATER RESOURCE COMMITTEE
MEMBER
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Water Resource Committee Minutes, May 28, 1991, page 3