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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Jul 14 2016 SCOTW2U16-047L CLEAR"CES dnitial Date ,date Received in Council Ofice Agenda Date Assigned to Originator: M.A. 61112016 611412016 .special Committee of rVlatt W. Aamot ' 1 �j 1) t�� 2 % COUNTY C I the Whole Division Head: llarlcPersonius 6/21/16 SCOTW Dept. Head: Sam Ryan ✓ w _ j i 6/28/2016 7/5/2016 SCOTW/Public Hearin g Prosecutor: Royce Bucidngham SCOTW Purchasing -Budget: 7/12/2016 SCOTW 7/14/2016 SCOTW Executive: � Jack Louws ! � d rr p 7fllTL �� D DVtu 1 T. Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Comprehensive Plan Appendices. A7l'71,4CWE(Y7l. 1. Cover letter 2. Draft Planning Commission Findings S'EPA review required? ( X ) Yes ( ) NO Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes ( ) NO SEFA review completed? ( X ) Yes ( ) NO S7UNWAR)Y S7['ffl T EMENT PR LEGAL NOTICE LAI GUA'GIE. (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public hearing, you mustprovide the language for use in the requiredpublic notice. Be specific and cite RtCW or WA CC as appropriate. Be clear in explaining the intent of the action.) Under the Growth Management Act, Whatcom County and the seven cities within the County must complete the periodic update of their comprehensive plans and review urban growth areas in 2016 (RCW 36.70A.130). The Planning and Development Services Department would like to discuss Comprehensive Plan Appendices with Council. The Appendices are: Appendix A — Glossary, Appendix B — List of Acronyms, Appendix C — GMA Goals, County -wide Planning Policies and Visioning Value Statements, Appendix D — Bibliography, Appendix F — Whatcom County 20-Year Capital Facilities Plan, Appendix F — Six Year Capital hnprovement Program for Whatcom County Facilities, Appendix G — Transportation hnpact Fee Background Information (proposal — delete the existing Appendix G and replace with a description of the County's water resource and salmon recover programs), Appendix H — Airport Overlay ,Zones, and Appendix I — Airport FAR Part-77 Tmaginary Surfaces. cColpa[II71'7lEE ACTIIOIY- C®.UNCIL ACTII91V 6/14/2016: Briefed and discussed 6/28/2016: Public Testimony Received 6/21/2016: Comments received; did not discuss 6/28/2016: Comments received and held in Committee 7/5/2016: Comments received but not discussed 7/12/2016: Comments received and prelim. direction given Related County Contract #0 Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Desolation .I`1 umber. AB201 i1--047 ease PV®tea Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are a•vailablefor viewing andprinting an the County s website at. w eo, vhatco . wag slccounc WHATCOM COUNTY Planning & Development Services 5280 Northwest Drive Bellingham, WA 98226-9097 360-778-5900, TTY 800-833-6384 360-778-5901 Fax Memorandum J.E. "Sam" Ryan Director TO: The Honorable Jack Louws, Whatcom County Executive The Honorable Whatcom County Council FROM: Matt Aamot, Senior Planner1,''' THROUGH: Mark Personius, Assistant Directort�? DATE: June 1, 2016 SUBJECT: Comp Plan Update/UGA Review - Appendices As you know, Whatcom County has initiated a multi -year project to update the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and conduct the urban growth area (UGA) review, as required by the Growth Management Act. The Comprehensive Plan update and UGA review is being conducted in coordination with the seven cities in Whatcom County. It is anticipated that the Council will adopt an ordinance relating to the Comprehensive Plan update and UGA review in July 2016. Staff would like to discuss Comprehensive Plan Appendices with the Council on June 14, 2016. The Appendices are: • Appendix A - Glossary; • Appendix B - List of Acronyms; ® Appendix C - GMA Goals, County -Wide Planning Policies and Visioning Value Statements; • Appendix D - Bibliography; • Appendix E - Whatcom County 20-Year Capital Facilities Plan; • Appendix F - Six Year Capital Improvement Program for Whatcom County Facilities; • Appendix G - Transportation Impact Fee Background Information (proposed for deletion); • Appendix H - Airport Overlay Zones; and • Appendix I - Airport FAR Part-77 Imaginary Surfaces. 2 The Council has requested a summary of the substantive changes made by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission considered the Appendices on May 26, 2015. Planning Commission changes to the staff recommendations include the following: Appendix F (Six -Year Capital Improvement Program) - Add the following note under the inventory of existing parks: "Pursuant to RCW 36.87.130, there are also public access properties on right-of-way ends that intersect shorelines." The proposed amendments to the Appendices will be posted on the County's website at: http://www.whatcomcounty.us/1170./Comprehensive-Plan-Updates . Thank you for your consideration of this matter. We look forward to discussing it with you. 3 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE WHA COM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 10)NAA� May 26, 2016 Reqular Meeti 1 Call To Order: The meeting was called to order, by Whatcom County Planning 2 Commission Chair, Nicole Oliver, in the Whatcom County Northwest Annex at 6:30 3 p.m. 4 5 Roll Call 6 Present: Natalie McClendon, Jerry Vekved, Gary Honcoop, Nicole Oliver, David Hunter, 7 Kelvin Barton, Andy Rowlson, Atul Deshmane 8 Absent: Michael Knapp 9 10 Staff Present: Mark Personius, Matt Aamot, Gary Davis, Tyler Schroeder -Executive's it Office, Mike McFarlane -Parks Department, Becky Boxx 12 13 Department Update 14 15 Mark updated the commission on their upcoming schedule. 16 17 Open Session for Public Comment 18 19 Max Perry, Whatcom County: Stated that when the Comprehensive Plan update 20 process started staff stated the plan would be streamlined, but it has actually become 21 larger. 22 23 Commissioner Comments 24 25 There were no commissioner comments. 26 27 Approval of Minutes 28 29 Commissioner Vekved corrected page 3, line 25 to read: Mr. Boggs stated reasons may 30 be the associated costs and time to do the plans. Whatcom County has interpreted that 31 new agricultural activates activities require a farm plan. 32 33 Commissioner Rowlson moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner 34 McClendon seconded. The motion carried. 35 36 Public Hearing 37 38 Amendments to Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan (WCCP) Appendices, which are: 39 Appendix A - Glossary, Appendix B - List of Acronyms, Appendix C - GMA Goals, 40 County -Wide Planning Policies and Visioning Value Statements, Appendix D - 41 Bibliography, Appendix E - Whatcom County 20-Year Capital Facilities Plan, Appendix F 42 - Six Year Capital Improvement Program for Whatcom County Facilities, Appendix G - 43 Transportation Impact Fee Background Information (proposed for deletion), Appendix 44 H - Airport Overlay Zones, and Appendix I - Airport FAR Part-77 Imaginary Surfaces. 45 46 Matt Aamot presented an overview of the staff report. 47 0 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THEIR1 ' WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION0) May 26, 2016 Regular Meeting 2 1 �+ppendix A — glossary 2 3 A number of the definitions have been updated for consistency with the Growth 4 Management Act (GMA), the state administrative codes, the zoning code and the 5 Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). 6 7 Appendix B -- Acronyms 8 9 Some new ones were added and some were deleted. 10 11 Ap endix C - Countywide Planning Policies 12 13 The current Comprehensive Plan contains the GMA Planning Goals, the Countywide 14 Planning Policies and the Visioning Value Statements. 15 16 The Planning Commission recommended adding the GMA Planning Goals to Chapter 1 17 so they are being removed from this appendix. 18 19 There are no changes to the Countywide Planning Policies. The county and the cities 20 will probably get together in the next several years to review them. 21 22 This appendix also contains the community value statements from 1994. Staff 23 recommends removing them from the plan. 24 25 Armendix © - Bibliography 26 27 Staff is proposing to add a number of reference documents that are relevant to the 28 Comprehensive Plan. 29 30 Appendix E'& F - Capital Facilities 31 32 The GMA requires Comprehensive Plans to contain certain information relating to 33 capital planning. These include an inventory of existing facilities, such as trails, 34 schools, etc. It must also include a forecast of future needs. One way to forecast future 35 needs is to utilize a level of service (LOS). The GMA requires a LOS for transportation. 36 In the Comprehensive Plan, chapter 4, we also have LOS standards for parks, trails 37 and fire protection. The GMA also requires that new and expanded facilities be shown, 38 including their location and capacity, a financing plan and the land use plan and capital 39 plan consistency. 40 41 Appendix E covers both county facilities and non -county facilities. For county facilities 42 it references the Six Year CIP (Appendix F) and provides more generalized information 43 for years 7-20. For non -county facilities it summarizes water, sewer, fire and school 44 plans. The concept is to provide for adequate facilities to keep pace with growth as it 45 occurs through the 20 year planning period. The 20 year CFP also includes a county 46 revenue analysis that projects the potential county funding available for capital 47 projects over the 20 year planning period. 5 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE P WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION �� m May 26, 2016 Regular Meeting 3 1 Appendix F is the more detailed capital plan for county facilities only. It provides an 2 inventory of existing facilities, a list of planned projects, projected costs and funding 3 sources. 4 5 Appendix G - Transportation Impact Fees 6 7 The state law says that only projects that are set forth in the Comprehensive Plan are 8 eligible for impact fees. The county put a list of transportation projects in the plan that 9 would be eligible for impact fees if they were ever adopted. Impact fees have not been 10 adopted so staff recommends deleting this appendix. Appendix G is proposed to be 11 replaced with Water Resource and Salmon Recovery Programs, which is part of 12 Chapter 11. 13 14 Appendix H - Bellingham International ,Airport Overiay Zones 15 16 There are six zones, each with different policies. 17 18 A " e dix I': B llin barn International Air ort-Imaginary Su aces 19 20 The federal governments rules establish imaginary surfaces around airports to 21 preserve the navigable airspace. They are concerned about tall buildings or antennas 22 creating a hazard for aircraft. There is a provision in the county zoning code prohibiting 23 tall structures from protruding into these imaginary surfaces. The current map also 24 shows the Blaine airport which was shut down so it is proposed to be deleted. 25 26 Staff recommended the Planning Commission approve the amendments. 27 28 The hearing was opened to the public. 29 30 There was no public testimony. 31 32 The hearing was closed. 33 34 Commissioner Barton addressed the list of parks in Appendix F. There are beach 35 accesses in Birch Bay that are not included in the list. 36 37 Mike McFarlane stated those are not county park facilities but rather road ends, 38 maintained by Public Works, which is why they do not show up on the list. Parks does 39 not oversee or maintain them. 40 41 Commissioner Barton stated some of them are a requirement and they function and 42 are signed the same as the other beach accesses. How can they be listed? 43 44 Mr. Aamot suggested adding a footnote stating there are road end public access areas. 45 C1 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE ., WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION rA May 26, 2016 Regular Meeting 4 1 Mr. McFarlane stated Public Works has been reluctant to list those as parks or public 2 access because they are basically transportation routes. He had no problem with 3 adding a footnote. 4 5 Commissioner Barton stated the community prefers they not be called road ends 6 because there are no roads around most of them. They are just walkways to the beach 7 from Birch Bay Drive. 8 9 Mr. McFarlane stated it is an issue in other parts of the county such as Lummi Island, 10 Nooksack River, Lake Whatcom, etc. Another suggestion may be a paragraph that lists 11 all of these types of accesses. 12 13 Mr. Aamot suggested Public Works could create an inventory which would not 14 necessarily have to be in this document but available for the public. 15 16 Commissioner Oliver asked if they are referenced in the Parks and Open Space Plan. 17 18 Mr. McFarlane stated they are not because they are treated as roads. 19 20 Commissioner McClendon stated these sites are very valuable so they should not go 21 away. 22 23 Mr. Aamot suggested a note that there are public access properties on right of way 24 ends that intersect the shoreline. The RCW stating these areas can't be abandoned 25 could also be cited. 26 27 Commissioner Rowlson liked that idea because he did not want to see another list. 28 29 The commission agreed to the verbiage: Pursuant to RCW 36.87.130, there are also 30 public access properties on right of way ends that intersect shorelines. 31 32 Commissioner Rowlson asked why the placeholder for impact fees (Appendix G) is 33 being taken away. 34 35 Mr. Aamot stated that it has been over a decade since it was added and the county still 36 has not adopted impact fees. As such the appendix is not serving any purpose. If the 37 county does adopt impact fees in the future a new appendix could be added. 38 39 Commissioner Rowlson asked why there was no mention of the Lynden Airport. 40 41 Mr. Aamot stated they did not receive any maps from: Lynden. 42 43 Commissioner Vekved addressed the definition of "Distribution Pipeline". The language 44 was changed from as amended to if amended. What is the intent? 45 46 Mr. Schroeder stated it is referring to the federal code, which if amended, this would 47 then revert to the federal code which is referenced. 7 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION May 26, 2016 Regular Meetin M/111-,)/ .i",—� 5 1 Commissioner Hunter addressed Appendix E, page 70, regarding County Road Property 2 Tax Levy. It seems we are not spending what we could be spending because we are 3 banking the ability to tax an additional 1% per year. 4 5 Mr. Aamot stated current councils have chosen not to draw on that banked capacity 6 but future councils could. 7 8 Mr. Schroeder explained the taxing process and how banking works. 9 10 Commissioner Vekved addressed "Groundwaters". What is artificially stored ground 11 water? 12 13 Mr. Aamot stated the definition is: Water that is made available in underground 14 storage artificially. Either intentionally or incidentally to irrigation. 15 16 Commissioner Rowlson asked where the budget figures come from. 17 18 Mr. Schroeder stated the Executive's Office meets with the Finance Department along 19 with other county departments to determine the budget numbers. 20 21 Commissioner Rowlson moved to recommend approval of the Comprehensive 22 Plan Appendices as amended and the Findings of Fact and Reasons for Action. 23 Commissioner Hunter seconded. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Barton, Honcoop, 24 Hunter, McClendon, Oliver, Rowlson, Vekved; Nays - 0; Abstain - Deshmane; 25 Absent - Knapp. The motion carried. 26 27 Public Hearing 28 29 Amendments to Whatcom County Code (WCC) Title 20 (Zoning), Title 21 (Land 30 Division Regulations), Title 22 (Guide Meridian Improvement Plan), and the official 31 zoning map. Title 20 amendments include amending WCC Chapter 20.36 to require 32 reclamation plans for surface mining uses in the Rural zone, amending Chapter 20.43 33 revising the maximum percentage of lot area that can be removed from production of 34 forest products in the Commercial Forestry zone, amendments to WCC Chapter 20.72, 35 20.80 and 20.97 and the Point Roberts Character Plan involving sign regulations in the 36 Point Roberts Special District, amending WCC Chapter 20.82 concerning new sewer 37 lines and amendments to WCC Chapters 20.24, 20.65, 20.66, 20.68, and 20.80.210 to 38 update references to the Urban Fringe Subarea Plan. WCC 20.80.210 is adopted by 39 reference in the WCCP and amendments to that section are also a WCCP amendment. 40 The Point Roberts Character Plan is a part of the Point Roberts Subarea Plan, which is a 41 subset of the WCCP, therefore the amendment is an amendment to the WCCP. 42 43 Gary Davis presented an overview of the staff report, 44 45 Title 20 - Zoning Code 46 May 26, 2016 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update Planning Commission Findings, Page 1 WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Periodic2016 Comprehensive Plan Appendices FINDINGS OF FACT AND REASONS FOR ACTION 1. The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding these amendments on May 26, 2016. Notification of the public hearing was published on May 13, 2016. 2. A determination of non -significance (DNS) was issued under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) on May 27, 2016 3. Notice of the proposed amendments was submitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce on April 28, 2016. 4. Pursuant to WCC 2.160.080, in order to approve the proposed comprehensive plan amendments the Planning Commission and County Council must find all of the following: A. The amendment conforms to the requirements of the Growth Management Act, is internally consistent with the county -wide planning policies and is consistent with any interlocal planning agreements. B. Further studies made or accepted by the Department of Planning and Development Services indicate changed conditions that show need for the amendment. C. The public interest will be served by approving the amendment. In determining whether the public interest will be served, factors including but not limited to the following shall be considered: 1) The anticipated effect upon the rate or distribution of population growth, employment growth, development, and conversion of land as envisioned in the comprehensive plan. 2) The anticipated effect on the ability of the county and/or other service providers, such as cities, schools, water and/or sewer purveyors, fire districts, and others as applicable, to provide adequate services and public facilities including transportation facilities. 3) Anticipated impact upon designated agricultural, forest and mineral resource lands. D. The amendment does not include or facilitate spot zoning. 1 9 May 26, 2016 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update Planning Commission Findings, Page 2 E. Urban growth area amendments that propose the expansion of an urban growth area boundary are required to acquire development rights from a designated TDR sending area, with certain exceptions. 5. WCCP Appendix A - Glossary of Terms. The proposed amendments add certain definitions from other WCCP appendices to ensure the definitions are consistent with state law, state administrative code, County codes, and pertinent technical documents. 6. WCCP Appendix B - Acronyms. The proposed amendments to Appendix B add several acronyms that are used repeatedly in the document but were not already included. The amendments also remove acronyms that are listed in the appendix but do not appear - or appear only once - in the WCCP document. 7. WCCP Appendix C - Countywide Planning Policies. Currently this appendix contains the Growth Management Act Goals, Visioning Value Statements, and the Countywide Planning Policies, with a Glossary for the latter. Appendix C will be amended to contain only the Countywide Planning Policies. The proposed WCCP Chapter 1 contains the GMA Planning Goals, along with a discussion of the goals. The community value statements were developed in 1994 to assist in creation of the original 1997 Comprehensive Plan. Today, there are many advisory committees and commissions that are specifically focused on many of these issues and concerns. These committees and commissions fill a void that was present during the comprehensive plan visioning process. These value statements will be preserved as part of the historical record of comprehensive planning in Whatcom County. The proposed amendments delete the glossary to the Countywide Planning Policies to avoid duplication with the glossary in Appendix A. Terms from this glossary that were not already in Appendix A are proposed to be moved to that appendix. 8. WCCP Appendix D - Bibliography. The proposed amendments to Appendix D add references to reports the County used when preparing the current periodic update. 9. WCCP Appendix E - Whatcom County 20-Year Capital Facilities Plan and WCCP Appendix F - 6-Year Capital Improvements Program. B. GMA planning goal # 12 is to "Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards" (RCW 36.70A.020(12)). C. The GMA, at RCW 36.70A.070(3), requires that a comprehensive plan must include a capital facilities plan element consisting of: 2 10 May 26, 2016 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update Planning Commission Findings, Page 3 1) An inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities, showing the locations and capacities of the capital facilities. 2) A forecast of the future needs for such capital facilities. 3) The proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new capital facilities. 4) At least a six -year plan that will finance such capital facilities within projected funding capacities and clearly identifies sources of public money for such purposes. 5) A requirement to reassess the land use element if probable funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure that the land use element, capital facilities plan element, and financing plan within the capital facilities plan element are coordinated and consistent. D. The updated Whatcom County 20-Year Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and the updated Six -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Whatcom County Facilities contain inventories of existing public facilities, a forecast of future needs, proposed expanded or new capital facilities, costs and funding sources. The existing 20-year CFP and existing Six -Year CIP will be repealed. E. Existing Comprehensive Plan Policy 4A-4 addresses the GMA requirement to reassess the land use element if probable capital facility funding falls short. 10. WCCP Appendix G - Transportation Impact Fee Background Information. In 2005 the County added transportation impact fee background information to Appendix G. However, the County has not enacted impact fees. Therefore the existing appendix is not needed. The proposed amendments delete the existing Appendix G in its entirety and replace it with a description of the County's water resource and salmon recovery programs. This new material has been reviewed as part of the Planning Commission and County Council public hearings on WCCP Chapter 11 amendments. 11. WCCP Appendix H - Airport Overlay and WCCP Appendix I - Airport Surfaces. A. RCW 36.70.547 requires "Every county, city, and town in which there is located a general aviation airport that is operated for the benefit of the general public, whether publicly owned or privately owned public use, shall, through its comprehensive plan and development regulations, discourage the siting of incompatible uses adjacent to such general aviation airport. Such plans and regulations may only be adopted or amended after formal consultation with: Airport owners and managers, private airport operators, general aviation pilots, ports, and the aviation division of the department of transportation..." 3 11 May 26, 2016 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update Planning Commission Findings, Page 4 B. The Whatcom County Council created an Airport/Land Use Compatibility Advisory Committee in 2003 (Resolution 2003-058). C. The Airport/Land Use Compatibility Advisory Committee issued final recommendations in 2004. D. The County Council adopted Comprehensive Plan amendments relating to airport/land use compatibility in 2005 (Ordinance 2005-004). This ordinance included an `Airport Overlay Zones" map (relating to land use near an airport) in Appendix H for the Bellingham International Airport. It also included "Imaginary Surfaces" maps (relating to height of structures near an airport) in Appendix I for the Bellingham International Airport and the Blaine Municipal Airport. E. The Blaine Municipal Airport closed in 2008. Therefore, the proposed amendments delete the "Imaginary Surfaces" map for Blaine from Appendix I. CONCLUSIONS 1. The subject amendments are consistent with and implement the GMA planning goals. The proposed amendments conform to applicable requirements of the GMA. 2. The proposed amendments satisfy the approval criteria of WCC 2.160.080. RECOMMENDATION Based upon the above findings and conclusions, the Whatcom County Planning Commission recommends approval of the proposed amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan. E 12 May 26, 2016 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update Planning Commission Findings, Page 5 WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Nicole Oliver, Chair Date Becky Bo„ ecretary Date Commissioners present at the May 26, 2016 meeting when the vote was taken: Kelvin Barton, Atul Deshmane, Gary Honcoop, David Hunter, Natalie McClendon, Nicole Oliver, Andy Rowlson, Gerald Vekved. Vote: Ayes: 7, Nays: 0, Abstain: 1, Absent: 1. Motion carried to adopt the above amendments. I 13 rA D D b MATDJODIAMAM (PROPOSED TO BE REPLACED IN ITS ENTIRETY WITH THE ATTACHED) 14 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Six -Year Capital Improvement Program For Whatcom County Facilities 2017-2022 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 1 15 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Table of Contents Chapter 1 - Introduction................................................................ 3 Chapter 2 - Parks, Trails, and Activity Centers .................................. 5 Chapter 3 -Maintenance and Operations .......................................... li. Chapter 4 - General Government Buildings and Sites ........................12 Chapter 5 - Sheriff's Office.............................................................14 Chapter 6 - Emergency Management................................................16 Chapter 7 - Adult Corrections.........................................................17 Chapter 8 - Juvenile Detention........................................................19 Chapter 9 - Transportation............................................................20 Chapter 10 - Stormwater Facilities..................................................22 Chapter 11 - Total Costs................................................................25 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 2 16 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter I — Introduction The Growth Management Act requires that the County's Comprehensive Plan include a "capital facilities plan element" (RCW 36.70A.070(3)). The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan calls for the County to develop and update the Six -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for.County projects every two years. The main purpose of the Capital Improvement Program is to identify priority capital improvement projects and estimated costs, outline a schedule for project completion, and designate funding sources for these projects based on a review of existing and projected population and revenue conditions for the six year planning period. Growth Management Act Requirements According to the Growth Management Act, a county's capital facilities plan must include five items, which are shown below. A. An inventory of existing capital facilities owned by public entities, showing the locations and capacities of the capital facilities. Current inventories of existing County capital facilities, based upon information provided by various County departments, are included in each chapter of this document. B. A forecast of the future needs for such capital facilities. Chapter 4 of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan establishes numerical "level of service" standards for County parks and trails and contains policies relating to other County facilities. Capital facility needs are forecasted over the six -year planning period by applying the adopted level of service standards to the expected population in the year 2022 and by considering other relevant factors. C. Proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new capital facilities. General locations and capacities (trail miles, jail beds, etc.) of proposed County facilities are indicated in this document. D. At least a six -year plan that will finance such capital facilities within projected funding capacities and clearly identifies sources of public money for such purposes. This Six -Year Capital Improvement Program presents costs and funding sources for proposed County capital facilities (all figures are in 2016 dollars). There are a variety of funding sources that the County utilizes to pay for capital facilities, including real estate excise taxes, the Public Utilities Improvement Fund (also known as the Rural Sales Tax Fund, Economic Development Initiative Fund or EDI Fund), Road Fund, state grants, federal grants and a variety of other funds. It is Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 3 17 Planning Commission Recommended Draft Mav 26. 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 anticipated that the County's largest project in the six -year planning period, the new jail, will require voter approval of an additional revenue stream. E. A requirement to reassess the land use element if probable funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure that the land use element, capital facilities plan element, and financing plan within the capital facilities plan element are wor dii sated ai id consistent. Finally, in accordance with the Growth Management Act, a requirement to reassess the land use element of the Comprehensive Plan if probable funding falls short of meeting existing needs and to ensure consistency between plans already exists in the Comprehensive Plan (Policy 4A-4). Charter Provisions and the County Budget In addition to Growth Management Act provisions relating to capital facilities, Section 6.30 of the County Charter also requires the County to include a six -year capital improvement program as part of the budget. Appropriations for 2017-2018 capital projects may be included in the biennial budget or may be adopted through the supplemental budget process. Ultimate funding for capital improvement projects is subject to County Council authorization in the adopted budget. Costs identified for 2019-2022 are included for planning purposes and review of potential future needs, but not for budget authorization at this time. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 4 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 2 - Parks, Trails, and Activity Centers Parks The 2016 inventory of County parks and open space areas is over 14,700 acres. This inventory is shown below. Existing Parks Existing Site No. Park Name and Location _ _ .. , ' Acres 1 Bay Horizon Park, 7467 Gemini St., Birch Bay 69.8 2 Boulevard Park, 471 Bayview Dr. 1.8 3 Broadway Beach Access, 7497 Birch Bay Dr. 0.1 4 Canyon Lake Community Forest 2,394.4 5 Chuckanut Mountain Park 973.1 6 Cottonwood Beach Access, 8191 Birch Bay Dr. 4.6 7 Deming Eagle Homestead Park, 5615 Truck Rd. 28.5 8 Hovander Homestead Park and Tennant Lake, 5299 Nielsen Rd. 338.3 9 Jackson Rd. Beach Access, Birch Bay 0.2 10 Jensen Family Forest Park, 8051 Stein Rd. 21.7 11 Josh VanderYacht Park, 4106 Valley Highway 2.2 12 Lake Whatcom Park, 3220 North Shore Rd. 4,686.5 13 Lighthouse Marine Park, 811 Marine Dr. in Point Roberts 24.3 14 Lily Point Marine Park, 2315 APA Rd. in Point Roberts 274.0 15 Little Squalicum Park, 640 Marine Dr. 13.7 16 Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve 4,430.3 17 Lummi Island Beach Access, 2198 N. Nugent Rd. 0.1 18 Monument Park, 25 Marine Dr. in Point Roberts 7.3 19 Northwest Soccer Park/Baseball & Softball Complex, 5238 Northwest Dr. 36.5 20 Nugent's Corner River Access, 3685 Mt. Baker Highway 16.5 21 Ostrom Conservation Site, 4304 South Pass Rd. 36.3 22 Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, 6770 Koehn Rd. 55.3 23 Redwood Park, 3310 Redwood Ave. 0.2 24 Samish Park, 673 N. Lake Samish Dr. 26.4 25 Semiahmoo Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway 304.0 26 Silver Lake Park, 9006 Silver Lake Rd. 410.4 27 Squires Lake Park, 2510 Nulle Rd. 82.3 28 Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, 2076 Lake Louise Rd. 376.1 29 Sunset Beach, 2580 West Shore Dr. on Lummi Island 5.4 30 Sunset Farm Park, 7977 Blaine Rd. 70.0 31 Ted Edwards Park, 4150 Oriental Ave. 3.6 32 Teddy Bear Cove Park, 1467 Chuckanut Dr. 8.8 33 Welcome Bridge River Access, 5585 Mosquito Lake Rd. 0.5 TOTAL 14, 703.2 Pursuant to RCW 36.87.130, there are also public access properties on right-of-way ends that intersect shorelines. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 5 19 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Future Needs A level of service of 9.6 acres of developed parkland for every 1,000 people in the County was adopted in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan. The County's existing parks will meet the adopted level of service over the six -year planning period. Hlowever, the County is proposing park improvement projects to increase quality of existing park facilities and develop the Birch Bay Community Park to meet the longer term needs of a growing population. Proposed Improvement Projects Park improvement projects, totaling more than $2.2 million, are proposed over the six -year planning period. These costs would be paid by real estate excise taxes (REST), state grants, and the Nesset Foundation as shown in the table at the end of this chapter. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 6 20 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Trails F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Whatcom County currently has 65.46 miles of trails in various locations throughout the County. This inventory is shown below. Existing Trails 1 Bay Horizon/Bay Crest Trail 0.75 2 Bay to Baker Maple Falls -Glacier 4.00 3 Canyon Lake Community Forest 7.01 4 Chuckanut Mountain / Pine & Cedar Lakes 15.52 5 Deming Homestead Eagle Park, Truck Rd. 0.30 6 Euclid Park 0.05 7 Hovander Homestead Park 3.20 8 Interurban, Chuckanut area 2.80 9 Jensen Family Forest Park, Stein Rd. and Birch Bay Lynden Rd. 0.67 10 Lake Whatcom Park 4.01 11 Lily Point, Point Roberts 4.16 12 Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve 4.11 13 Maple Creek Park, 7842 Silver Lake Rd., Maple Falls 1.28 14 Monument Park, 25 Marine Dr. in Point Roberts 0.35 15 Northwest Soccer Park Trail, Smith Rd. and Northwest Dr. 0.38 16 Ostrom Conservation Site, 4304 South Pass Rd. 0.56 17 Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, 6770 Koehn Rd, Birch Bay 0.81 18 Samish Park, 673 N. Lake Samish 1.66 19 Semiahmoo Park 0.63 20 Silver Lake Park, 9006 Silver Lake Rd. 5.75 21 Squires Lake, 2510 Nulle Rd. 2.88 22 Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, 2076 Lake Louise Rd. 4.02 23 Sunset Farm, 7977 Blaine Rd. 0.56 TOTAL 65.46 Future Needs A level of service of 0.60 miles of trails for every 1,000 people in the County was adopted in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan. With projected population growth in Whatcom County over the next, six years, about 72 additional miles of trails would be needed by the year 2022 to serve the people of Whatcom County. Proposed Improvement Projects Trail improvement projects and associated facilities, totaling more than $3.5 million, are proposed over the six -year planning period. These costs would be paid by REET and grants as shown in the table at the end of this chapter. These projects would add 32 trail miles (the South Fork Park Trails project would add 4 miles and the Lake Whatcom Re -conveyance Land Trails project would add 28 miles). Potential acquisitions are also being considered that may add another 44 trail miles within the six -year planning. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 7 21 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Activity Centers There are currently 13 activity centers that provide a variety of year-round programs for various age groups. The activity center inventory is shown below. Existing Activity Centers 1 Bay Horizon, 7511 Gemini Street 2 Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck Street - 3 Blaine Community Senior Center, 763 G Street 4 East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, 8251 Kendall Rd. 5 Everson Senior Center, 111 W. Main Street 6 Ferndale Senior Center, 1998 Cherry Street 7 Lynden Senior Center, 401 Grover Street 8 Plantation Rifle Range, 5102 Samish Way 9 Point Roberts Senior Center, 1487 Gulf Road 10 Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr. 11 Sumas Senior Center, 461 2nd Street 12 Van Zandt Community Hall, 4106 Valley Highway 13 Welcome Senior Center, 5103 Mosquito Lake Rd. Note: The Blaine, Everson, Lynden and Sumas Centers are owned by these respective cities. The Point Roberts Center is owned by the Point Roberts Park District. Whatcom County provides and/or contracts for senior activities and recreational programming at these centers. Future Needs The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan does not contain a level of service standard for activity centers. Rather, Comprehensive Plan Policy 4F-5 states: Continue to provide and support activity centers, including senior centers, to serve the growing population of Whatcom County by the following methods, as needed, which are listed in priority order: (1) implementing programming changes, (2) adding space to existing centers, and/or (3) establishing new centers. The County will budget for improvements to such facilities as needed. Proposed Improvement Projects One activity center improvement project, costing $125,000, is proposed over the six -year planning period. These costs would be paid by REET and a state grant as shown in the table below. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Um 22 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Six -Year Capital Improvement Program The park, trail and activity center projects planned over the next six years are shown below. Total Funding Parks 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Cost Sources Birch Bay Community 3 Park Development 30,000 470,000 500,000 Hovander Park Buildings Demo & Site 2 Restoration 100,000 100,000 Hovander Park 2 Maintenance Building 50,000 125,000 175,000 Hovander Park Slough 2 Bridge 30,000 100,000 130,000 Lighthouse Marine Park Boat Ramp 2,3 Replacement 10,000 115,000 125,000 Lummi Island Overlook 2 -- Stairs 100,000 100,000 Maple Creek Bridge 2 Replacement 115,000 115,000 Nessett Restroom & 4 Bridge Improvements" 180,000 180,000 Parks Headquarters Water Distribution 2 System 50,000 50,000 Samish Park Lodge 2 Deck Replacement 50,000 50,000 Semiahmoo Facility 2 Remodel 50,000 50,000 Silver Lake Park Bridge 2 Replacement 35,000 175,000 210,000 Silver Lake Park 2 Improvements 20,000 200,000 200,000 420,000 Tennant Lake/Fragrance 2 Garden Walk & Irrigation 30,000 30,000 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 9 23 Planning Commission Recommended Draft Mav 26, 2016 Aooendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Trails Lake Whatcom Re- 2,3 conveyance Land Trails _ 200,000 343,000 233,000 363,000 246,000 380,000 1,765,000 Lake Whatcom Trailhead 2 Improvements 195,000 780,000 975,000 Lake Whatcom 2,5 Trailhead Restrooms 110,000 110,000 Maple Falls Trailhead 70,000 400,000 470,000 2 South Fork Park Trails 209,000 209,000 2 Activity Centers Plantation Indoor 1 Range Renovations 125 000 125 000 TOTAL 1,139,000 698,000 603,000 2,423,000 446,000 580,000 5,889,000 1. REET I 2. REEf II 3. State Grant 4. Nesset Foundation 5. Federal Grant Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 10 24 Planning Commission Recommended Draft Mav 26. 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 3 — Maintenance and Operations Existing Maintenance and Operations Space The 2016 inventory of maintenance & operations/facilities management space that serves the County is 44,411 square feet. This inventory is shown below. Existing Space Slte No i^acli�ty Name _ �_....,,..�..Square feet. 1 Central Shop, 901 W. Smith Rd. (Maintenance and Operations) 35,773 2 316 Lottie St. (Facilities Management) 4,978 3 Minimum Security Correction Facility - 2030 Division St. 3,660 (Facilities Management Storage) TOTAL Future Needs 44,411 The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan does not contain a level of service standard for maintenance and operations: The County will budget for improvements to such facilities as needed. Proposed Improvement Projects Improvement projects at the Central Shop, totaling $400,000, are proposed over the six -year planning period. These costs would be paid by the road fund and shop services mark-ups as shown in the table below. Central Shop 2017 Vactor Truck Garage 300,000 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total Funding Cost Source 300,000 1 Central Shop Exhaust System 100,000 100,000 TOTAL 300,000 100,000 400,000 Funding Sources 1. Road Fund 2. Shop Services Mark-ups Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 2 F- 11 25 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 4 — General Government Buildings and Sites Existing Office Space The 2016 inventory of County government office space is 306,691 square feet at eight locations. This inventory is shown below. 1 Civic Center Annex (322 North Commercial) 30,000 2 Central Plaza Building (215 N. Commercial) 10,307 3 County Courthouse (311 Grand Avenue) 200,000 4 Forest St. Annex (1000 North Forest St.) 14,000 5 509 Girard St. 13,189 6 3373 Mt. Baker'Highway 2,110 7 1500 N. State St. 16,820 8 Northwest Annex (5280 Northwest Dr.) 20,265 TOTAL 306,691 Future Needs The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan does not contain a level of service standard for general government buildings. The County will budget for improvements to such facilities as needed. Proposed Improvement Projects Improvement and maintenance projects on existing buildings and sites over the six - year planning period total approximately $23.2 million as shown below. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 12 26 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Total Funding 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Cost Sources Courthouse Courthouse Projects (Alarm Upgrades, etc.) Exterior Maintenance Chambers Remodel 509 Girard Remodel 1500 N. State St. Remodel Civic Center 404,500 200,000 604,500 1,2 1 770,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 1,770,000 140,000 140,000 1,2 3,644,000 2,035,000 1,750,000 3,644,000 2,3,4 3,785,000 2,4,5 Remodel 2,253,000 2,253,000 6,7 Mental Health Triage Center New Facility 700,000 6,300,000 7,000,000 4,8,9 Northwest Annex Demolition 1,000,000 1,000,000 117 Multiple Locations 1,2 Maintenance Projects 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 2,000,000 Direct Digital Control 1 System Upgrades 336,063 336,063 1 Carpet Replacements 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 390,000 Interior Painting 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 300,000 1 TOTAL 4,382,500 12,830,063 3,565,000 815,000 815,000 815,000 23,222,563 Funding Sources 1. REET I 2. EDI 3. Girard Fund 4. Inter -fund Loan 5. State Street Fund 6. Civic Center Fund 7. Road Fund 8. Chemical Dependency/Mental Health Fund 9. Grants Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 13 27 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter S — Sheriff's Office Existing Sheriff's Office Space The 2016 inventory of Sheriff's office space is 23,326 square feet. This inventory is shown below. EXISTING SHERIFF'S FACILITIES vl MOP(* et 1 Public Safety Building (311 Grand Ave) 15,102 2 Minimum Security Correction Facility (2030 Division St.) 6,000 3 Laurel Substation (194 W. Laurel Rd.) 1,800 4 East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (8251 Kendall Road) 144 5 Birch Bay Fire Hall 192 6 Nugent's Corner Fire Hall 88 TOTAL 23,326 Notes: The Sheriff's Office also has storage facilities at various locations in Whatcom County. The County has two mobile homes and an old detention facility in Point Roberts. The resident deputies operate out of their homes or utilize space at the U.S. Customs office at the border. Sheriff's Office facilities include shared space at local fire districts, which is rented or leased space not solely dedicated to Sheriff's Office use. This space is available depending on Fire District needs and is generally subject to change with short notice. Future Needs The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan does not contain a level of service standard for Sheriff's Office facilities. Rather, Comprehensive Plan Policy 4D-2 is to: Maintain Sheriff's Office adult corrections facilities and headquarters to provide a safe environment for the community, staff and inmates... Existing facilities may be expanded or new facilities developed in response to increasing need. Most Sheriff's Office functions are currently based in the Public Safety Building adjacent to the Courthouse and are remote from the majority of Sheriff's Office Bureau of Law Enforcement and Investigative Services functions that take place in unincorporated Whatcom County. This results in inefficiencies and delays. Space and design factors in current facilities preclude consolidating various functions performed throughout the agency (reception, finance, etc.) and result in redundancies. Because of these issues, existing Sheriff's Office facilities and Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan M&! Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 associated functions will be consolidated (except for "Resident Deputy" program facilities), and co -located on the site of the proposed new jail. Proposed Improvement Projects A new Sheriff's Headquarters facility, co -located with the proposed new jail on LaBounty Rd. in Ferndale, is proposed within the six -year planning period. The Sheriff's Headquarters facility would cost approximately $19 million, paid with bond proceeds that would be repaid from the General Fund, as shown below. Total Funding 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Cost Source New Sheriffs 1 Office 3,808,000 3,808,000 3,808,000 3,808,000 3,808,000 19,040,000 TOTAL 3,808,000 3,808,000 3,808,000 3,808,000 3,808,000 19,040,000 Funding Source 1. Bonds (General Fund) Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 15 29 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 6 — Emergency Management Existing Emergency Management Space The 2016 inventory of Sheriff's Office, Division of Emergency Management space is 24,000 square feet, located at the Whatcom Unified Emergency Coordination Center (WUEI^.l^.). Rented by and shared between both Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham, the WUECC is comprised of 2,000 square feet of office space and an additional 22,000 square feet of support facilities (used for meetings, training, exercises, and during emergencies). The WUECC serves as the Emergency Operations Center for both the County and the City. EXISTING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/EOC FACILITIES 1 Whatcom Unified Emergency Coordination Center 24,000 3888 Sound Way, Bellingham Future Needs The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan does not contain a level of service standard for emergency management facilities. Rather, Comprehensive Plan Policy 4D-4 is to: Maintain adequate facilities for daily emergency management activities and, during an emergency or disaster, for the emergency operations center. The facilities will provide sufficient space for activities relating to emergency/disaster planning, mitigation, response and recovery. Existing facilities may be expanded or new facilities developed in response to increasing need. The County will budget for improvements to such facilities as needed. Proposed Improvement Projects There are no capital improvement projects planned or needed in the six -year planning period. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 16 30 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 7 — Adult Corrections Existing Jail Facilities The County's Main Jail was designed and originally built to hold 148 beds, although with some limited remodeling and the use of double bunking, the operational capacity of the main jail should be for the use of 212 beds. Additionally, the jail is currently not in compliance with the Building/Fire Codes for double bunking, although a plan has been approved to bring it into compliance. Whatcom County completed construction of a 150 bed minimum security correction facility on Division St. in 2006. The Main Jail is located in the Public Safety Building next to the County Courthouse in downtown Bellingham and the Minimum Security Correction Facility is located in the Bakerview Rd. industrial area. EXISTING JAIL BEDS 1 Public Safety Building (311 Grand Ave.) 283 2 Minimum Security Correction Facility (2030 Division St.) 150 TOTAL 433 Future Needs There are serious concerns among law and justice officials relating to jail facility needs in the community. This need has been documented by recommendations from the Whatcom County Law and Justice Plan Phase II Report (June 2000), in a report entitled Operational Review of the Whatcom County, Washington Jail (March 2004), in the Whatcom County Jail Planning Task Force Recommendations (Dec. 2011 and March 2012), and in the Whatcom County Adult Corrections Facilities & Sheriffs Headquarters Pre -Design Report (Sept. 2013). The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan does not contain a level of service standard for jail facilities. Rather, Comprehensive Plan Policy 4D-2 is to: Maintain Sheriff's Office adult corrections facilities and headquarters to provide a safe environment for the community, staff and inmates. The number of jail beds in adult corrections facilities will be determined after review of multiple factors, including projected population growth, State sentencing laws, alternative programs, treatment diversion programs, early release programs, the need to separate violent inmates, the need to separate inmates by gender, the need to separate inmates by other classification considerations, average length of stay, peak inmate populations and available funding. Existing facilities may be expanded or new facilities developed in response to increasing need. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 17 31 Planning Commission Recommended Draft Mav 26. 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Proposed Improvement Projects in an effort to meet the community need, the County plans to construct a new Adult Corrections Facility on LaBounty Rd. in Ferndale, tentatively scheduled to open with 521 beds. At the time this new jail is opened, the offenders at the minimum -security corrections facility would be relocated to the new facility. As an interim measure, existing correction facility improvements are planned so that these buildings can continue to function until the new jail is completed. The cost of the proposed new jail is approximately $112,000,000. The cost of the improvements to the existing jail facilities is approximately $3,000,000. These costs would be paid with bond proceeds that would be repaid with a new sales tax, the jail improvement fund, and the general fund as shown below. Total Funding 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Cost Source 1 New Jail 22,400,000 22,400,000 22,400,000 22,400,000 22,400,000 112,000,000 Existing Correction Facilities 2,3 Interim Fixes 1,200,000 1,800,000 3,000,000 Totals 1,200,000 24,200,000 22,400,000 22,400,000 22,400,000 22,400,000 11S,000,000 Funding Sources 1. Bonds (New Sales Tax) 2. Jail Improvement Fund 3. General Fund Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 18 32 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 8 — Juvenile Detention Existing Juvenile Detention Facilities The 2016 inventory of County juvenile detention facilities includes 32 beds serving the county -wide population. The juvenile detention facility is located on the sixth floor of the County Courthouse at 311 Grand Avenue. EXISTING JUVENILE DETENTION BEDS 1 County Courthouse (311 Grand Ave.) 32 Future Needs The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan does not contain a level of service standard for juvenile detention facilities. Rather, Comprehensive Plan Policy 4D-3 is to: Maintain juvenile detention facilities and alternative corrections programs to provide safe and secure methods to provide accountability and support for minors who break the law. Existing facilities may be expanded or new facilities developed in response to increasing need. The County will budget for improvements to such facilities as needed. Proposed Improvement Projects There are no capital improvement projects planned or needed in the six -year planning period. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 19 33 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 9 — Transportation Existing Roads The 2015 inventory shows a total of 938.55 miles of County roads. Additionally, there are 217.5 miles of state highways in Whatcom County (including I-5). Therefore, there are approximately 1,156 miles of public roads in Whatcom County. Future Needs The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan sets level of service (LOS) standards for County roads. Future traffic and the level of service for roads can be forecasted using computer -modeling software. The Whatcom Council of Governments forecasts future traffic utilizing a computer transportation model. This modeling effort will inform transportation planning in Whatcom County. Whatcom County accomplishes planning for County road improvements by approving a Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program each year, as required by RCW 36.81.121. Proposed Improvement Projects The Whatcom County Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program includes preliminary planning for three proposed new road projects: Horton Road Connector (between Northwest Drive and Aldrich Road); Slater Road Connector (between Northwest Drive and Aldrich Road); and Lincoln Road extension (between Harborview Road and Blaine Road). While these three projects are on the Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program, construction is not anticipated within the six -year planning period. Rather, preliminary engineering to determine project feasibility may be initiated within this time frame. The six -year plan also includes bridge replacements, reconstruction projects, and the Birch Bay Drive & Pedestrian Facility improvements, which include pedestrian and non -motorized enhancements along Birch Bay Dr. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 20 34 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Existing Ferry Facilities Whatcom County currently has one ferry vessel serving Lummi Island. The ferry runs between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point on a daily basis. Future Needs Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Policy 6A-1 is to establish the following levels of service (LOS) for purposes of maintaining transportation concurrency: The Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee (LIFAC) is cooperating with Public Works to develop an updated LOS standard. LIFAC will present a revision to this section when that work is complete. The interim LOS is calculated using the scheduled trips, the estimated car units of the ferry and the Small Area Estimates Program (SAEP) population figure. The interim standard is established at 439 (LOS = (Scheduled one way trips X estimated car units for the boat) X 2/ Small Area Estimates Program Population figure from OFM for Lummi Island). The Special Programs Manager for the County Public Works Department confirmed that the ferry service currently meets and, over.the six -year planning period, should continue to meet the interim LOS standard. Proposed Improvement Projects The Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program includes construction of ferry dock improvements and preliminary engineering for upgrading the Whatcom Chief and replacing the Whatcom Chief. Total Transportation Costs The County plans to expend $48.4 million on transportation projects, including road and ferry projects, over the six -year planning period. In addition to these local funds, it is anticipated that funding will be received from the State and Federal governments. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 21 35 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chanter 10 — Stormwater Facilities Existing Stormwater Management Facilities The Public Works Department is responsible for design, engineering, and construction of county -owned stormwater facilities. Many stormwater facilities are road -related stormwater conveyance systems such as culverts and ditches on and adjacent to county roads. Others are off right-of-way facilities that control storm flows and improve water quality. In response to increasing federal and state mandates to manage stormwater and the public's desire to improve stewardship of sensitive watersheds, Whatcom County established a Stormwater group in the Surface Water Division of the Public Works Department in 2005. The Stormwater group is responsible for planning, designing, engineering, and construction of stormwater facilities. Inventories of existing stormwater facilities are maintained by the Public Works Department. The Engineering Services Division maintains an inventory of all road -related facilities. The Stormwater group maintains an inventory of public and private stormwater facilities in the area covered by the County's NPDES Phase II permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.. This inventory includes ditches, culverts, catch basins, vaults, ponds, and swales. Completed stormwater construction projects since the Public Works-Stormwater group was created in 2005 are listed below. Lake Whatcom Coronado -Fremont Stormwater Improvements Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 22 00 Planning Commission Recommended Draft May 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Whatcom County Public Works received an award for the West Tributary of Silver Beach Creek Stormwater Improvements (Existing Site No. 5 above). Silver Beach Creek experiences increased stormwater runoff and greater peak flows due to its developed landscape. This project was designed to substantially improve water quality and reduce flooding in an especially problematic reach of the creek. The project included reshaping and stabilizing the stream channel, installing water quality treatment swales, and installing stormwater vaults. These improvements filter phosphorus -containing sediment, alleviate flooding, reduce erosion, and promote infiltration. Project construction cost was approximately $500,000 and shared between local real estate excise tax (BEET) revenues, a State of Washington Department of Ecology grant, and a federal EPA grant. Future Needs An increasing emphasis on the protection of sensitive watersheds has resulted in the adoption of comprehensive stormwater plans, including plans for Lake Whatcom and Birch Bay. The adopted plans identify work towards planning, design, engineering, and construction of capital projects intended to address stormwater issues. Proposed Improvement Projects Stormwater improvement projects, totaling more than $7.2 million, are proposed over the six -year planning period as shown below. These costs would be paid by the flood fund, REET, state grants, and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District funds. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 23 37 Planning Commission Recommended Draft Mav 26, 2016 Lake Whatcom F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Total Funding 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Cost Sources Agate Heights Estate/Bay Lane Water Quality Improvements 1,000,000 1,000,000 Sudden Valley Drainage System Upgrades and Outfall Retrofits 115,000 25,000 520,000 660,000 Silver Beach Creek Channel Restoration 150,000 50,000 550,000 750,000 Northshore Rd, East of City Limits Water Quality Improvements 150,000 50,000 600,000 800,000 Lowell Dr. and Cedarbrook Court Stormwater Improvements 150,000 50,000 600,000 800,000 Glen Cove Lane/Lakeside St. Water Quality Improvements 150,000 50,000 200,000 Birch Bay Harborview Phase I Drainage Improvements 700,000 700,000 Harborview Phase II Drainage Improvements 80,000 585,000 665,000 Cottonwood Dr. Inlet Upgrade 100,000 100,000 Richmond Park Drainage Improvements 300,000 50,000 1,200,000 1,550,000 TOTAL 1,295,000 1,175,000 1,355,000 1,950,000 .800,000 650,000 7,225,000 Funding Sources 1. Flood Fund 2. REET II 3. State Grant 4. BBWARM Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan rAWMd 1,2,3 2 1a 2 2 N 2,4 2,4 2,4 2,4 Planning Commission Recommended Draft Mav 26, 2016 Appendix F - Six -Year CIP 2017-2022 Chapter 11 — Total Costs Total Costs for the six -year planning period are shown below. .___.........................._ Total - % of Total '......... ......._...._.. ......... ........_2017 _.'._. 2018-., ., 2019 ... ...2020 i 2021 :. ...2022.__ Cos _....... Cos._ :Parks, Trails, and Activity Centers _....._.. _......._ .__._.. ._.__.._. .__.__.._. 1,139,000 ........_. 698,000 ........_._. 603,000 _..._........-_...__ 2,423 000 .....__.. 446,000 ............ 580,000 .._..._...... 5,889,000 ..__.... .__ 2.69%( ..._. ;Maintenance and Operations 300,000 500,000 0 0 0 0 ....__. ..._._....._... _._._. ._._._ :General Government Buildings and Sites __.._. ._.._.. ....__.... ..._........... __... __..'._. 4,382,500 ._..... ......_..-.._. .. .....__... _.. 12,830,063 ...___. _._ __. _._ .. 3,565,000 i ............ _ .. __...' 815,000 ...... .......... ._. ... .. .. 815,000 .............. ................ 815,000 __....... .............. .. __. _. _. 23,222,563 ....... ............! 10.59W ..._...; Sheriffs Office 0 3,808,000 3,808,000 3,808,000 ': 3,808,000 3,808 000 19,040,000 8.69% Emergency Management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Adult Corrections 1,200,000 24,200,000 22,400,000 22,400,000 22 400,000 22,400 000 115 000,000 52.47% Juvenile Detention 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 ,Transportation _......_ .._.__ ..._.._ ...._.... 7,465,016 ....... ...-..... 7,696,432 ._._. 7,935,021 ........_.. 8,181 007 j ___... _.. .._.._. 8,434,618 ... .._....._.. 8,696,091 ._..._ 48,408,185 _.... .__ 22 09% _._... Stormwater Facilities 1,295,000, 1,175,000 i 1,355,000 1,950,000 800,000 650,000 7,225,000 3.30% TOTAL 15,781,516 50,507,495 39,666,021 39,577,007 36,703,618 , 36,949,091 219,184,748 100.00W The County plans to undertake capital improvement projects costing more than $219 million between 2017 and 2022. The Whatcom County Capital Facilities Revenue Analysis contains a plan to finance these capital facilities within the County's projected funding capacities. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan F- 25 0,, July 14, 2016 Appendix F - 6-year Capital Improvement Plan Page and line numbers reflect Planning Commission Recommended Draft (htt wa- whatcomcounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/18696 ). To improve clarity of Councilmember requested changes, previous edits (i.e. staff and Planning Commission) are included, but not show as edits. 1) p. F-13; in table: Remove demolition of Northwest Annex. (Brenner) 2) p. F-14; end of page —top of F-15: Most Sheriff's Office functions are currently based in the Public Safety Building adjacent to the Courthouse and are remote from the majority of Sheriff's Office Bureau of Law Enforcement and Investigative Services functions that take place in unincorporated Whatcom County. This results in inefficiencies and delays. Space and design factors in current facilities preclude consolidating various functions performed throughout the agency (reception, finance, etc.) and result in redundancies Qe of these issues, 'sting S"e"iff'" ^fine- 09- Proposed Improvement Projects A new or remodeled Sheriff's Headquarters facility, pFopesed new jail on LaRounty Rd- in Ferndale, is proposed within the six -year planning period. The Sheriff's Fund, as shown belew 3) p. F-15: Remove table (Mann) 4) p. F-17; Existing Jail Beds table: Change Jail Bed count of the Public Safety Building from 283 to 212. (Brenner) 5) p. F- 16: Maintain adequate facilities for daily emergency management activities and, during an emergency or disaster, for the emergency operations center. The facilities will provide sufficient space for activities relating to emergency/disaster planning, mitigation, response and recovery. Existing W July 14, 2016 facilities may be expanded, remodeled, and/or new facilities developed in response to inGFeasing changing need. (Mann) (consistent with Chapter 4) 6) p. F-17: Maintain Sheriff's Office adult corrections facilities and headquarters to provide a safe environment for the community, staff and inmates. The number of jail beds in adult corrections facilities will be determined after review of multiple factors, including projected population growth, State sentencing laws, 7) p. F-18: alternative programs, treatment diversion programs, early release programs, the need to separate violent inmates, the need to separate inmates by gender, the need to separate inmates by other classification considerations, average length of stay, peak inmate populations and available funding. Existing facilities may expanded, remodeled, and/or new facilities developed in response to ifseasing changing need. (Mann) (consistent with Chapter 4) As an interim measure, existing correction facility improvements are planned so that these buildings can continue to function until the jail is expanded, remodeled, and/or new facilities developed in response to +rameasing changing need. The + of the wrer.e d sene.., . ail l.+....rev e mately $112A AAAAA The nest of the WpFGve-m.ents to- the- existing jail faeilities is appFoximately $3,000,009- T-hpgp cartr. wGuld be paid with bond pr-Gseeds that-we-i-i'd he repaid with a r.ew sales tax the ail im ent fund and the general fund- a- sown belevlF (Mann) 8) p. F-18: Remove table (Mann) 9) p. F-19: Maintain juvenile detention facilities and alternative corrections programs to provide safe and secure methods to provide accountability and support for minors who break the law. Existing facilities may be expanded, remodeled, and/or new facilities developed in response to inr;Feasin changing need. (Mann) (consistent with Chapter 4) 41 UI D 0 D C AIIWI Iffaam Q-, (Proposal - delete the existing Appendix G and replace with a description of the County's water resource and salmon recovery programs) 42 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 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs Appendix G Whatcom County Water Resource and Salmon Recovery Programs Contents Whatcom County Water Resource Programs...................................................... 1 WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project........................................................ 1 WRIA 1 Joint Board.................................................................................. 2 WRIA 1 Joint Policy Boards........................................................................ 2 Local Integrating Organization(LIO)........................................................... 2 WRIA 1 Planning Unit............................................................................... 3 WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan ......................................................... 3 Lake Whatcom Watershed Management......................................................... 4 Lake Whatcom Watershed Management Program ......................................... 7 SuddenValley........................................................................................ 8 Groundwater Protection & Management........................................................10 Flood Hazard Management..........................................................................10 Organization...........................................................................................11 Pertinent Documents...............................................................................12 Stormwater Management............................................................................12 County Stormwater Management Programs................................................12 Salmon Recovery Program.............................................................................15 WRIA 1 Salmon Recovery Strategy..............................................................15 Whatcom County Water Resource Prograrns WRIA 1 Watershed Management, Project The WRIA 1 Watershed Mana ement Project is the result of the 1998 Washin ton _....................................................................................................................................._........9....................................................................................__.............................-._._.......................... State Watershed Mana ement Act which re uired all artici atin local .....................................................................................__......................................9............................ ,.....................,.........................................................a...............................................p..............................�...._......g......................................... governmentsto address water quantity,with theoption..,_, of addressing water ,quality, instream flows _ and fish _habitat The _WRIA 1___Watersh,ed ,Man_a„gement Project has brought together_citizens, local governments, tribes, __.._and state _and , federal agencies to address these issues. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-1 43 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Proarams 1 The __.frame,workfor ._ wa_te_rs_h_edma_n_a..q_e_m_e_nt"__in._thestate ...__is__,based,,_on.__„q,eo.g_rahic_p 2 areas known as Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs)W_RIA 1 includes the 3 Nooksack„River bas_in____and_,__several adjoining smaller watersheds, such as the coastal, 4 drainages of Dakota and California Creeks, as well as Lake Whatcom. 6 Watershed tannin i_n_W_RI...A...._1....._sta_rte_d......i._n.._,_1.9.98....._w.i_th...,.th_e51 n_i_n______of..._a.___._M_e_m_o_ra._nd. a_. __.d p ...... g. q q 7 ofA,g_ree_meat(_M_OA„)between ......._the In_itiatng__..._ Governments. ..._._In_._the WRIA __.1_._._._the 8 Initiati, nq Governments are Whatcom County_, City of Bellingham,,._ Public Utility_ 9 District No. 1, LummiNation, and_Nooksack Tribe (the latter joining slightly later 10 through a Letter of_Agreement). The role of the_Initiatinq Governments was to 11 review ,arecommended_, Watershed _Plan _and take it to their governments' councils 12 fo,r .ad_o.ption..,. 13 14 1 WRIA 1 Joint Board 15 16 In 1999, an Interlocal Aci_reement further formalized the _�c overnment-to- 17 government relationship_ essential to _the tribes' -participation in the _proozss__by 18 creatin a Joint Board. The Joint Board is com rised...._o_f.._the__I_n_itiatin....._Gove.rn_m_e_nts,, ...9 _...� _ ...._ _.. _ . .... _............ p g 19 includin the ma or of _th_e......._. i_t..__of._,._B_el_I_i_n._ _h_a_m ......__executive_„__fo_r_,__Whatco_m......Co.q. ty,_ 20 m_a_n_a_q_e_r......._of_._Pu.b.lic„_,Uti_I_it.y......_D.i,stri_ct__ N_o,.........1..,...._._a..._n_d,_._d_esignated....,._po,lli_cy _re.presentativ_...es..__of 21 Lu_mmi. N_ation.,_and_ Nooksack Tribe_. The Board manages th_e proiect's__admi_nistrative 22 functions such as contracts. and bud ets. Members of the Joint Board also sit on the 23 Joint Poles Boards. 24 25 1 WRIA 1 Joint Policy Boards 26 27 The WRIA 1 Joint Policy Boards_a_re_com__,_ri_sed_.__of___m_em_bers_.,..of,,,the„__WRIA„__I Jo,i_nt _.._ ___._... __.. _........ ........ y...... p 28 Board and Salmon RecoveryBoard. This organizational level interacts with federal 29 state and re Tonal organizations _.....,._.._......._.... 9 ..... g �.._ .. p X p p y 30 direction to _staff for purposes of incor orating regional issues into work plans,_ 31 gams, etc. Additional, the Joint Policy Boards: 32 Endorse programs/actions to forward to Legislative Bodies, as applicable 33 Provide WRIA_l_programs polic_ydirection 34 Meet_ and discuss..._._ watershed and salmon pro rq am topics as joint policy 35 boards_ with decision.-makingof each polic_ board retained. 36 37 ( Local Integrating Organization _(LIO) 38 39 The Whatcom Local_Integrating Oroanization,__(LIO is a__function of the_ WRIA 1 40 WatershedJoint Board_ and, WRIA 1 Salmon Recoveer Board _w(Joint Policv Boards). 41 Local inte�gratinq_ o_roa_nizati_o_ns are designatedbv the Puget Sound PartnershjpThe 42 two WRIA 1 Boards accepted ...the function of the Whatcom.,. LIO in October 201.0 43 under the integrated program _structure,__and was officially. recognized by the_ Puget 44 Sound ..Partnership's Lea_dersh,ip Council __in„ November 2.010,. The ..purpos_e of,,,th_e, 45 Whatcom LIO,_ is,_to coordinate ,implementation of,,,,.Puget Sound,,.Action.......... Agenda 46 priorities that are _consistent with or_complementlocal priorities.One of its functions Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-2 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 i_sto, provide _a....._Local____upd,ate.._tothe_„_Actio,n.._A.ge_nd_afor_Puget__.5_o_und_,Local,__u„p_da_tes. fy 2 are intended to identilocal_ priorities in the form„ of near -term actionsm NTAsj 3 which are _priority actions with measurable outcomes that can beimp lemented_ in 4 the next two years and that align with strategies in the _Action Arc enda_for Puget 5 Sound. 9 TheIn_i_tiatinq Governments established the Pla_nninq, Unit to ensurerepresentation 10 of__a broadrange„ of waterresource_. interests. The Plannln_qUnit'srole is to 11 recomme_nd_actio,ns for a Watershed Plan and to contributeknowledge, interests,, 12 technical .expe_rtise,,,,,and other, resources _to,its_ development. The PI_annl.n.q. Unit is. 13 made up..of. representatives_. from the Initiating_„ Governments, ,other__gove_rnments,_ 14 and various caucuses, There are _16 total caucuses _onthe _WRIA _1 Planning _Unit_._. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan 25 26 The WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan was completed , in 2005_ through the 27 coo eration of local stakeh_o_I_der s......a.nd......, o_yern.me.nts..........It_...,...ro_v_i_d_es- __._a._......_road,m.a..,_.. _for 28 addressing water uantit _ _waterr..... ualit__, _,.,in_stream__fl_ow,._._a,n,d._fis_h._h_a_b_itat..._ cha..l_le_n,ges. q ._ ..._.......a ..Y� v� 29 The oals of the WRIA. 1. _Watershed,_,,,Ma_na_ em_en_t_,__Project_.. are ...._to.,.._h,ave..._wa_te_r._..o.,f �..._.... goals .. _ .........__..__.............. ........ q J 30 sufficienta_uantity and_guality to meet the needs of current_and_future human 31 generationsincludin,g therestoration of salmon steelhead and _trout populations 32 tohealthyharvestable levels, -,and the improvement of _habitats on which fish and 33 s_h_e_l_l_f...ish_..._re_l,.v......_These.,.,.qoa..is.,._a_re.....a_d_dressed..__m_ore.,.s,p_e_cificall.,y.,,b_e_l_o_w.... 34 35 Wate_r__.Ou_a.nt_ity,,.._-__To___assess_,,wate_r___sup_p.ly_.,an_d,..__use,,a_nd..dev_e,lopstrate_q_i_es 36 to _meet_,current_.and, future,_,needs.. Th,e,strate.gies,..should retain„or,,,provide 37 ade_q_uate amounts of water to protect and restore fish habitat, providewater 38 for future out -of -stream -uses and ensure that adequate._ water suDDlies are 39 avai,la_b_I..e._, for a�riculture, energy production, and p lationand economic 40 gro.wth ..u.nder,,_the, require.ments.,of_the sta.te's.. G.rowt_h Management Act,_ 41 42 • Water ualit-....T...o.._._e_nsu_re._...that.._,_th_e.,....,_,,. ual,it.,.,.....,_ofour water .......is...._.. sufficient for ......_ .._ .........�........ q Y 43 current and future u_s.es _i_n_clu,,d_i,n _.._restorin, .,_,an,d ,,ro„te_cti_n_ w_a_te_r_,,q_ua_l_i_ty_,_t_o .. ._ .._. _.. ......."........ ......, d g q P q 44 meet the needs _of_._salmon and shellfish, contact recreationaluses cultural 45 uses,�protection of wildlife, orovidinq affordable, safe domestic water Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-3 45 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 su_pp,li,es.,_._and___othe_I benefi_cia_L _u_ses.......Thei_ni_ti_a_L.__o_bj.ectives of. th_e. _w_ater_(q_ual,ity 2 I management strati will beto meet the water__ quality standards. 4 Instream Flow - To _supply water in sufficient quantities to restore salmon, 5 steelhead and trout o ul.ati_on_s.........to, h e alt hy a_n_d........... h.arvesta_b_I.e........... 1_evel.s...,.,..a.n_d, 6 i,m.p_rove....ha_b.itats.,.onwh..ich..._fish rely, 8 Fish Habitat - To protect or enhance fish habitat in the management area 9 and to restore salmon steelhead, and trout opulations to healthy and 10 harvestable levels and improve habitats on,which fish rely_., 11 12 In....20,10..,....... the ......._WRIA...._1...._Joint .....__Boa_rd_.. adopted ._........... work_..P_I_an..R.........b.u_.d....9et...._a.n.d... 13 stratggy, called the Lower Nooksack Strategy ,..... to_.._ad,va_n_ce,.._a__,n_eq_oti_ate.d,.,settlem,ent 14 of.,Tribal _and_,_state,_in_-_stream__. flowwater__ rights_ on the ,mainste.m of,.the...Nooksack 15 River whi�ximizing the economic and environmental__benefits of out -of -stream 16 water use in the Lower Nooksack sub -basin. The Joint Board adopted the Lower 17 Nooksack Strategy consistent. with WRIA 1 Watershed Manaq ement Plan priorities. 18 Lo_wer.._No_o,ksa_ck._.Strategy Objecti.ves.... 19 • De_ve,1,o.p....._an.d.._i._m,p,l_em_e.nt__a,......p,rocess..._.fo_r,,,,_neg_oti.atin,g,,,.._settle_ment...of water ,.r...i.ghts. 20 on the Mainstem Nooksack River. ___.._..____..._.._.__.....__.....__....__..._......___-____.._._...__......_..._........................ 21 • U.pdatea.n_d...._verify,__the..___Lowe.r.,._._N.o....o_ksa_c_k.._,_River,__su_b_-b_a..si_n_,,Water_...,_bud_g_e....t..,._and. 22 develop a groundwater model. 23 • Determine out -of -stream water user needs: 24 o Public water system needs determined by updated the Whatcom 25 County Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP). 26 o Other out -of -stream user needs (e.g., agriculture, private domestic 27 wells, industrial, etc.) determined through a regional water supper 28 planning process. 29 • Continue and if a _ropriate, enhance tar eg ted_streamflow and water quality 30 samplin_g. 31 • Advance work on tools. that foster water resource allocations consistent with 32 Ion -term economic and environ_m_e_ntaal,an_d-use.... _oats_fo_ri.m.....l.e.m_e_nta_ti_o.n.., i.n. 33 fi,veyears..... I 35 ( Lake Whatcom Watershed Management 36 39 40 Lake Whatcom is lar e mult.j-... .ur.... ._OSe,,. reservoir ....that ,..._i,s.... the ..... sou rceof..._drinking ..,..w_.a...te_.r.. 41 for the Cit of BeBeIIin haLake W_h_atcom. _W_ate_r _a_n_d _Sew_er....Di.strict, _s_evera.l.....othe_r w 42 smaller ater districts associa_ti_ons _a,n,d,,a_bo_ut 25.0 _h_o_me_st_hat_draw _wa,te_rd.irectly. 43 from the lake., Al All told the Lake _rovid_es _water _toa_bout half the o uIati_o,n..,_of om Coun 44 Whatcty_. 45 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 4 M 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 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs Lake Whatcom .5 a multi 1. _use.I_akean_d,,,.,wat,e_rs_he_d........_I_n... add_ition,_to_,_ ,.,rovid_i_n_ _water for drinking, commercial —and industrial uses,_„ the lake is used for boating swimming, and fishing. The m_ajoritv of the watershed is forested, mainly surrounding the large southernmost portion of the lake. Other land uses include residential development a roximatel 5 0300 _homes.........a.re........i_ocate_d........._w_ith_i,n.........th_e _ ..........__ .. .. p........._ --.. � pP _. y....._. _. �........� watershed limited a riculture an_d........c_o_mm_e.rci_a_I,......._d.eve lo,.,_m_ent.......... p.a.rks........... and ......_other pu_b_I_i_c_,,._faciliti_ea. _The_on_-_go,in„,g_,,_ma_na.g_e_m_ent_,__cha_Ile,nge._..._is.....,t,ry,in_gto-.__d_e_te_rmi,.ne,,,,...th_e extent to which these practices can occur while maintainings_afe_clean drinkin water. The challen e is further complicated by possible requirements related„ to the Endangered Species Act, tribal water rights,and the potential impact theseissues may have on how the Citv's,diversion _from the Nooksack River is operated._ The watershed contains four developed areas: the City of Bellingham, which straddles the upper portion of the northern -most basin of the lake; Geneva, which is immediately south and east of Bellingham's city limits and is part of the city's urban growth area; Hillsdale, which is immediately north and east of Bellingham's city limits and is also part of the city's urban growth areas; and the Sudden Valley Rural Community. In addition, it includes a variety of other zones, including resource, rural, and residential rural zones. �Outsi_de..._th_e._..Bel_I_i_ng_h_a_m,..._City...._I_im_i_ts,. approximatel.y..__70%075-0/0 of the watershed is in Forestry zoning and more than 750o-73-0%of the current land use is forestry. I-n-.-�nn�, rro �G—I Idr—the-ze+ng aoj3t-ed4n--Ja , ;; ti'ri ra; ea-is-abou 6;� totr`34-d-weffi­n'g-Eii- it pted--i'Fi J.a.n.uafy......of......2.0.04. there_.... could ......be......a.....significant ......a-me.u.n.t..._..of._..new__developrnent.......i.n_.._the watershed Water and sewer service are provided by the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District --- W-ater- --District- 30. Capacity problems in the district's sewer line, which serves Geneva and Sudden Valley, have caused overflows into the lake in the past. An aggressive program to preclude stormwater infiltration has eliminated the overflow problems to a large extent. In addition, the district has a contractually limited flow capacity to Bellingham. The Lake Louise Road sewage interceptor was constructed in January 2003 to carry waste water from Sudden Valley and Geneva and serves as a complement to the Lake Whatcom Boulevard trunk line. The interceptor was designed to service full build -out of Sudden Valley and Geneva. The CityofBell_inghaman_d___,_Lake_ Whatcom_,__ Water__, and __Sewer District___, are res_ponsib.le„for ens_u_ring.drinking water standards are met for..... their_custo_mers. To. date wlal.ef.,supplies_, have consistently met , standards,_. The ab,ility.._to continue to econom_i,call_y meet drinking, water„ sta,ndards.,requiresmaintaining source .w. ater._tha_t ,requires minimal treatment. For this reason the_City of Bellingham maintains an_o_n- goinc source water monitoring program ._ Other agencies including..-_ Western Washinaton University,Department of NaturalResources, Department of Fish and Wild.life,. Depa-rtme.nt of _Ecol.o.gy,.., Lake Whatcom. W.ater.._a.nd, .Sewer, Dist_rict,...and, Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-5 47 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 Whatcom.County, have also conducted monitorinq, studies and or evaluations.o.f 2 the lake and watershed. 3 4 5 County. lReeent-s5tudies on Lake Whatcom c.ond.u.cte_d......,_over....._a.........n_u_m.be_r......_of......_y"e.a._rs 6 indicate water quality in the lake has declined.-ex--yg i�--Lak-e�t-ce�-re 7 dec- lning......to.....lower....1eve.is, a.nd......a.re..--decli.n.i.n.g......faster.... than......in.-the ...past: In 1-9971_998, 8 the Washington State Department of Ecology listed Lake Whatcom as an impaired 9 water body and placed Lake Whatcom on the Federal Clean Water Act 303(d) list 10 because of low oxygen levels in the Lake and high bacteria levels in streams that 11 flow into the Lake. The 303(d) listing requires the establishment of a Total 12 Maximum Daily Loads. (TMDLs)_.-that design city of-tbe-lake'-such 13 that ........there, -will ..........be.........no.­meas.u.ra.b.le__....ch_ang.e._......i.n.........oxygen ..........leveis... fro.m.­..n..at.u.ra.l..........lake 14 conditions The TMDL--goals__wi11 -require a variety of, -planning,, -pollution prevention 15 pollution---fedtuetion.__a.nd-_.-iec-Vinic-ad ap-pro-ac-hes:-Meeting__...the.__-T.M.DL.-.__g.oa.ls...._.W411 --- be 16 re-q-u-ir-ed-i.n.--order_to st-ablflze---w-at-er-q-uality-Fn---L-ake----Whateam-.- The Department of 17 Ecology issued the "Lake Whatcom Watershed Total Phosphorus and Bacteria Total 18 Maximum __Da.i.l_y__Lo_ad_s_:_.._Vol_u_me__1, Wate_r__Qu_a_l.ity Stu_d..y.._Fi_n_d_i._n_gs"_in„_2.008...,-This...,_stu_dy 19 documented.,, that _____Lake______ Whatcom____ is imp for dissolved. .o.xygen...., due,., to 20 phosphorus _loadi.ng.._and that streams flowing into Lake Whatcom do....notmeet _fecal 21 colifo_rm.._bacteria._,_ standards_._ Loading., capacities for__total ._phosphorus and bacteria. 22 reduction tar ets were set forth in this document. In 2013 The Department of 23 Ecolo issued a draft "Lake Whatcom Watershed Total Phosphorus and Bacteria 24 Total Maximum Daily Loads: Volume 2 Water ualit Im rovement Re ort and 25 Im lementation Strate ."-in-2013: This re ort identifies how much hos horus can _.__.......p..__.._....._.........._.................................._................_....._._....._........9 Y......_......_.........._........_....._._......._.............. ...._....._.............p..._........_.___...._.._.............._.........._._................_._....._....._....._..........._............_......p..___._..........p..................................._.................... 26 be dischar ed to the Lake and identifies how the bacteria load should be allocated 27 between _.the._..mCo.u_ntyand_ Cityof.._Bell. n_g_ham.,........ in. ...__order tomeet.___water_..__quality. 28 standards. 29 30 A significant cause of declining oxygen levels has been from residential 31 development in the watershed. Past development permitted by the City of 32 Bellingham and Whatcom County has led to increased phosphorus loading into the 33 lake, which stimulates ....algae growth. Bacteria. that consume ..,_t_h_e,.,._d_ying,_al_ga.e.,.,_d_e.pl_ete, 34 I the „dissolved _ oxy,genlead_ing. to .in ttarrr bras led to lower oxygen levels in the lake. 35 Past poorly managed forest practices may have led to significant increases in 36 phosphorus loading to the lake. 37 38 There -are sev sons -ire the area which ire berg-prepflsedt {ems 39 t-hz-n-Bali densitit which--w-iif--i-Rc-yease--the-c3vera-l"eveFepme-nt--level-out-side---of 40 urban._.__e.r.e.as.........to.......a.........significant....... .degree: Whatco-m-...__�o_u_n_ty--h_as._.._ta._ke_n_.__a...._n_u_m_ber_.of 41 actions to reduce hos horus and otherwise address Lake Whatcom water ualit . ._.........._....... _......._.._.__..___..._______--_--.............p-..._........-.....p_ - ....._.__......_...._._............._.................._..........__.._..._._........_.-_.._._.._......._..._..................._.............__...__._...._d.... .._...._..... 42 These include rezoning land to allow _less development in the watershed-, adoption 43 of the Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, revising 44 stormwater management standards for ovate development to significantly reduce 45 potential phosphorus runoff ,....._..constru_ctio_n...,......_of....,..._ stormw_ate..rc.a.p_ita.l...........i_mp_r..o...v..e_m_e_nt Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-6 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs projects _and__adoption of _regulations_that _._._restri_ct......_theamDlicatio_nof commercial fertilizers. In 2014, approximately 8,800 acres of forest lands around Lake Whatcom were transferred to Whatcom Count from ....... ......................v..................._..... ........ 9 !) ReS.ou_rc.Q.s ..,.,_th_ro u.g_h.......,,_reco_n_ve_ya n ce,.... __ Th.ese...„.,__lands ....,..,.wi,l_I..,.,,,,,.p rov_i,d e..._„.,.pa_ss i_ve._......_recreation 0 ortunities with hikin and bikin trails connecting various communities neighborhoods and parks throughout the watershed. Under County ownership, the forests will be allowed to mature to an older growth environment benefiting the watershed and helping to stabilize sty slopes that surround the lake. in 20 6-the to study reconveyance of DNR­m-a­� 14 There ^ .are instill .....st..ate..^fores�t:lands :::in the Lakq Whatcom:: watershed, . In 2004, the 15 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board on Natural Resources adopted the 16 Lake Whatcom Landscape Plan. This plan provides additional protections on 17 re, mainingstate managed lands within the Lake Whatcom watershed. The plan 18 provides additional protections on streams and potentially unstable slopes not 19 normally included in forest practices in Washington State. 20 land ._...from ..._._the ----- watershed... -...the ...protections ..........provided ....... by......... the ._.....pl.a.n.....__would_--_not_------ be 21 applicable. -to the_new-_owner. 22 23 Lake Whatcom Watershed Management Program 24 25 A variet of a encies or anizations a_n_d i_n_d_i_v_i_d_u_al_s __I.a....._a..ro.l.e.......i.n......ma_n_a, _i,n .__a_n_d —.._....__ .....y_.... 9 ......9. .... _... __ti_ . p Y 9 g 26 rptpctin Lake Whatcom. In an effort....._to_co_o_rd_in_ ate ..........effo_rts........of......these........va.rio_us. 27 la ers in 1990 the Cit of Bellinoh_a_m___, Whatcom _C_o_unt_. _,,a_nd,,,,Water _..D. i_strict. 1.0 p......y....., ... ............ ._......_ _..y.. .................................... y� 28 .(now known _ as the Lake Whatcom Water and _Sewer District) bea.an meeting to 29 develop_o_joint management strategy -for the Lake Whatcom watershed. 31 In November/December 1992, a joint resolution was passed by the Bellingham City 32 Council, Whatcom County Council, and th_e...La.ke,,,_Wh.atc.Qm..,..Wate_r_and_,Se,wer,_.D,istrict 33 (fo,rmgd.y,,.Water District 10.).._,Commissioners, which reaffirmed this position with six 34 general goal statements and a set of specific goal statements in various categories. 35 The specific goal statements for urbanization were the following: 36 • Prevent water quality degradation associated with development within the 37 watershed. 38 • Review and recommend changes in zoning and development potential that 39 are compatible with a drinking -water reservoir environment. 40 • In addition to zoning identify and promote other actions to minimize potential 41 for increased development in the watershed (i.e. land trust, development 42 rights, cost incentives, etc.). 43 • Develop specific standards which reduce the impacts of urbanization, such as 44 minimal lot clearing; clustered development to reduce infrastructure; 45 collection and treatment of stormwater before entering the lake. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 7 we Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs • Develop appropriate interlocal agreements with governing agencies to prohibit the potential for additional development once an agreed upon level is set. The joint resolution included goals for watershed management that extended beyond urbanization. Goals were included for stormwater management, on -site waste systems, conservation, forest management, spill response, hazardous materials transport and handling, data/information management, education/public involvement, and other topics. A joint strategy was agreed to for developing specific plans to meet the adopted goals. Eight high priority goals were selected first and plans have been completed and jointly adopted for each of the goals. In 1998, the City, County, and District 10 formalized their joint commitment to protect and manage the lake through the joint adoption of an interlocal agreement and allocation of funding toward protection and management efforts in the watershed. A five-year program plan was developed for ten program areas. Specific priority was placed on activities related to watershed ownership, stormwater management, and urbanization/land development. The resultin Lake Whatcom Mana em_e_nt .Pro ra_m..... _u.i.des_._a.cti.o.ns,,,..to,,, ,,rotect.._La_ke �_ _......... ... g...._ ............. ..._......_. 9. �. �..._.__.. 9.. 9 p Wha_tco_m..._a. s _a.__ _I_o-ng__-te_rm_,s_u_p.p.l,,y._..o,f.,_,.d_ri_n_ki_n�wator_,__for_,_the__City__of.,_Be_I_i_i_n_g_ha_m,.__a_nd, portions_of W_hatcom,County- The„program_ emphasizes protection over treatment manaaing_Lake Whatcom and its watershed. The structure of the Lake_Whatcom Ma_ngement_ Program includes leg-islative bodies a management_ team, an inter u� risdictional coordinating team agency staff, and advisory committees._ The..............._..........La,ke..........................W.h.at.c....o_m........................_W_.a....ters....h_ed............................M.a_n_a..ge,ment.........................Program website. �htt-�Rwww.lakewhatcom_.whatcomcounty_.orq/resources _ contains the management plans, reports,_ and „_work __programs, as well as the jurisdictions' pertinent regulations and brochures on the different procirams aimed at the various efforts to drove water nual-it,y. Sudden Valley R-eereationaIt-Subdivision Sudden Valley is a ,community_within the Lake Whatcom Watershed._ It was established in the early 1970s as a recreation/resort area located- in --the Lake WhatcomW-atershed: Sbut over the last thirty years it -has developed into an urban significant residential area. Su-ciden-Valley--- ha-s--private-paved-,r-eads— aFl-u-Rderg-round uti-1 ti-es--(-dec-tric-i-ty; gam--c-ab4e-a-nd--t,el,ep-h-one-};-a-nd--a--p-u bki-c-wat-er -a nd--s-ew�-sy-stem .provided. by _Lake ....Whatcom ...Water . and Sewer ...District ........Fire ......District #2 s.t.r.ate.gical.ly. located in Sudden.. Valley provides --fire and ambuIan. ce....serv.ice-:--Sudden Valleyrs .1j724 .total.._ a.c.res...originally ... included 4 i 64.8 ..p l.att.ed...si.ng.le._. fa.m.i.l y... Lots/co n d o m i n.i u.m.s..i. a---li-mited-c--am-ramerc-i-a-l-area--cem-rri-un-it_y face e��; a +�ar+na;-and a geIfi ceur��e:-0f the 1; -space--and �..44-aeees-gof€ coarse -�6�}-are Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-8 50 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Proarams 1 community association ....o.w.ned............The ........... remaining ....7,q,.g...._acres- (43%) are.... pr.ivat.e. 2 property. .....2000...US _Ce.nsu.s_..d_a.t.a_..I.ndi-eats.s.... th-a.t.--..appreximated.y._...26.O/o-..._of_.the. __existting. 3 h-ou-si i9g--gin--Sudden---Va-I-iey- is--e its r-se a-se-aa-1 --o r--,v-a-c a-a� 4 5 Sudden----Valtey---c� i-butes---to-a--trig-h---vame-oveh e--Whateem 6 B®ul-evand--and--La-k�-ouise--R-e-ad.--R-ig-lit- of-way--and--aligfvmc-Rt---studies--h-ave---be-en 7 proposed ....... for- -the........ 6-year-TIP-to -study—,alternatives cost .... and ........l..ocat.i.on....relative to 8 addressing__the-grow-ing---volume--of veh-i,-lar--t-rfps---on-L-ake..--Wh-atc-om--Bouleaaard and 9 Lake ---Louise- Road; _Public---t-rans-partation__services---are---provad-ed--by,-the Whatcom 10 Tr-anspertatian-Atuthor-i"V 11 12 S u- d d e,r--V-a,lfe-y4es--w-it-hi-n-th,e-L-a-ke-Wh-at-eor-n- W--te,Fsad- v ham--e-1 i-mit es,- d,evelop men-t 13 has -been -identified --as- desirable. The Sudden. Valley -Community Association (SVGA) 14 has a. Board of- Directors ---mandated- .lot ..consolidation program with -a targeted 15 density —reduction of 1;400-lets-,--red�ue-i-ng-the_...t-otaI lots -for development -from, 4 648 16 to 3;2-48_;.,-To,,date--appfox.imaiely_.75.0/o_-_(�.,04-7 dots) ham-been--p,l ace d-into -density 17 reduction --- of-w hi c---h- 4:52 -ar-e v iu n-tafy-pr-i va te-4et--c�i -ti-en.—S V CA- -fig--h a-s 18 -been--set-a-s3de-tour-ehase--additi-enal-lots--fer-density-r-educt-i-ofl In-acc-ar-d-aflc-ewi-tl-i 19 the 2 00--L-a-k-e-W-hat-com---Manager-rent---Pr-ogfam, the-Count-"-nd--L-a-k-e--Whatco-nn 20 Water and ._-Sewer ......District ..have .-also ..-assisted ..........S.u.dd.e.n.........V.a.l.le.y..........w.ith.....their .......density 21 reduction-program--through--several joint agreements -and _exchanges of property and 22 restrictive ..covenants. -To- crate the...._SVCA. ­County.i.._grad--La-ke, W-h-.at-co-mWater..._and 23 S e w e-r-D is tr-is-t-h-a v e-ac-q-u-i-r-e d---1--15--a nd&ve4-oped-tots-4 n S-u d den Vaal ley -at -a n n u a-i-ta-x 24 f®reek�sure-auction:-Tr-he--L�,t Cor,lidatiot�-Covenant to Bond pprocess has; -also; 25 in-c-reased--vol-untor-y---p-r-fv-at-eA-et--c-- n-sa4id-atio-n-:-T--he--C-ount-y---Ceu-nc-i- -has--e;,-empt-ed 26 add e n-V-a'le y---fry -t-h e--L-a ke--W hateom--T-ran-s-f-e r --of -D e�p m e n t° i g hts--(T-D R-) 27 program -because -Sudden.. Val leyrs density reduction plan meets the intent of the 28 TDR program 29 30 Since 1985, Sudden Valley has mandated the use of appropriate stormwater best 31 management practices through standards for individual stormwater detention for all 32 new construction. Any new building permits on existing lots must be able to 33 demonstrate that stormwater detention is included on the plan as a precondition to 34 issuance of a permit. Sudden Valley is also subject to additional regulatory 35 protections that apply to the Lake Whatcom watershed under the Water Resource 36 Protection Overlay District, Stormwater Special District, and Water Resource Special 37 Management Area requirements. Under the provisions of these special districts, 38 potential impacts from impervious surfaces, stormwater runoff, and clearing 39 activities are required to be addressed either on -site or through a community -wide 40 process. 41 42 Sudden Valley h.as_...im-plemented.._a...1.0-ye.ar.Forest and .Wildlife. .Stewardship _(FAWS). 43 plan .with the State.....of..Wash..ington.._.Dep.a.rtment _of.Natural ......Resources _(-DNR.). _T.his. 44 p-lan-pr.ovide--e-nv-r-onm-e-nta4--educ-aU-o-n--a-nd----gu-id-a-nee-.to---tham----Saddle7� ----`d-a-l4ear 45 commu-nity; en-a-c-ont-4-nuing-basis; teassur-e-s-oun-d-en-,,ri-r-anmenta-I-hea4t�-v--and-sa-fete- Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 9 51 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Proc7rams 1 1 for..p.lants. ani.m_a.ls and residents with an emphasis ..._o.n.....p.rope.rl.y.....ma.n.aging flora and 2 fauna--indigenous--to--t-he reg.l.e.n.. 4 1 Groundwater Protection & Mana .,dement 6 Groundwater is contained in a uifers whicha_re_su_bterra.n.ea.n......la.y*e'rs...of,.., ,_o_ro_u_s _rock 7 o_r,._so,i_l.M_o_st,__a,ou_ife_rs a_re_-_re.ple.nish,ed_„_by,,,,,ra_i„nwater,,.,_thou,.gh„-some,_.ma.y_conta_i,n._._water 8 trapped during glacial periods. Aquifers are often integrally linked --with surface 9 waters stems and are essential for meetingin-stream and out -of -stream water 10 needs such asfor drinking water,a_griAc ure, and industry. Whatcom_ County 11 residents rely heavily on groundwater for drinking water, agriculture_ and 12 commercial and industrial needs.._.__ 5ro_u_nd_water......._ aaso............1,a..s.......-a-n,..,,_„i-m, _-o_rto_n_t .._ro.le.........in.. 13 m_ai_n_to,i_nin..g..._strea_m..._fl_ows 14 Man studies have been conducted re)a ted.__ toround_water,,,__, ual_it, _i_n_-_.,Wh_a_t_c. m 15 County documenting water quality issues such as exceedances of standards for 16 nitrate, ethylene dibromide (EDB) and 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-D), pesticides, iron 17 and other agricultural -related contaminates, particularly in the northern portion of 18 the Count . In eneral roundwate_r in _Whatcom ._._._Cou_nt_-....... _is_.._ver.._.....__vu.l_nerabi_e..._to 19 contamination because much of the C_r o.u_nt _'s .. ou_n_dwa.ter___ _lies. ...... ..ithJna. _,.......-s-ha.1_low 20 u.nconfi._ned_._a,qu-fifer,___Activities that o__ccur._o_n. th_e _su_rfac_e-,.-of the_,gro_und.d.rectly_affect 21 groundwater. _quality- Shallowwell's that_.drawrwatefrom--unconfi-ned.,. water.' --table, 22 aquifers are at highest_ri_sk. 23 24 Whatcom_ County's_Critical Areas Regulations _protect Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas 25 CARAs durin the develo ment rocess b recludin ....certai_n _uses _i_n .__CARAs. (..... .._...... ).._..... ......._.......9...................................._....P. _.. _ ... .. P.... ....y... p 9 26 a_n_d/o-r,.._r...e..q-u.i_rin._g.,,,-certa..i,.n_,,.p,recauti_onS...__b.e.,,,ta.ke.n.,.i.n..h.a.nd.1.i,n.,g....certa..i_n....,ch_e_m_i_ca_I_.s....... 27 28 Flood Hazard Management 29 30 A comprehensive approach to flood hazard management _plann_inc_p_rovides for a, 31 better understanding of the river and floodplain system and ensuresthat floodin 32 and channel morphology/ p_ro_b.l-em.sa.re......_n_o_t.._S.i_m.p_L.y.....t-r...a_nsfe_rre-d.......to.......a.n_othe.r...,,l,oca_ti_on 33 w_ith.in_, the ,basin, .bu.t,are, addressed„ in a comprehensi,v,e.,_. basinwide, manner. This 34 ap,proa.O d.irects_.., future.... flood., hazard .. manageme.nt e.x.pend-itures._._in_ _the ,,,-most 35 efficient and cost effective manner. 36 37 Whatcom County Public Works coordinates ,with the Flood Control. Zone District 38 Advisory Committee FCZDAC) to identify and characterize_ flooding_problems and 39 provide recommendations. for a....chieying._consistent, long. -term flood ha_zard...reduction. 40 s.trate,gi,es. Some activ,lti.es typically_,_„involved.J,n developing a Comprehensive Flood. 41 Hazard_, Management Plan_ (CFHMP,)_ include „data,...._collectiona. hydraulic ,_model_in„g-,, 42 a_Iternatiyes an sis, floodplain , mapping and mean,de_r,, limit_„identification. In 43 addition to the technical ,components in comDre-hensive floodolanning,extensive 44 coordination ,with the _pu,blic_and other aciencies_is required throughout th_e,_planning_ 45 pro.cess.., 46 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-10 52 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 1 Other County flood management programs include: 3 EarW Flood Warning -Work with the United States Geological Survey (USES) 4 to maintaina network of early flood warning stations to help citizens prepare and 5 take app.ropria_te measures to_p_rotect lives and..p_roperty from flood d_amag_e.s 7 Flood Hazard Reduction Program - Imolementoroiects to reduce future 8 flood damagesand public expenditures to repair damaged_areas. Examples include 9 construction of setback levees and overflow spillways, and designation of overflow 10 corridors in overbank_areas. _Two alluvial fan studies have been co_mpletedfor Jones 11 Creek and_Canvon Creek For Jones Creek, review of_potential miticia_tion measures 12 and conce t desi. n of a_. __re. ferre_d..._a.,_.......roa_ch_.__h_as._al_so..._bee.n....co.m. ,1_eted.. 13 14 Comrehensive_ Flood Hazard Management Planning - Identi flooding. 15 rp., o_blems and rovide recommendations for achieving long-term flood hazard 16 reduction strateciies. The Lower Nooksack River Comprehensive Flood _Hazard, 17 Management Plan was adopted in 1999. Implementation of the plan is ongoing._ 18 19 Prpparedness_ and Response - Plan_ for and implement a coordinated 20 respgpse...dunng flood,_events to ensu,re...public s_afety._and m_in_imi_ze_.fl_ood,damages_. 21 22 National Flood Insurance Proq ram - Participate in the Congress -initiated 23 National _,Flood Insurance _Program(NFIP __of,_1968,_to make _affordable flood 24 insurance_ available to citizens _ of communitiesop _ that adt approved flood 25 m_a_na.ge_me nt.._reg . at _o_n_s_. 26 27 Re air and Maintenance Program - Address roblem areas with _rivers 28 streams and coastlines of Whatcom Count, and mitigates future flood damages in 29 a proactive and cost-effective manner._ 30 31 Technical Assistance - Providetechnical assistance regarding drainage_and 32 flood issues to rivate in s and businesses located alon ..th.e....._m.a,. .n. . _water b_o_d_i_es 33 with_inW_h_atcomCou,nty,,. 34 35 Orcanizati®n 36 37 Flood Control Zone District Advisory, Committee FCZDAC' 38 39 Follow in the severe floods of 1989 a_nd...._1,9.9.0.........i_n1.992W_h_a_tc_om...._Cou.nt..........c_reate.d. g... . _ _.. d Y 40 the count he Flood Control Zone Distri,ct,__(_FCZD i,ncl_u,d_i_n __both, incorporated____.__a_nd. y �� g 41 unincor orated areas of the Count ..The_,.FCZD,,,_is._a...,._ u_asi„-m_un_i_ci..__alco_morati,o_n.__tha_t __..p__......... . ....._ .......... .... Y.. g P p 42 is a separate legal_entity_ from the Whatcom County government._ Even though this 43 legal separation exists the Whatcom County and the County Executive 44 (Board _ of Superviso_rs)and the Public Works Department, (staff_performthe 45 governae an_d adp ministrative suport f n_co.r...the _district,. 46 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 11 53 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 The_.,p_r_m_a_rY,,.p.u_mose _of„th,e.._F..Z. Dis,_fI_oo_d__haza_rd_._ma_na.gement,.....Reveou'le ge_n_erated. 2 to for, this purpose is accomplished in two ways: (1) a county -wide uniformly, 3 appliedservice _charge_; and_, (2)sup_plemental reven_ue,,, generated within localized 4 Dikina Districts and Sub -Flood Districts, where specific local proiect activity .is. 5 7 While the ._r_mar..,.,_ur._.oseofth,e.,.FCZDi,sfl_o_o_dh,a.za_rd,_manageme_nt,,th_ed_i,stricti_s _. _. _..... p Y p p 8 allowed to address a wide variety_ of water resource issues. Due to this ability_,_ 9 revenue generated bv the district is.. currently used to financeadditional_ water 10 supp_ly_and water quality related, improvement projects. 11 12 Pertinent Documents 13 14 Lower Nooksackww„ River Comprehensive Flood Hazard Manacement Plan 15 fCFHMPA 16 17 In 1999 the cou_nt_____a_d_o_te_d...,_„theLo_wer_,,,_Noo.ksa_ckRi_verCom.p_re_he_n,si_v_eF'lo.o,,.d, ............. ... Y p 18 Hazard, Management Plan (CFHMP). The CFHMP _identifies p_ro.ects programs and 19 other recommendations aimed at reducing future flood damages along the -lower 20 Nooksack River. 21 22 Critical Areas Regulations LWCC 16.16 23 24 Whatcom Con_u...__tYsCritical Area s Regm._u_L_ations-a_i_m_.._to,..p.rotect......p_e_o..pl_e_._a,_nd,___p_r...o.p_er'ty......_ in, . _.___... ..._...... 25 Erg ntly s� by__ Flooded Area (FFAreouiring that any development conforms to 26 WCC Title 17, Flood Damage Prevention. 27 28 Stormwaterm,Management 29 30 Stormwater run.off...._ occur s......wh,e,n_.. ....___rec_i._,,.ita_ti_o_n.,_.,,fr_m o_rain ....o_r,,.s,n_ow_m_el_t_.._.flows .,.,.ove_r.._t_'h 31 I a n d surface . no e....._ad d_i t.i onof_ ,..,,._.,._ro a d s.,........d_ri_v_e.wa. ,.s _.,.,...,, ..,,,a. rki_n..g_,_ .._i9ts,_roof tO.ps......_a._nd...,_oth_e_r 32 surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground to our landscape great 33 increases the runoff, volume created during storms. This runoff is swiftly carried to 34 our local_._streams, lakes,. wetlands and rivers and can cause_flood_ing,__and erosion. 35 Stormwater runoff also picks _up anal carries with_ it many different pollutants _that 36 a.re f"oun_d on.....paved surfaces such as sed_iment., n_itrogen_........ phosphorus, bacteria oia. 37 a,nd,grease, trash, pesticides_,and m_e_tals.. 38 39 Co_u_n_ty,,,St®rmwater Ma,nac ement Procra,rns 40 41 I National Pollutant., Discharge and Elimination,w 42 Permit 43 44 Sto_rmwater_ru,noff picks...._up pollutants as it travels ""over.._our , deVelo_ped la_nds'ca,pes 45 and _is_a major source_of__water,__g_uali� problems. In ,1987_, the_Federal„Clean_Water 46 Act was amended to address stormwaterpollution Asaresult, the.. United States Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 12 54 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 Environmental Protecti_on_. _Agen_cy...,_(_E_PAS_,_,_c_re,ated,___th_e,.._N_ati_o_n_a_I_,,_P_ol_I_uta_nt..,.,__Disc,h,ar�e 2 Elimination S s�tem(NPDES to address stormwater runoff. States are then required 3 to administer permits to local jurisdictions to regulate runoff asi)artof the NPDES 4 Program. The Permit is referred to as the "NPDES Phase II Permit" or "Phase II 5 Mun_ic.p.a_L,_Sto_rmw.ater___Pe_rm_it.", 7 In Feb ru_a,,, rvof..._2007, the_„_Waa hi - nat " o nSta t,e..__, D_e..p_a_rt_m, e.n t._of -E co.l,o �.y._.,..i ss.0 e d_W h_a tco_m 8 County sP_hase II Municipal Storwater Permit,___Thisper_mit recrulates discharges 9 from Small Municipal Separate Storm_Sew� and is part of the National, Pollutant 10 Discharge and Elimination _Svstem _(NPDES) and State Waste Discharae_ General 11 Permit. It sets forth requirements of municipalities to address stormwater runoff in 12 areas determined to have o ulati---- g 13 County,,,,_,_is......_re.qu.ired.,....._to _, i_mpleme_nt__,_various._.....sto.r_mw,ater_._m_anagem_e,nt_strategi_es._,to 14 complywith„this State permit 15 The current Permit boundary_cover5-app i_mately 15,000 acres and generally, 16 includes the following areasFiaure 1) 17 Bellingham Urban Growth Area 18 •....._...,..S.udden_Valle.y 19 • Portions of the Hillsdale and Emerald Lake area ................._...................................._..........._..._..._...._......................................................................................._.....................................__..............._......._..__...._......._................... 20 •_._,..,....._Portions alon_gNo_rth,..,._S_ho_re.__...._D.rive..,...._o_n.....___Lake,,.,,,.W_hatco_m_.._..._a_nd....._Lake W_hatcom 21 Boulevard 22 Ferndale Urban Growth Area 23 Portions along Chu.ckanut Drive_ andChuckanut Bay 24 • Birch_Bay Urban Growth Area Beginnina_Au�gust 11, 201� 25 • The entire L................................................................................... ....... .... .... 9 26 an_d _e_I__m. J.nati_on.re_qu_i.re.me.nts_._o.f _t_h_e _Pe_rmJ.t 27 28 Jurisdictions are allowed to discharge runoff into water bodies of the State such as 29 rivers, lakes, and streams as long_as they implement Programs that protect water 30 quality_ b reducingpollutants to the maximum _ extent __possible through 31 requirements of the NPDES Phase II Permit ,Those requirements are reported and 32 sub_mitted ,to,__the _Department ,of _Ecolog.y through _the...Stormwater, Management 33 Pro.gram_„(SWMP) and the..__Annu,al Compliance Report. 34 35 The Western Washington Phase_ IIMunicipal Stormwater Permit, is requiredbv the 36 State of Washington _Water Pollution Control Law Chapter 90.48 RCW, and the 37 FederalWater Pollution Control Act Title 33_ United_ States Code _(_Clean Water Act). 38 The Permit is administered by the Washington State_,_Departm_e_nt ofEcoloov. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-13 55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs Figure 1. NPDES Phase II Boundaries Pollution Identification and Correction (,PIC) Program Everyone_ wants, cleanwater._ to support healthy drinking_ water, safe recreational uses,qualitY_water for irrigation and livestock, healthy fish and shellfish are safe to consume. Current) man s_t_rea_ms...,i_n...W,hatco_m__Cou_nt_..___d.o _not _m_eet.....w_ate_r ..... ......... . .. ...... Y. ........ .Y... Y a _U.a. llt Y standards for fecal._co.1.i_fo....._r_m.,,.. bacteria. ......Fe,ca.l...._co,l,i,form.,.ubacte_ri.a..,...a,re..._found ....,,i,nthe intostina1tractofwar-b................................................odenimaIsandwenfondin stre.................. ._.__..,,_.. indicator_of human or animal waste in the water. Thehiaher the bacteria level, the greater thealth riskto peopledrinking, wading, fishing_, or consuming_ shellfish., The Pollution Identification and ,Correction PIC) Programhas been created to help implement community, solutions to clean water. Pollution The _ke otenti_al ,s_ou_rce„sofbacte_ri_a _t_hat. _have_. _be_e_n_ _i_d_entfie_d. _in, Whatcom Count c_o..a....sta..._I........._.d..._ra..i_n_a„.es......._a_re._,,,,.,,,,,,.1,,,,,,,,,,,,,,a,n,i_ma,l........._waste,..,,.,,,fro,m........_a..g._ricu„ltu_.r...a_I_ ....... ....... ..Y ..... .. ) Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 14 56 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Proarams 1 o erations domestic ets_..,_w_ate.rfowl._.,,_a_n_d,._._w_i_ldl_ife_...,_a.nd.,._._ 2h_u_man,,,_sewa.. _e.____fro_m. oprations-.... J . , _.-.. _....____.... .. .... d 2 failincon-site sewage systems OS) leaking sewers, or cross -connections. Identification - Whatcom County coordinates a routinewater qualms monitoring ro ra.m... a_t...._a..........-ro...x....i._m_a,te,1,..,.,.,.,90,...._sta.tio.n.s..,...,i.n..,.,,Ovate_.r...sh_e_d_.s......._t_.h..._a.t.....d,i.sch.a,r. _e.,..._to. . _ .....g . p......9 ........ Pp y 9 marine waters. Sam les are _c .. Jected.....o.n..,,_at,,,,.1_e_ast.a..,_m.o_n.t.hl...,.....ba.s.i,s__a_n_d _a_n_a..l..._zed,._fo,r fecal _._c o i_i fo_rm...__bacteria.-Re Results ltSareeVa evaluated .......................... I I..........................ide n ti fvfocusarea areas h .._. __,_______,,.__....___ the,__largest. bacteria problems. Within the focus areas stream segments are monitored and potential bacteria sources are identified. 10 11 Correction - Technical_ and financial resources are offered to landowners to 12 identif and Im lement solutions On their....ro..._e_rt.......,.....Resi.d.ents.._c_a_n __h_el. _,,,,,i_m,,,,,rove,,,_th_e. y. p p P y p p 13 com_mun_ty's,..Ova,te_r_qu_aI_i_tv_..._by..,.,_ins.pe_cti,ng.,,._.andma_in,tainin,g,,,,_,se,tic_..s.y_stems,,.__a_n_d,... __b..y 14 fen_cing.,_a.nimals out_,of__streams,, ditches_a_ndswales_,,,By activel,v„_ma,naging._pastu_res,. 15 creating protected heavy use areas, and covering manure storage areas residents 16 can prevent manure -contaminated mud from polluting surface water. Planting 17 shrubs and trees along stream banks and �pickinq__u"fter doffs also contributes to 18 b.ette_rw_ate_r qu_al.i_ty.,. 19 20 SalmonRecovery Program 21 22 In the_Nooksack_ basin abundances of ,severalsalmonid stocks have diminished 23 substantially_ from historical levels. The declines in, local_salmonid stocksJ___especially 24 Chinook_ salmon, have had profound_ economic, _cultural and social__ impacts on the 25 greater _WRIA,,,,1 ,co. mmu,n_ity. Direct.J.mpa_cts in_clude,,reduced _jobs and income _fo_r 26 commercial ..fisherman , severe _curtail ,ment. of tribal ,a.ncl . subsistence ._catch _,_.,_and loss 27 of tourism associated with recreational ._fishing In,....addition...............ESA listings _impos_e. 28 constraints on the activities of local and tribal government_s,,businesses, the 29 agricultural community, and citizens, who must seek to„avoid ,or _minimize take of 30 listed speciesNonethel_ess, salmon, remain an integral part of the natural„ and social 31 la cape of WhatcomCountyand the Nooksack River watershed___WRece_nt 32 watershed recovery_ planning and restoration _efforts by federal, _state, _Local _.and 33 tribal govern_ments,, n_on profit o_rp_anizatio.ns,_,, ,businesses, and .p_rivate citizens 34 de_monstrate a_ commitment to- _salman­ recovery, in W_RIA„_l.. 35 36 The_WRIA 1 Salmon _Recoverv_Procirami_s_amulti-gov,e,rnmentpla_n,ning_ effort with a 37 WRIA w_i_de scope to,__address_salmon„_recovery„ and protection -__of ESA an,d non -ESA 38 listed salmonids. ._ _._..._ _..._-___-._. __ � _ 39 40 WRIA, .1, Salmon _Recovery Strateav 41 42 The.. ultimate_ goalfor salmonrecovery in WRIA _1_ IS__to recover____ self-sustain_i_n 43 salmondruns -_to harvestablele_v_els through _the_ restoration of healthy rivers _and, 44 natural stream, river, estuarine, and _nearshore marine,, processes,___ careful _,useof 45 hatcheries, and responsi_b.le harvest, and with the active participation and support 46 of local lando_wnersJ bus.nes.ses, and the. larger community. The _p_urpose of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 15 57 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 „W„RIA_ 1 ._Salm....onid Recovery Plan is.. to .__i_dentify the actions necessary to.. recover 2 WRIA 1salmond populations eSpecia _ listedspecies, , and_ to to the 3 framework for implementationofrecommended actions thatha_ve been agreed, to 4 bu_local state,_tribal,and_federalgovernments andstakeholders_in WRIA 1 In_the 5 n.ea1r term, the, oblectives..are to_;, 6 (1)Focus and prioritize salmon recovery efforts to _maximize _ben_efit to th,e tw_o. 7 N_ooksack early chi_nook„ populations, 8 �2_)_Address_lateetimed Chinook_ through adaptive management focusinq_ in the 9 near-termon identifying., hatcher versus natu_ralyl produced Dopulation 10 components; 11 (_Facilitate recovery__ o,f WRIA____1__bull___trout and stee,l_head_by___im_plementing 12 actions with mutual . b.enefit..., to both ..early chinook, ._and _bull trout _and. 13 steelhea.0-and by removing fish passage barriers in presumed. bull, _t_rout,_an_d 14 steelhea_d, spawning ,and . rearinqhabitats in ,the upper Nooksa_ck River 15 watershed and 16 (1-Mj _Ad_dress other_ sal,monidpopulations__,by(a) p_rotectinqand restoring, 17 WRIA1salmonid habitats and. habitat,forminq_processes _through _requlatory 18 and incentive based . __programs, and (b) encouragin_q _and supporting_ 19 vo_l.unta_ry a1. 1ctions _that.. b_enefi_t other WRIA 1 salmonid ..popul_ations without 20 d.lvertin_..._.attention,_from._e.arly._chlnook recove,ry., 21 22 Focusin efforts on_ea_rly chinookisconsistent with regional salmon recover 23 currentabundance and _)roductl_vity for the two por)ulationsis_verv_low and 24 recovery of both pwulations is critical todelisting__and reco_v,ery of the_Puget Sound 25 Evolution_ariLy Si,gnifi_cant...Unit (_ES )....for Chi noo.k..5aIm_on. 26 27 Salmon Recovery Boardu,�SRB� 28 29 WRIA1 Salmon Recovery Board _membershV _includes_ the County Executive, 30 Bel,l,ingham May or,,,_Mayorsof the_,_Small_ Cities_, of WhatcomCounty,_ theregional 31 director of the WashingtonDepartment of Fish and Wildlife,_ and policy 32 rep_resentatives from Lummi Nation _and.. N_ooksa_ck In_dian_Tribe. 33 34 The WRIA 1 Sa,lmon_id, Recovery Plan (2,00.5), a_chapWr ofthe _P_ugetSound Salmon 35 Recover Planguides restoration inthe_ N,00ksack,_River _and ,adjacent watersheds. 36 Th,i_splan was developed in partnership, --with N_ooksac_k Tribe_,Lummi Nation,, 37 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bellingham, and the small_. cities of 38 W_hatco_m C,ountv_,.Chinook salmon populations(listed a_s_threatened ,with _extinction _, 39 under the Federal......Enda.n. _z.c), priored, yet the ,,,plan ._also 40 provides the template for recovery of threatened, steelhead and bull_. trout and _th_e, 41 other salmon a_nd trout populat.lons native to Whatcom County, 42 43 The salmon plan was developed in parallelwiththe _WRIA__1_Watershed Management 44 Plan,_,,,Salmon_,__habitat is„.,intricately,,,_lin_ked___to _watershed ,management,_ salmon 45 recovery will be most successful when fish habitat _ objectives... are ._carefu_Ily, 46 coo_rdinated with w_atersh_eclmanaq_ement objectives Integrati_nq salmon._ recovery Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan ApxG-16 Planning Commission Recommended Draft January 14, 2016 Appendix G - Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 1 with flood hazard m_anaq_ement and _restoring fish passa.q_e under County _road_s_.are. 2 tWp_pnmaryareas of focus. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Apx G - 17 59 July 14, 2016 4 r a Appendix G - Water Resources ax-ud Sa rrwyi, Reccwery Programs Page and line numbers reflect Planning Commission Recommended Draft dated 1114116 (htip: wa- whatcomcounty.civicplus.com./DocumentCeriter/View/15163 ). To improve clarity of Councilmember requested changes, previous edits (i.e. staff and Planning Commission) are included, but not show as edits. 1) Return all of Appendix G to Chapter 11(Brenner) 2) p. G-2; lines 27-35: The WRIA 1 Joint Policy Boards are comprised of members of the WRIA 1 Joint Board and Salmon Recovery Board. This organizational level interacts with federal, state, and regional organizations at a policy -level to coordinate the implementation and management of the WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan — Phase 1, the WRIA 1 Salmonid Recovery Plan and other related activities. 13eerde* apse (Brenner) 3) p. G-3; lines 24-28: 2005 WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan — Phase One The 2005 WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan was eempleted approved in 2005 by the Joint Administrative Board, Planning Unit (by consensus), and the County Council. Pursuant to subsequent state requirements, a WRIA1 Watershed Detailed Implementation Plan was approved by the Joint Administrative Board, Planning Unit, and County Council in 2007. It provides a roadmap for addressing water quantity, water quality, instream flow, and fish habitat challenges. (Brenner) 4) p. G-5; line 29-32: Capacity problems in the district's sewer line, which serves Geneva and Sudden Valley, have caused overflows into the lake in the past. An aggressive program to preclude stormwater infiltration has elated reduced the overflow problems to a large extent. (Brenner) 0 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Appendix — Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 5) p. G-6; line 30-36: A significant cause of declining oxygen levels has been from residential development in the watershed. Past development permitted by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County has led to increased phosphorus loading into the lake, which stimulates algae growth. Bacteria that consume the dying algae deplete the dissolved oxygen, leading to lower oxygen levels in the lake. PhOSPhOFUS lead ing to the In ka (Brenner) 6) p. G-8; lines 5-10: The joint resolution included goals for watershed management that extended beyond urbanization. Goals were included for stormwater management, on -site waste systems, conservation, forest management, spill response, hazardous materials transport and handling, data/information management, education/public involvement, and other topics. A joint strategy was agKeedto approved for developing specific plans to meet the adopted goals. (Brenner) 7) p. G-12; line 1-5: The primary purpose of the FCZD is flood hazard management. Revenue generated to for this purpose is accomplished in two ways: (1) a county -wide uniformly applied seFviee charge tax; and, (2) supplemental revenue generated within localized Diking Districts and Sub -Flood Districts where specific local project activity is planned. 8) p. G-12; lines 24-26: Whatcom County's Critical Areas Regulations aim to protect people and property in Frequently Flooded Area (FFAs) by requiring that any development in these areas conforms to WCC Title 17, Flood Damage Prevention. (Brenner) 9) p. G-13; lines 15-26: The current Permit boundary covers approximately 15,000 acres and generally includes the following areas (Error! Reference source not found.): • Bellingham Urban Growth Area • Sudden Valley • Portions of the Hillsdale and Emerald Lake area • Portions along North Shore Drive on Lake Whatcom and Lake Whatcom Boulevard • Ferndale Urban Growth Area • Portions along Chuckanut Drive and Chuckanut Bay + Birch Bay Urban Growth Area (4egi.,.,i g "uguss1, M34 Additionally, though not within the NPEDS permit area, the County has made the entire Lake Whatcom watershed subject to the illicit discharge detection and elimination requirements of the Permit through ordinance and agreement with the Department of Ecology. (Brenner) 10) p. G-16; lines 34-38: The WRIA 1 Salmonid Recovery Plan (2005), a chapter of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan, guides restoration in the Nooksack River and adjacent 61 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Appendix — Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs watersheds. This plan was developed in partnership with Nooksack Tribe, Lummi Nation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bellingham, Whatcom County Government and the small cities of Whatcom County. (Brenner) Items 11 through 35 concern comma use and other grammatical changes and may be considered in a single motion. 11) p. G-3; lines 29-33: The goals of the WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project_ are -to -have water of sufficient quantity and quality to meet the needs of current and future human gene ratio nsfJOng the restoration of salmon, steelhead, and trout populations to healthy harvestable Ievelsy; and the improvement of habitats on which fish and shellfish rely. (Brenner) 12) p. G-3; lines 35-40: Water Quantity — To assess water supply and use, and develop strategies to meet current and future needs. The strategies should retain or provide adequate amounts of water to protect and restore fish habitat, provide water for future out -of -stream -uses, and ensure that adequate water supplies are available for agriculture, energy production, a+d population, and economic growth under the requirements of the state's Growth Management Act. (Brenner) 13) p. G-3; lines 42- p. G-4, line 2: Water Quality — To ensure that the quality of our water is sufficient for current and future uses, including restoring and protecting water quality to meet the needs of salmon and shellfish, rontac-t recreational uses, cultural uses, protection of wildlife, providing affordable, safe, domestic water supplies, and other beneficial uses. The initial objectives of the water quality management strategy will be to meet the water quality standards. (Brenner) 14) p. G-4; lines 12-17: In 2010, the WRIA 1 Joint Board adopted a work plan, budget, and financing strategy, called the Lower Nooksack Strategy, to advance a negotiated settlement of Tribal and state in -stream flow water rights on the mainstem of the Nooksack River, while maximizing the economic and environmental benefits of out -of -stream water use in the Lower Nooksack sub -basin. The Joint Board adopted the Lower Nooksack Strategy, consistent with WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan priorities. (Brenner) 15) p. G-4; lines 40-44: Lake Whatcom is a large multi -purpose reservoir that is the source of drinking 3 water for the City of Bellingham, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, several other smaller water districts/associations, and about 250 homes that 62 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Appendix — Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs draw water directly from the lake. A44GI4641he lake provides water to about half the population of Whatcom County. (Brenner) 16) p. G-5; lines 1-3: Lake Whatcom is a multiple use lake and watershed. In addition to providing water for drinking, commercial,. and industrial uses, the lake is used for boating, swimming, and fishing. (Brenner) 17) p. G-6; lines 18-21: This study documented that Lake Whatcom is impaired for dissolved oxygen due to phosphorus loading and that streams flowing into Lake Whatcom do not meet fecal coliform bacteria standards. (Brenner) 18) p. G-7; lines 6-8: These lands will provide passive recreation opportunities with hiking and biking trails connecting various communities, neighborhoods, and parks throughout the watershed. (Brenner) 19) p. G-7; lines 40-42: In addition to zoning,, identify and promote other actions to minimize potential for increased development in the watershed (i.e. land trust, development rights, cost incentives, etc.). (Brenner) 20) p. G-9; lines 32-35: Any new building permits on existing lots must be able to demonstrate that stormwater detention is included en in the plan as a precondition to issuance of a permit. Sudden Valley is also subject to additional regulatory protections that apply to the Lake Whatcom wWatershed... (Brenner) 21) p. G-10; lines 8-10: Aquifers are often integrally linked with surface water systems and are essential for meeting in -stream and out -of -stream water needs, such as for drinking water, agriculture, and industry. (Brenner) 22) p. G-10; lines 14-18: Many studies have been conducted related to groundwater quality in Whatcom County documenting water quality issues,. such as exceedances of standards for nitrate, ethylene dibromide (EDB) and 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-D), pesticides, iron, and other agricultural -related contaminates, particularly in the northern portion of the County. (Brenner) 23) p. G-10; lines 30-33: A comprehensive approach to flood hazard management planning provides few a better understanding of the river and floodplain system. It also aPA ensures that flooding and channel morphology problems are not simply transferred to another location within the basin, but are addressed in a comprehensive, basinwide manner. (Brenner) 24) p. G-10; lines 39-40: Whatcom County Public Works coordinates with the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee (FCZDAC) to identify and characterize flooding problems and provide recommendations for achieving consistent, long-term, flood hazard reduction strategies. (Brenner) El 63 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Appendix — Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 25) p. G-11; lines 27-29: Repair and Maintenance Program — Address problem areas with rivers, streams, and coastlines of Whatcom County, and mitigates future flood damages in a proactive and cost-effective manner. (Brenner) 26) p. G-11; lines 41-42:The FCZD is a quasi -municipal corporation that is a separate legal entity from the Whatcom County government. (Brenner) 27) p. G-12; lines 30-37: Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the land surface. The addition of roads, driveways, parking lots, rooftops, and other surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground to-eer tscape greatly increases the runoff volume created during storms. This runoff is swiftly carried to our local streams, lakes, wetlands, and rivers, and can cause flooding and erosion. Stormwater runoff also picks up and carries with it many different pollutants that are found on paved surfaces, such as sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides, and metals. (Brenner) 28) p. G-12; line 46 — p. G-13, line 4: As a result, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to address stormwater runoff. States are tlea required to administer permits to local jurisdictions to regulate runoff as part of the NPDES Program. (Brenner) 29) p. G-14; lines 6-14: EveFyone waeClean water to supports healthy drinking water, safe recreational uses, quality water for irrigation and livestock, healthy fish, and shellfish that are safe to consume. Currently, many streams in Whatcom County do not meet water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria. Fecal coliform bacteria are found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals and when found in streams are an indicator of human or animal waste in the water. The higher the bacteria level, the greater the public health risk to people drinking water, wading, fishing, or consuming shellfish. The Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program har. heen was created to help implement community solutions to clean water. (Brenner) 30) p. G-15; lines 23-25:The declines in local salmonid stocks, especially Chinook salmon, have had profound economic, cultural, and social impacts on the greater WRIA 1 community. (Brenner) 31) p. G-15; lines 30-34: Nonetheless, salmon remain an integral part of the natural and social landscape 5 of Whatcom County and the Nooksack River wWatershed. Recent recovery watershed planning and restoration efforts by federal, state, local, and tribal governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, and private citizens demonstrate a commitment to salmon recovery in WRIA 1. (Brenner) M July 14,2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Appendix — Water Resources and Salmon Recovery Programs 32) p. G-15; lines 42-46: The ultimate goal for salmon recovery in WRIA 1 is: to recover self-sustaining salmonid runs to harvestable levels through the restoration of healthy rivers and natural stream, river, estuarine, and nearshore marine processesy; careful use of hatcheries,; and responsible harvest, and with the active participation and support of local landowners, businesses, and the larger community. (Brenner) 33) p. G-16; lines 2-4: ...and to outline the framework for implementation of recommended actions that have been agreed to by local, state, tribal, and federal governments, and stakeholders in WRIA 1. (Brenner) 34) p. G-16; lines 8-10: Address late -timed Chinook through adaptive management, focusing in the near -term on identifying hatchery -[remove hyphen] versus naturally -produced population components; (Brenner) 35) p. G-16; lines 11-15: Facilitate recovery of WRIA 1 bull trout and steelhead by implementing actions with mutual benefit to b early chinook, aP4 bull trout, and steelhead, and by removing fish passage barriers in presumed bull trout and steelhead spawning and rearing habitats in the upper Nooksack River watershed; (Brenner) 0 65 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2016-047G CLEARANCES Initial Date Date Received in Council O ace Agenda Date Assigned to: Originator: M.A. 41512016 411912016 Planning & Matt W. Aamot (� p n lLE C 6 i�-i- )) Development Committee Division Head: Mark Personius �t•d i ` r �" 5/17/16 SCOTW Dept. Head: Sam 5/31/16 SCOTW y APR !0` �y® R 12 20117r Prosecutor 6/14/16 COTG7/Public Hearing Royce Buckingham �✓ Z _ 7-- (� ��yl@ �^ pyy�{ -�-�® UN 1 i yY! 1At COO COUNTY V Purchasing/Budget: COUNCIL 6/28/2016 SCOTW Executive: � Jack Lows 'No 7/14/2016 SCOTW TITLE OF DdC ENT: Briefing and discussion on Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 (Economics). ATTACHMENT: Related paperwork can be found at: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/2346/Comprehensive-Plan-Update-Process SEPA review required? ( X ) Yes ( ) NO Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( J Yes (X) NO SEPA review completed? ( X ) Yes ( ) NO SUMMARY STATENIENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice. Be specific and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate. Be clear in explaining the intent of the action.) Under the Growth Management Act, Whatcom County and the seven cities within the County must complete the periodic update of their comprehensive plans and review urban growth areas by June 30, 2016 (RCW 36.70A.130). The Planning and Development Services Department would like to make a presentation and discuss Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 (Economics) with the Council's Planning and Development Committee. COMMITTEE ACTION.° COUNCIL ACTION. 4/19/2016: Briefed and discussed 5/17/2016: Comments recvd., discussed and gave direction 5/31/2016: SCotw: Not discussed 6/14/2016: Comments received and Prelim. direction given 6/14/2016: Public Testimony Received 6/28/2016: Comments received and prelim. direction given Related County Contract #: Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number: AB2016-047 PCease Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing and printing on the County's website at: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/council. «01 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Chapter Seven Economics Introduction Purpose Economic vitality is the measure of the economic health of the County --its people, +ts-businesses, and k-s-government. A way -Different ways of enhancing economic vitality are+s through public and private actions designed to achieve: 1. Maintenance of a strong sustainable economic base 2. Diversification of the local economy. 3. Improved job training and educational opportunities; and 4. Creation and maintenance of a range of family -wage jobs_ Economic vitality depends onean alse be described singply as job retention, job creation, job training programs, public and private capital investment, and business and community capacity -building to allow businesses or community groups to do the job themselves. The purpose of the economic element is to set goals and establish policies which promote economic vitality for the future of Whatcom County. This chapter provides policies that directly affect other elements of this plan, and hew this plan was dFafted. There are also policies that can be utilized to help direct future planning actions or to review private requests for plan amendments, rezones, or specific projects. Finally, ON - - - :- - 110-1-1100-- VITA •G - G' - - R.M.-HeIn- i - Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-1 67 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics GMA Goals; and County -Wide Planning Policies, and Visioning Gemmunit c+.._b....,...ni... This chapter specifically addresses Goal #5 of the Growth Management Act, which encourages economic development and economic opportunity for all citizens of the state. The County -Wide Planning Policies also have a sections on economic development which this chapter specifically addresses. Examples include_ recognition of the need for a healthy economy; the emphasis on coordination and cooperation among jurisdictions and public/private partnering; coordination with environmental quality; and the desire to maintain the resource -based industries and recreation as we move toward a more diversified economy. This chapter recognizes the best path towards economic prosperity will likely be found through promotion of the county's existing strengths, such as our unique position to accommodate Canadian companies looking to expand and access the US market our extensive recreational infrastructure and the skilled workforce produced by our excellent educational institutions. in general this er ethereeenengic issues. Um Mom WIN-- IN 01 Reason for change: This section of Chapter 7 addresses the GMA and County -wide Planning Policies. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is addressed later in this chapter. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-2 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics GMA Requirements to 1 •-•11 • -• - • • .- •• to c- ' Reason for change: The GMA was amended in 2002 to require an economic development element only if funds coveringlocal government costs' are distributed by the state at least two years prior to the deadline for updating the comprehensive plan. The state has not yet distributed such funds. Background Summary Total number of people employed in Whatcom County increased from 64,720 in 1990 to 94,310 in 2013, an increase of almost 30,000 people with jobs. During this period, monthly unemployment has typically ranged from about 5 to 7.5%, but has gone as low as 3.8% in 2006-2007 and peaked at 11.1% in 2010 in the aftermath of the Great Recession. 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 Civilian Labor Force Employment Unemployment 40,000 20,000 tie tia do ti� ti� ti°° do do ,yo do do do Source: Washington Employment Security Department (2014) Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-3 M:�% County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics The Washington State Employment Security Department maintains more detailed statistics on "covered" employment, which are Jobs covered by state unemployment insurance. Covered employment for Whatcom County is shown below in Table 1, and Figures 2 and 3 by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. increase Industry 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2002-2013 Resources and Utilities 3,053 3,110 3,071 3,196 3,097 3,115 3,362 3,336 3,376 3,645 3,710 3,672 20.28% Construction 5,471 5,679 6,030 6,906 7,216 6,928 6,979 5,652 4,861 4,845 5,078 5,002 -8.57% Manufacturing 7,932 7,991 8,034 8,324 8,630 9,027 8,695 7,727 7,617 8,242 8,703 8,923 12.49% Wholesale Trade 2,465 2,629 , 2,919 3,127 3,075 2,994 2,971 2,677 2,648 , 2,552 2,535 2,514 1.99% Retail Trade 8,877 9,211 9,487 10,012 10,063 10,253 10,295 9,855 9,701 10,029 10,373 10,834 22,05% Transportation and Warehousing 1,562 _1,506 1,634 1,707 1,751 1,782 1,827 1,862 1,856 1,950 2,047 2,102 34.57% Health Care Services 7,139 7,507 8,086 8,394 8,644 9,015 9,232 9,445 9,625 9,784 9,781 9,861 38.13% Accommodation and Food Services 6,818 6,936 7,220 7,544 7,944 8,266 8,159 7,621 7,454 7,257 7,138 7,833 14.89% Other Services 14,172 14,576 15,056 15,639 16,026 17,084 17,421 16,673 16,295 16,675 16,935 17,235 21.61% Govemment 12,817 13,272 13,451 13,652 13,742 14,082 14,224 14,316 14,346 14,291 14,101 14,339 11.87 Total 70,306 72,417 74,988 78,501 80,188 82,544 83,167 79,164 77,779 79,270 80,40182,315 17.08% Source: Whatcom County Population and Employment Projections and Urban Growth Area Allocations - Phase I Technical Report November 1, 2013 (BERK) and Washington State Employment Security Department (2014) r 90,000 � _ I � f 80,000 _ a I 70,000 >.... Government 60,000 d 9 Other Services t„ t Accommodation and Food Services 50,000' Care Services 40,000 1 ■alth Transportation and Warehousing i -.-. ■ Retail Trade 30,000 t Wholesale Trade i � Manufacturing 20,000 ` F. 6 e - Construction f 10,000 ,' a ?� �z. ® Resources and Utilities I i 0 '.. z z 2002 2003 2004 � .. - - 2005 2006 2007 F2010 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013Y Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-4 all County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Total covered employment in Whatcom County increased by 17% between 2002 and 2013 while population grew by 18%_during this same period (see Table 1. aboveL. Health care services increased by 38% from 2002-2013 which is the highest percentage gain of any industries shown above. Employment in the resources and utilities retail trade transportation and warehousing, and other services categories also grew more than average. Between 2002 and 2013, about 8.5% of the construction jobs were lost Construction which was hit hard in the aftermath of the economic downturn, was the only industry that suffered a net loss_ ofjobs in this time -frame. The 2013 distribution of jobs is shown below. Median household income in Whatcom County increased between 1990 and 2013, although not as much as in Washington State. In 2013 the median household income was almost $52,000 in Whatcom County. In the state as a whole 2013 median household income was approaching $59 000. A comparison of County and State median income, not adjusted for inflation, is presented below. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-5 71 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 70,000 20,000 { 10,000 pO oilO1 OA O° 04' yO yi 00 .�0 .10 ,LO Chapter 7 - Economics Whatcom County ® Washington State Source: Washington Office of Financial_ Management 2014 i . 3 i • • ■ C • i QOMMNAM 3. • • - r . • • 3 3 - �- MM. 07T. 3 r - - 3 i - - C Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-6 72 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics auspiees ef EDG te review industrial !and suppIly needs. The Ahateen, Ceunty Prier to an eee ,+-r—1 -in-Oetebeam, r�,- ffib r „F netwerk between jur-isdietliens and ...-I ..Fr ,-a-r ..1-. issues,e. in -..l.-Ili-i.. 1-L... C(lTC was .,ha gedI. Geunty. 11 full werk plan was established fFern whieh te aeeeffiplish these eblieetives. Reasonfor change: Deleting outdated information. Community Wide Strategic Planning Efforts Whatcom County ComRrehensive Economic Development Strategy The Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was updated in 2015. The principal purpose of the CEDS is to facilitate the retention and creation of living -wage jobs and to foster a stable and diversified regional economy, thereby, improving the Quality of life in the region. Its intent is to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an `economic roadmap" to diversify and strengthen the regional economy by integrating the region's human resources and capital -improvements planning in the service of economic development. The CEDS incorporates three vision statements relating to the County's preferred economic future: Whatcom County values its business community, which is principally responsible for the continued growth in gobs and incomes in the region-_ ® Whatcom County and its constituent communities have vibrant and dynamic economies where the region's abundant natural resources are cherished and protected: and ® Whatcom County has an outstanding quality of life where all residents have opportunities to _thrive and the support they need to seize those opportunities. The CEDS also identifies infrastructure and other proigcts that support economic development and includes economic data. The CEDS report has primarily directed sales tax revenue collected under RCW 82.14.370 be used to fund infrastructure. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-7 991 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics In 2012 more than 90 leaders and representatives from businesses local governments not -for -profit organizations and the public helped create the Whatcom Futures report._The following are quotes from the report: "Whatcom County_'s lower commercial real estate costs compared to those in B.C. - as well as the enhanced access to the U.S. market that a Canadian company enjoys with a U.S. location - has resulted in significant Canadian business investment in the County." "Bellingham Technical College's Engineering and Advance Manufacturing programs offer degrees that are in demand by industries in Whatcom - and nationwide - with starting_ salaries for new graduates in excess of $50 000 a year". "The economic value of Whatcom's natural resources manifests itself in numerous ways For instance, the County is the top producer of raspberries in the U.S. and a leading producer of other types of berries as well as dairy products, fish and shellfish". "However, it is important to note that a single resource will often have value to more than one economic sector. For instance, the presence of timberland supports eco-tourism as well as the forest products industry. The same can be said of farmland - which in addition to the produce it generates also facilitates agri-tourism - as well as the region's fisheries, which support both commercial and sport fishing." "The ability to receive a quality education from Pre-K through post graduate study greatly enhances the quality of life in the County and is an important asset in recruiting businesses to come to the region. Indeed, strong public schools and the availability of higher education are among the principal attributes that prospects look for when considering relocation." .,FF...-}., T4,., Few.-} }-...I� i—I..}i���f crrvres. cvrir p rc c ry n e the , 9-s-being ' Six everardncft - - C_ .0...���-.wow:wz�:...:ii�.Tisiii�c:.w�t.�iGrni►O�r�� G�*���w .�u�tii i►O��iu Frr_�i Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-8 74 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics -: :. -- - - - - - - WOMM -- - - Whatcom Countv delegated iob creation activities to the Port of Bellingham, which serves as the County's "Associate Development Organization" (ADO). The Port of Bellingham's mission statement is: "To fulfill the essential transportation and economic development needs of the region, while providing leadership and maintaining Whatcom County's overall economic vitality through the development of comprehensive facilities, programs, and services". Issues, Goals, and Policies Diversified Economy Quality of life is an essential component in many people's choice to live in Whatcom County. A fundamental aspect of "quality of life" characteristics is a strong and diversified economy; —etie—_that remains resilient through business cycles, —is ,relatively , and e„-e— that can provide family -wage employment, affordable housing, discretionary income, tax base, and sponsors for worthy causes. Such an economy should provide for all segments of society with a geographic distribution that, in accordance with the land use plan, spreads the jobs and tax base throughout the area. Reason for change: The WWU Small Business Development Center no longer conducts this survey. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-9 75 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Retain the diverse base of manufacturing and other family wage firms already here, as well as prepare for future opportunities by: (i) working with our workforce development partners to ensure we focus on the skills enhancement needed for existing and future industries; and (ii) maintaining an adequate supply of shovel -ready land to support the buildings and infrastructure companies will require. The waae and iob prospects in the service sector vary widely _based on the nature of the employment Retail positions offer relatively low wages and limited prospects for job growth in part due to the trend of retail sales shifting away from traditional storefronts to the internet. Conversely computer programming and cyber-security positions offer entry level wages that are typically well above the national average with some artificial intelligence positions attractingstratospheric starting salaries in other areas of the country. As the developed world evolves away from a resource -based and high-volume/low- value-added manufacturing economy, most of the new generation of family wage jobs will likely come from knowledge intensive industries such as computer software and high -value-added specialty manufacturing. The CEDS and Whatcom Futures reports are valuable contributions to the challenge of the improving the Whatcom County economy and Whatcom County has much to offer prospective employers as indicated by our latest informational resource www.ChooseWhatcom.com. - - - - •• - - UNION 01" I WIN I WIN • - - - - • • IM - • WN • • • - • Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 10 76 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - i • - - _ • • • • Reason for change: Employment information is included in the Background Summary in this Chapter. Wage information is in the CEDS and on the Internet. Goal 7A: Promote a healthy economy vvlhieh pro9 providing_ ample opportunity for family -wage jobs for diverse segments of the community, which is essential to the quality of life in the area. Policy 7A-1: Together with the cities, provide an ample, developable land supply for commercial and industrial uses to provide opportunity for new and expanding firms wishing to locate or remain in Whatcom County. Policy 7A-2: Foster a diverse, private -sector job base, which will provide family - wage jobs at the state median income level or greater, and facilitate the retention and expansion of existing businesses. An increasing bodv of research has concluded communities that prioritize and invest in Business Start Up Retention, Expansion, and Recruitment will experience job growth, income growth, and economic resiliency. Policy 7A-3: Employ innovative techniques to at-traetrecruit a mix of diversified industries for a broader economic base starting with the creation of a new economic development Drogram to be funded ideally with monies collected under RCW 82.14.370. This program will be governed by a sunset provision whereby it will automatically terminate after seven years if it was not able to document its efforts were contributing to an equal or greater number of new jobs for the money invested in it, compared to other economic development projects funded by the community. Policy 7A-4: In addition to stimulating family -wage jebsemployment and jobs in diverse sectors, pjan fey -ensure we retain entry level and -service - related jobs such as those necessary to support tourism, Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 11 77 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics recreation, and retailing, as well as these that relate-te and other industries-y. Policy 7A-5: Support a joint venture between the public and private sector in a training and technology partnership with local education resource providers to develop' e€ an educated work force as a key factor for economic success. Such partnerships should include Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College,-PdW Northwest Workforce 9eelopment, Council, and businesses and industries. Policy 7A-6: Support "IndustFia baro,=s" to faei'taze—business start-up operations and entrepreneurship education. which are bigger- than eettage industries, but net yet Y-fef-a stand mere industFial site Policy 7A-7: Foster an adequate amount of preferred housing supply for all income levels as a prerequisite for a healthy economy. Policy 7A-8: Enhance the environment for resource -based and knowledge -based industries with an emphasis on attracting employment to the communities in eastern Whatcom County. Policy 7A-9: Produce a strategic plan to guide the county's participation in tourism devele-pffient-marketing. Policy 7A-10: Establish a competitiveness review of policies, taxes/fees, processes, and other influences that impact county businesses. Coordination/Cooperation and Public/Private Partnerships In the mid , it was Feeegnized that eCooperation and coordination businesses, jurisdictions and other entities arewer-e essential components to achieve a strong economy. The CEDS states that one of its purposes is communication and outreach that encourages local goal setting, _public engagement, and a commitment to cooperation among the different levels of government, the business community, and the not -for -profit sector. Speeial eff� hired staff with this f,.eus The Port of Bellinaham was desianated as the Associate Development Organization ADO in Whatcom County by_ the County Executive in 2012. An ADO is intended to serve as a point of contact for local economic development activities by supporting business retention, expansion of existinq businesses, and new business development. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 12 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics In the late 1970s, Whatcom County and its communities were suffering economicallv._ Reliance on natural resource harvesting and export to drive, employment growth was insufficient to generate the jobs that were required. A work group of community leaders, local governments, and the private sector was convened and the Stanford Research Institute was hired to assess opportunities. Their report emphasized: a. Sellina the State of Alaska on relocating the southern terminus of its ferry from Seattle to Bellingham; b. Marketing to BC businesses interested in a foothold in the U.S. market; and C. Promoting Whatcom County's potential as a regional service center for Northwest Washington and the lower BC mainland, including retail healthcare and manufacturing entrepreneurs.. The community rose to the challenge and the Alaska Ferry terminal was relocated to Bellingham and more than 3,000 ririimarily manufacturing jobs were added at a time when the county's population was about half of what it is today. The community recognizes both the global and local economy have changed significantly since the Stanford report was commissioned in the 1970s and the report itself is out of date. Nonetheless the community remains confident our history_proves that with updated research, and an intelligent, focused approach, we can again bring much needed family -wage jobs to our community. Our success will depend on leveraging the significant expertise of our business community and our willingness to allocate sufficient financial resources for our economic development initiatives to have a meaningful impact. New employers have traditionally emerged from three primary sources: Canadians lookina for skilled labor and cheaper industrial land than can be found in BC and/or access to the US market; ii. Home grown entrepreneurs who have chosen to remain headquartered in the county as their businesses have grown; and iii. Established business owners who have relocated because they are attracted to the county's superior quality of life. - - - - - - - - - - - : : r - - LIL -OW 19- - - Goal 7B: Support increased public/private sector partnering among all entities involved with economic development. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 13 79 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Policy 7B-1: The Port of Bellingham, serving as the ADO, will work with the cities, the County, Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions, and other groups to assist retention and expansion of existing local businesses and to attract appropriate businesses to Whatcom County. Prior to an ADO contract renewal, the ADO's performance shall be evaluated by surveying the members of the other organizations_ and private companies the ADO has been working with to promote economic development. ` eFl( with the the Pert. ef-Belling,hang, the E-GrD, and the Genventien and Visite —ether Feups E businesses, Policy 78-2: Continue to -i-i-k'. Eeenerny !n informally meeting with staff from all tlg-e entities and jurisdictions involved with economic development to discuss issues of interest on a periodic basis. Reason for change: The Partnership for a Sustainable Economy has transitioned into a group called the Small City Partnership, which is a forum for small city issues and economic development topics. Policy 7B-3: With the , cities, Port of Bellingham, Council of Governments, Tribal governments, Northwest Economic Council, Chambers of Commerce, business, labor, education, and other social and community interests, continue to cooperate? on _ updatingpfepefe and implementing the annual -Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy project list and other economic analyses and plans. Policy 7B-4: Identify, develop and match funding opportunities with the economic development projects contained within the CEDS-fit. Funding sources could include W A G E- R'T, the Economic Development Administration_ _(EDAM, Community Development Block Grants CDBGZ,. 8 Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERBJ, C-ZM --Rural Sales Tax (also known as the Economic Development Initiative or EDI fund), USDA Rural Development, and other types of grants,_ ard-loans, private investment, local match and many other federal, state, and local sources. Policy 7B-5: Encourage utilization of current technology and efficient communications tools to disseminate information. Policy 7B-6: A forward focused marketing strategy and a professional outbound lead generation program shall solicit inward investment from targeted industry sectors that are forecast to provide growth in Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 14 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics type of family wage jobs that the community is well positioned to support. Policv 713-7: Provide these leads to oraanizations such as Team Whatcom,_ the Port, non -profits, and private sector partners that offer the best fit based on the nature of the lead and the partners commitment to continuously demonstrate/verify high levels of responsiveness and customer satisfaction. Policy 713-8: Leads related to economic development must at all times be responded to promptly and professionally. Infrastructure Despite the many natural advantages for economic growth in Whatcom County, several factors constrain the creation of future wealth in the county. One of the factors is the lack of adequate infrastructure for future industrial development. An adequate water distribution system is one example. Water quantity and quality and the distribution system needed to supply water are all elements of the water supply problem. In addition, the complex legal issues regarding rights to water are being considered relative to planning for future growth (see Utilities and Environment Chapters). Future water withdrawals from the region's rivers and aquifers will be considered relative to the need to provide adequate water for both in -stream and out-of-streamethe users. In 1998, through the enactment of state legislation, the boundaries of the Water Resource Inventory Area No. 1 (WRIA 1) were established. Caucis-es—The Planning_ Unit, representing various stakeholders, iswrere designated to address, thFeu h leeal gevernment, water resource planning needs from a watershed perspective through local government. The WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan was completed in 2005. This plan addresses water quantity, water quality, instream flow, and fish habitat. This preeess is currently under -way and iss expected to pFeVide technical teels te aid Watershed planning must continue to be considered relative to the 20 year plans for sewer, all-weather access roads, and appropriate storm drainage to encourage new industries to easily locate in Whatcom County. Effective government services, such as criminal and civil justice, public health and safety, planning and development services, safe roads, and stormwater facilities play an important role in supporting economic development. Adequate funding for the increased de�,nd feF governmental services and the infrastructure to support them is critical to expansion of the Whatcom County economy. Along with planning for future water and other infrastructure for economic development, electric energy supply and telecommunications are also important for future economic growth within the county. The expansion or construction of new Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 15 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics transmission facilities is important for the locational decisions of the industries that might want to locate to Whatcom County. Alsa PUP #I'sinfiNE of advanced teleeen9n9 inieatiens sef-y+-es fer public agencies and businesses in pfexincii, t y 'I- a IE " e nf,;],\.'E.T netweF!( facilities. Facilities i c-It�de—a—backoene—e-fife- , Reason for change: The PUD is no longer pursuing this particular project. Goal M Ensure adequate infrastructure to support existing and future business development and evolving technology. Policy 7C-1: Continue to work with all involved parties to ensure an adequate water supply and distribution system to support economic growth. Policy 7C-2: Encourage the provision of adequate transportation infrastructure, including roads to all industrial sites. Policy 7C-3: Work with service providers for a dependable electric power supply, alternative energy sources, communications, and evolving technology to support existing and future business development. Policy 7C-4: Encourage location of industrial areas, especially where sewer and water service and all weather access can be readily provided when necessary. Policy 7C-5: Support the efforts of th-e-PUD #1 and area communication and cable companies to get a fiber optic network throughout Whatcom County. Reason for change: Any such proposal would be considered under the permitting authorities that exist. Policy 7C-6-7: Participate in the ongoing; implementation and operation of the countywide water resources management body (WRIA #1) for Whatcom County. Policy 7C-78: Recognize the importance of governmental services and facilities to support economic development. Update capital facility plans and appropriate adequate funding for public facility upgrade or expansion necessary to serve projected population and business growth. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 16 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Policy 7C-89.: Recognize the importance of integrated transportation planning to economic development. Policy 7C-9: Work with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, and the cities to develop and implement a common Countywide Way -Finding system that encourages people traveling on the I-5 corridor to detour and easily find the many tourist attractions that Whatcom County has to offer. Policy 7C-10: Develop plans and prioritize facilities for the County to become internationally recognized as a "Trail -Town" tourist destination (one that offers 100 miles or more of contiguous walking/hiking trails) by 2027. Regulations/Processing Sufficient regulatory control and enforcement is needed to protect the environment and general health, safety, and welfare of the community and also to assure minimum quality standards to protect development investments from adverse effects from neighboring development. This must be tempered to avoid excessive cost, inflexibility, unpredictability, and excessive time delays. Ample land is needed with proper zoning to ensure a wide range of choice and preclude excessive land prices. Such lands should be located in areas suitable for development thus minimizing the need for regulatory controls. Site -specific environmental constraints such as wetlands, streams, and river protection areas reduce land use options for many businesses and industrial firms. One step toward addressing this issue is the initiatien by the Point 'If- ellinghang eenduEt an a land capacity analysis which includes an inventory of the supply and availability of industrial and commercial properties in the county and to --eerie -a forecast of future demands. and needs. Goal7D: Consistent with other goals of the county, strive for balanced, clear, and predictable overall policies, practices and regulations which do not unnecessarily or inadvertently prevent, confuse, delay, or create costly hurdles restricting effective and desirable economic development. Policy 7D-1: Work with state and federal agencies to coordinate and streamline environmental review. Policy 7D-2: Consider conducting in-depth environmental analysis for comprehensive plans and subarea plans Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 17 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics to limit the need for future analysis by the private sector to a few issues that are unique to a specific project and cannot be reasonably analyzed at a subarea level. -Reason for change: Policies 7D-2 and 7K-5 address addresses programmatic environmental analysis. Policy 7D-34: Integrate and simplify regulations to make them more understandable and user-friendly. Policy 7D-48: Utilize graphic illustrations to explain choices which cannot be clearly conveyed in a few words. Policy 7D-58: Utilize private sector professional review, where appropriate, to streamline the permitting process and provide a choice of reviewing options for applicants including engineers who could provide pre - approved engineered drawings. Policy 7D-6-7: Streamline and coordinate the permit process and sustain a supportive customer service approach towards permitting. Policy 7D-78: Develep a eeFnputerized systeng, system, Use technology — and an inter -net web site so the public can receive information on the status of projects, latest drafts of documents, and access to general resources via the Internet. Policy 7D-89: Create options for greater. flexibility in the regulatory and development review process. Policy 7D-91G: Consider the vision statements and action items in the CEDS when conducting local planning processes. -Review and ineer-peFate into lecal planning preeesses-tbe­g�s and :: -- - Pelieies .- - Proximity To Canada The impact of the British Columbia population on the local Whatcom County economy is considered both an asset and a liability, depending on the particular type of impact being considered. The large Canadian consumer population has created an—ineFdinate4y large retail sector in Whatcom County, increasing Jobs, retail sales taxes and traffic. I-n-39n4 edes-in diea d th-at Oev-eF 2 5°v-~� cff4 en9.ps-Felated-te r-. naA.; 1 ~ aC 'vil ty n d 38_°lo-t$40% o Over time, the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 18 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics impacts of Canadian consumer activity havehas fluctuated greatly, primarily in relationship to the value of the Canadian dollar and increased security issues. Between 1995 ^A '�nn� c +- 0 1— � �i,� �+ -1olu i ,!BQk and ' i-ra-s, e:, pec Gl e c i y , IDepat=tn9ent ef Revenue. Retail jobs tend to be low -wage, frequently part-time, and without benefits. Even though these jobs can prove to be a valuable asset to a community by providing supplemental family income, part-time work availability, and entry-level positions, when this is factored with the rising cost of living in Whatcom County, it becomes apparent that many local retail jobs do not pay a living wage. This fact has important ramifications for funding public sector services, provision of affordable housing, meeting rising medical costs, and supply of other basic services. A n9er-e-positive aspect of the proximity to Canada is the opportunity for job creation through BC te-pfev4de4er-E-affa4it+ companies who want te-looking for a great location to expand or relocate in the United States te "..ea den their- FnaFket or enjoy other economic advantages. Goal 7E: Enhance the economic trade, tourism, and industrial siting advantages of the county's location adjacent to the Canadian border. Policy 7E-1: Support attractions for Canadians and other visitors so they will remain in the e$nmunittycounty longer and distribute their spending throughout the community. Some of the examples would include support for such items as the following: • Events such as the "Ski to Sea" race and festival. • The Whatcom Museum ef HiSteFy and AFt, Mount Baker Theater, other historic and cultural centers, and community revitalization efforts. • Parks and open spaces. • The Bellingham Festival of Music. • The Mount Baker outdoor recreation area. • Farmers markets and other natural resource based activities. • Projects, events and activities of unincorporated areas such as Point Roberts, Birch Bay and East County. Policy 7E-2: Work cooperatively with jurisdictions in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, along with US and Canadian national Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 19 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 7 - Economics governments, to facilitate the development of economic, transportation, and environmental initiatives. Policy 7E-3: Use Western Washington University as a regional resource and major draw for Canadians and others who participate in symposiums and other regional events. Policy 7E-4: Continue to provide assistance and t#e-opportunitiesy for Canadian companies to relocate or set up a second plant in Whatcom County, while at the same time encouraging our companies to explore and develop markets in Canada. Business Retention and Expansion Businesses create jobs, supply needed goods and services and enhance economic opportunities for the residents of the County. Businesses tee -re -invest profits and pay wages in the local community. A local company with national or international interests, or a national firm with major local investment can provide substantial support to local causes,- -nd educational and cultural activities, and the tax base. Local businesses use local banks and other support services which help keep dollars cycling through the local economy. Therefore, business retention and expansion are important elements that support the economic well-being of the community. MOM - - - - - '. - MIN c--WIAMIwin - -- �- - - - �.� ee• - a Goal7F: Encourage development that creates local re -investment funds and provides jobs in the local community. Policy 7F-1: Support existing local businesses locally as the major contributors of job creation and regeneration and afford them every opportunity to continue their success in the community. Policy 7F-2: Encourage businessesinvestngents whose products and services can be marketed beyond the borders of Whatcom County, both domestically and internationally. Policy 7F-3: Encourage firms to contribute financially as a --partners with the public sector in sharing th-e-costs for civic and cultural needs of the community -at -large. Policy 7F-4: Enhance opportunities for increased resource -based (agricultural, forest, fisheries., and mining products) value added industries. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 20 0 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 7 - Economics Policy 7F-5: Encourage utilization of existing and future resources available through local agencies, entities, and organizations,,, such as the information from the Western Washington University Center for Economic and Business Research. Economic Growth and Environmental Quality Often economic development and environmental protection are seen as opposites. Because growth can increase pressure on ..ennui.• critical areas and resource lands there can be some truth to this. However, both economic vitality and environmental quality are interrelated and are extremely important to the community. Economic development requires adequate water supply as a fundamental need. The fishing and shellfishing industries are particularly dependent on water-q!I ntity, good water quality, and habitat. The tourist industry needs these same attributes. Washingten CEO, dated November 1993, printed a Quality of life and environment are fiFst and tww-d- respeetively, as reasons that€er businesses arete—fie attracted to Whatcom County. Conversely a strong economy that provides wei4g. od-paying jobs allows the leisure time and the resources to focus on environmental protection. Goal7G: Coordinate economic development with environmental, resources and other comprehensive Ip an land use and open space policies and measures to enhance the community's overall quality of life. Policy 7G-1: Recognize the natural environment as a major asset and manage environmental resources accordingly. We need both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. Policy 7G-2: Review the environmental protection olp iciest for Whatcom County to coordinate with and incorporate economic development objectives. Policy 7G-3: Provide support to Whatcom County's tourist industry to maintain and enhance a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the local quality of life. Policy 7G-4: Encourage sustainabilitya stainable """}"""Ts eeenengy" by: • Supporting waste reduction re -use recycling and the processing of used and waste resources into economically viable products..-; and Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 21 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics ® Supporting renewable energy, state-of-the-art technology, and conservation techniques to minimize demands on resources such as water, energy, and other natural and developed resources_ Pursuing energy resiliency and self-sufficiency by establishing renewable energy overlay zones, and by revisiting restrictions on the development of wind energy systems that protect public health and safety. Policy 7G-5: Coordinate environmental and economic planning efforts. Policy 7G-6: Address environmental issues on a county -wide basis so that areas like the Cherry Point Industrial aArea or public access areas such as marinas or the airport can expand as necessary using mitigation banking or other appropriate mitigation measures. Natural Resource Based Industries Natural resource based industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing and minin While accounting for less than 5% of the total county employment, resource based industries are still major components of the economy. For example, the market value of crop and livestock product sales from Whatcom County farms was over $357 million in 2012 (Census of Agriculture). Over $26 million in timber was harvested in 2012 from private and public lands in Whatcom County (State Department of Revenue). Additionally, almost $11 million was paid to fishermen for salmon, ground -fish and shellfish at Whatcom County ports in 2012 (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife). Farming, forestry, fishing, and mining are important to the economic health of the County. - T , nn7 Ith total value f F-.F ffi products produced and said in the county was $241.6 ffiillien, ranking 5 thg counties in the state. SoFne resource Jobs tend to be high paying and it is the resource industries that give Whateeng Geunty ;HEs distinctive flaver. Agriculture is one of Whatcom County's largest economic drivers Whatcom County holds the most agricultural and farming land within western Washington, according to the 2014 Whatcom Futures Report. Additionally, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2012 Census of Agriculture, 1,702 Whatcom County farms produced a market value of $357 million in crops and livestock that year. Locally produced milk produced in 2013 reached an all-time high market value of $246.1 million., Raspberries and blueberries combined for a record market value of $123.6 million in 2014. "w7m; - U - -2 T� 1"__2 MEMO Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 22 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics s..........a .. G - ®- - - - 1§10 01 - - - - - Nim C - • i i. _ • • _ - - I - - AWAMEM Reason for change: Agriculture, forestry and mining are addressed in Chapter 8. Some of the above statistics change over time. With the availability of information on the Internet, it is generally not necessary to have this level of detail in the Comprehensive Plan. Goal7H: To promote economic diversity, continue to support the resource industries as significant elements of the local economy including the employment base. Policy 7H-1: Ensure that sufficient agricultural land, support services, and skills are available to encourage a healthy and diversified agricultural economy. Policy 7H-2: Work with other -agencies, Tribal governments,. and other groups to improve the condition of the fishery resource, including habitat maintenance and enhancement, especially for habitats utilized by threatened and endangered fish species. Policy 7H-3: Maintain the commercial forestland base of Whatcom County to assure the industry's continued economic viability and sustainable harvest. Policy 7H-4: As part of a broad -based economy, foster productive timber, agriculture and fisheries industries in a sustainable manner. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 23 :• County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Policy 71-1-5: Support mining, which is compatible with other land use and environmental policies, including surface mining of sand, gravel, and rock and subsurface mining of other minerals found in Whatcom County, such as gold and silver. Policy 71-1-6: Promote the expansion of "value added" production of secondary products and resources to support the primary resource industries and maintain wealth and jobs in the local community. Policy 71-1-7: Encourage growth of tourism.,—a-fd recreational activities, and businesses that provide for diversity of the natural resource industry, provided that they comply with County reaulationstlhe eeuntywide planning , and when located in a rural area preserve the rural character_ of the area. Policy 71-1-8 Develop and support more programs to promote ag-tourism and ag-education to increase public awareness of the nutritional and economic value of agriculture and quality food production. Unemployment and Underemployment Over five 2001), has tended te the past years (1.9.9.6. u engpleyngent Fun nearly a .,hel -dt it has the highest three Westside ef the state, aver -aged ef similar eeunties e Average years unemployment rates in Whatcom County have generally tracked unemployment rates in Washington State as a whole. In the 1990s, Whatcom County unemployment was slightly higher than the state. However, state unemployment has generally been higher from 2002 to 2013. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 24 a County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 1....1z.o' .lip Z M Y $ Source: Washington State Employment Security Department (2014) Chapter 7 - Economics Underemployment reflects underutilization of the productive capacity of the employed population. Measurable statistics are not available to monitor this issue but should be considered as the employment base of Whatcom County shifts from being a resource -based economy to one of services -producing employment. Cottage industry and home -based businesses, also minimally measured, have an impact on the employment base. Graduates from Western Washington University, area high schools, and the community and technical colleges desiring to remain in the area are another sector of the population that is underutilized. , A Goal73: ddress unemployment and underemployment as important issues and continue the effort to increase family wage jobs. Policy 73-1: Support creation of job opportunities for local residents, especially family wage jobs to decrease unemployment and underemployment. Policy 7J-2: Support economic development that recognizes and respects the needs, concerns, rights, and resources of a diversity of cultural groups, and allow them every opportunity to participate and benefit in this process in full partnership with the community -at -large. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 25 91 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Policy 7J-3: Focus on absorbing and retraining displaced and discouraged workers and addressing the skills gap through grants, training by the Northwest Workforce Council, Threugh--gFantsBellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College, Northwest Indian College, and other opportunities fees-n,=T dt declining industFies. Geographic Diversity A final issue with the local economy is the location of the majority of jobs in the western -most portion of the lowlands area of Whatcom County. This is where the majority of the population lives and works, a+�d-the infrastructure is available, and where most of the jobs should continue to be located. People from smaller communities located throughout the County generally have longer commutes, , creating greater impacts on the road system. Also, there-isit creates additional need for more income for travel costs. These and other area -specific issues have spurred three communities to focus efforts on economic development: Point Roberts,-, Birch Bay,- and East County. Each has successfully developed an area Economic Development Plan and has a Ssub-Aarea plan_ with the Planning DepartmentT The ongoing work of these groups is crucial to addressing the most urgent and long-range planning needs in these areasz,e n9est such as loss of family -wage jobs and tax -base revenues; and the increased demand for services by a growing residential population. Goal 7K: Enable a geographic balance for economic growth within the capacities of the county's natural resources, natural systems, public services, and public facilities. Policy 7K-1: Support small and cottage businesses in rural areas that minimally impact productive agricultural, forest, or mineral resource land. Policy 7K-2: Designate adequate zoning to allow business and industrial development where it is needed and most appropriate. Policy 7K-3: Locate new commercial or industrial development along Guide Meridian within designated urban growth areas, Rural Community LAMIRDs, and Rural Business LAMIRDs in a manner that does not disrupt the Guide's regional transportation function. Policy 7K-4: Ge- i Encourage resource and tourism based recreational, commercial, and cottage industrx49-E6s uses to create economic opportunity in the rural areas of the county. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 26 92 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Policy 7K-5: Support the implementation of land use concepts as defined in Chapter Two by seeking grants to provide technical support and complete necessary programmatic environmental analysis to facilitate reduced time frames and duplication in the SEPA process. Policy 7K-6: Support long-term employment efforts in the unincorporated areas of the county, such as those stated in the Point Roberts, Birch Bay, and east County Economic Development Plans and Sub -Area Plans. 1! �l�l<�1►��ll!l1,lR�11 �w:�ii�iii!�i�i.��wQi.�w!i��0�i�!�G►Q�iiu:��Giw►:i�wi►i�GGnicl�r� min Policy 7K-78: Support agriculture, agricultural processing, and manufacturing as a high priority in future allocations of water rights. Policv 7K-8: Within urban growth areas, balance areas planned for housing and jobs to potentially shorten commute times. Policy 7K-9: Recognize high speed Internet and cellular coverage are essential for all regions of our economy to succeed. Policy 7K-10: Encourage, and if necessary provide incentives, for high speed Internet and cellular infrastructure to be deployed in areas of the County such as the Columbia Valley. Local Food System Whatcom County is home to a robust agricultural production industry, marine harvest industry, as well as an associated local consumption industry. To maintain and advance the quality and quantity of food produced in Whatcom County, consideration must be given to interconnected sectors which support a thriving food system, includingland, and, water, fishing, farming, labor, processing, transportation, consumption, aquaculture and waste. A vibrant local food system is a community asset to be protected, strengthened, planned for and celebrated. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 27 93 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Goal 7L: Strengthen the local food system and take steps to improve conditions for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous food economy. Policy 7L-1: Encourage government, institutions and local businesses to purchase food produced within Whatcom County when available. Policy 7L-2: Encourage local farmers and producers to sell their products to local markets. Policy 7L-3: Support development plans and zoning changes that increase access to healthy and locally grown food products. Policy 7L-4: Support food outlets such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and local food markets that provide fresh, healthy foods, especially in underserved areas. Policy 7L-5: Support efforts and/or organizations seeking to achieve economic diversity within the food system such as: • Niche markets for local agricultural products; • Technical assistance or educational programs. • Farmer's markets; • Value-added or innovative agricultural products or services; • Farm -to -school and farm -to -institution • Agricultural diversity; • Food access and affordability; and • Community gardens education, and information dissemination. Policy 7L-6: Support efforts to protect water quality and quantity, soil health, and best management practices as related to the food system. Policy 7L-7: Encourage communication and collaboration across and within all sectors of the food system and support efforts/organizations working to build common understanding and to facilitate better collaborative effort toward an equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system for all. Policy 7L-8: Support establishment of community -wide food system development plans. Policy 7L-9: Support healthy and safe working conditions as well as healthy and safe living conditions for farmworkers. Policy 7L-10: Support organizations that provide technical assistance, educational programs, and general support to people and businesses within the local food system. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 28 �GTIJI County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics Policy 7:-11:Consider food waste systems that reduce food waste and capture food waste nutrients. Reason for change: This is similar to concepts in Policy 7B-3. Reason for change: This is addressed by'Policy ,7B-3. - - - - - - - - Reason for change: The'CEDS is addressed in Policies 7B-3 7B-4 and 7D-10. 916MI "WAN" IV Mw, ■ Reason for change: This is addressed by 'Policy 7B-3. WIN Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 29 95 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics G _ __ ' - - -. PNOUG TT�.G1_11- ' 7 • ' A 'r, WA ON D - - - - - OWN jjjMLIAIMI- Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 30 0 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 ..�i�ii�Rwii.■i��aii�.i���w���w7�:��i.wi►wi�iiie.� i: 7 - Economics Reason for change: The Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is being updated in 2014-2015. It may be appropriate in future CEDS updates to establish benchmarks, but it is not necessary ,to have two separate economic development plans or duplicate such planning efforts. Reason for change: The County budget states that "Pursuant to RCW 67.28.210, the county levies an excise tax on hotel, motel, or other lodging sales. The revenue collected from this tax is used for the operation of the Bellingham/ Whatcom CountyVisitor/ Convention Center, the Mount Baker Foothills Visitor Center and various other activities that promote tourism in`Whatcom County." County elected- officials determine how to utilize tax revenues in the budget. UTZ Hsi Wo Reason for change: Capital facilities are addressed by Policy 7C-7. 'j*NKTWn on--ITEMM ;, . Reason for change: The relationship between provision of sewer and industrial sites is addressed in Policy 7C-4. Reason for change: This is generally addressed by Policy 7C-5. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 31 Nil County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 7 - Economics Reason for change: Simplifying regulations is addressed by Policy 7D-3. Zoning for industrial uses is generally addressed in Policy 7K-2'. Recycling and processing of used products and waste into new products is addressed by Policy 7G-4. Reason for change: The permit process is addressed by Policies 7D-5 and 7D-6. Reason for change': In 2013, Whatcom County Planning and Development Services participated in a "Lean Academy" event designed to facilitatecontinuous improvements to the permitting process. This process has reduced residential permit turnaround times. Reason for change: Customer service is addressed by Policy 7D-6. IL - -- - - - -:. - - -: LEM Reason for change: Industrial land supply and zoning is addressed by Policies 7A-1 and 7K-2. UGA land use planning, including planning for industrial uses, is conducted in conjunction with the cities in accordance with the GMA. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 32 4.01 County Council Preliminary Draft June 28, 2016 Chapter 7 - Economics 44 15. 1-n--ac-cef-de rc-e— 1L.1 I.kicyC€BS —reeen mendatiens and ether Reason for change; The permit process is addressed by Policies 7D-5 and 7D-6. Water Pistms Reason for change: The Coordinated Water System Plan is addressed in Chapter 5, Utilities. Reason for change': Water rights are addressed in Chapter 11, Environment.' Reason for change: WRIA is addressed in Policy 7C-6`. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7- 33 • • WHATCOM COUNTY Planning & Development Services 5280 Northwest Drive Bellingham, WA 98226-9097 360-778-5900, TiY 800-833-6384 360-778-5901 Fax Memorandum J.E. 'Sam" Ryan Director TO: The Honorable Jack Louws, Whatcom County Executive The Honorable Whatcom County Council FROM: Matt Aamot, Senior Planner"," THROUGH: Mark Personius, Assistant Director DATE: April 5, 2016 SUBJECT: Comp Plan Update - Chapter 7 (Economics) As you know, Whatcom County has initiated a multi -year project to update the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and conduct the urban growth area (UGA) review by June 30, 2016, as required by the Growth Management Act. Staff is requesting to make a presentation to the Council's Planning and Development Committee relating to Chapter 7 - Economics on April 19, 2016. The Council has requested a summary of the substantive changes made by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission considered Chapter 7 - Economics on June 11 and July 9, 2015. Planning Commission changes to the staff draft include the following: Goal 7A-5 (Training/Technology Partnerships) - The existing policy discusses public and private partnerships relating to training and technology. The policy lists certain educational institutions that should be included in these partnerships. The Planning Commission added the Northwest Indian College to the list, as shown below. Support a joint venture between the public and private sector in a training and technology partnership with local education resource providers to develop an educated work force as a key factor for economic success. Such partnerships should include Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College, -NW Northwest Workforce Development Council, and businesses and industries. 100 Infrastructure Section Text - The Planning Commission changed "Caucuses" to "Planning Unit" in the paragraph below, which appears in the "Infrastructure" section of the Economics Chapter. Water quantity and quality and the distribution system needed to supply water are all elements of the water supply problem. In addition, the complex legal issues regarding rights to water are being considered relative to planning for future growth (see Utilities and Environment Chapters). Future water withdrawals from the region's rivers and aquifers will be considered relative to the need to provide adequate water for both in -stream and out-of-streamether users. In 1998, through the enactment of state legislation, the boundaries of the Water Resource Inventory Area No. 1 (WRIA 1) were established. r„v�aG� The Planning Unit representing various stakeholders iswere designated to address, through local government, water resource planning needs from a watershed perspective. The WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan was completed in 2005. This plan addresses water guantity, water quality, instream flow, and fish habitat. This PFOGess is Gufr-&Rtly, aid future lGGaI pla...." 9, fnr --+iri k onnoenrhin de.rlo. elnpmarr Thank you for your consideration of this matter. We look forward to discussing it with you. N 101 WHATCOM COUNTY Health Department Leading the community in promoting health and preventing disease. Memorandum TO: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Regina Delahunt, Director DATE: APRIL 12, 2016 Regina A. Delahunt Director Greg Stern, M.D. Health Officer RE: HEALTH REVIEW OF 2016 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN --ECONOMICS CHAPTER Overview: As one step in the implementation of the County's Healthy Planning Resolution #2015- 038, Health Department staff will provide an overview of health recommendations for selected chapters of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update to the County Council. Process: The process for developing and incorporating the recommendations included: • Technical review of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan by Alta Planning and Design (2013), identifying opportunities to strengthen specific policies in the plan from a health perspective • Planning workshop to prioritize health topics and associated policy recommendations with Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB), Planning and Development Services (PDS) staff, Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) staff, and community stakeholders (March 2014) • Refinement of policy recommendations based on PHAB, County PDS and stakeholder input (Spring 2014) • Correspondence and connection with PDS to integrate recommendations into draft chapters, as feasible and appropriate • Support for PHAB feedback to Planning Commission on specific issues and recommendations • Review and analysis of the status of health recommendations in the Planning Commission's draft chapters Economics Chapter Recommendations: All of WCHD's policy recommendations were either included in the 2016 draft or otherwise adequately addressed. 509 Girard Street Bellingham, WA 98225-4005 (360)778-6000 FAX (360) 778-6001 WhatcomCountvHealth PUBLIC HEALTH ALWAYS 1VORKING FOR A SAFFR2 AND HEALTHIER WHATCOM COUNTY www.whatcomcounty. us/health 1500 North State Street Bellingham, WA 98225-4551 (360) 778-6100 FAX (360) 778-6101 WhatcomCoHealth 102 Separately from 2014 recommendations made to PDS, WCHD signed on to a recommendation from the Whatcom Food Network's (WFN) Steering Committee, dated January 25, 2016, suggesting a new section to the Economics Chapter (a proposed Goal 7L.) that encourages support for the value and needs of Whatcom County's food system. WCHD supports this recommendation in light of the potential for local food systems efforts to improve environmental health, access to healthy foods, and the health and safety of all those who work in the food system. National organizations, such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) and American Planning Association, also encourage policies similar to those proposed by the WFN Steering Committee. A policy statement from the APHA "(e)ncourages cooperative efforts in local food systems, with governmental support, to —a. Improve local food marketing, distribution, and processing capacity and infrastructure, b. Establish and promote food policy councils to enable evaluating food systems and recommend changes, c. Reduce barriers to obtaining sustainable, locally produced, fair trade and healthy foods, d. Increase state and local cooperative extension program activities targeted to small farms and those producing fruits and vegetables."' Additionally, a review of public health literature conducted by staff in 2014 indicated that policies that promote local food production show some evidence of improving access to healthy foods, as well as improvements to other determinants of health, such as economic status and environmental health.' ' American Public Health Association. Policy Statement Number 200712: Toward a Healthy Sustainable Food System. November 6, 2007. Retrieved April 7, 2016 from httpsa/www.apha.o_,_..__ r�aUeies-and-advocacylauMiie-health-polic,y-statements/polic - databo se/2014/07129/12/94/toward-a-heal thy-sustai nablejood-system. 2 Whatcom County Health Department, Literature Review; Access to Healthy Foods. March 2014. 103 Draft March 2015 Chanter 7 - Economics Local Food System Whatcom County is home to a robust agricultural production industry, marine harvest industry, as well as an associated local consumption industry. To maintain and advance the quality and quantity of food produced in Whatcom County, consideration must be given to interconnected sectors which support a thriving food system, including land, water, fishing, farming, labor, processing, transportation, consumption, aquaculture and waste. A vibrant local food system is a community asset to be protected, strengthened, planned for and celebrated. Goal7L: Strengthen the local food system and take steps to improve conditions for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous food economy. Policy 7L-1: Encourage government, institutions, and local businesses to purchase food produced within Whatcom County when available. Policy 7L-2: Encourage local farmers and producers to sell their products to local markets. Policy 7L-3: Support development plans and zoning changes that increase access to healthy and locally grown food products Policy 7L-4: Support food outlets such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and local food markets that provide healthy foods in underserved areas. Policy 7L-5: Support efforts and/or organizations seeking to achieve economic diversity within the food system such as: o Niche markets for local agricultural products o Farmer's markets o Value-added or innovative agricultural products or services o Farm -to -school and farm -to -institution o Agricultural diversity o Food access and affordability o Community gardens Policy 7L-6: Support efforts to protect water quality and quantity, soil health, and best management practices as related to the food system. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-1 104 Draft March 2015 Chapter 7 - Economics 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Policy 7L-7: Encourage communication and collaboration across and within all sectors of the food system and support efforts/organizations working to build common understanding and to facilitate better collaborative effort toward an equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system for all. Policy 7L-8: Support establishment of community -wide food system development plans. Policy 7L-9: Support healthy and safe working conditions as well as healthy and safe living conditions for farmworkers. Policy 7L-10: Work towards a fair and equitable food system that honors and supports the people working within it. Policy 7L-11: Support organizations that provide technical assistance, educational programs, and general support to people and businesses within the local food system. Policy 7L-12: Consider food waste systems that reduce food waste and capture food waste nutrients. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 7-2 105 c C N -t. p u Qo a 3 c a v o a o a, a� E E -Z3 v v v "- V) Qj Z O �_ a, c o 3\ c p ai f0 ee3 i o o vc o a v p C v O O N � O 4 Q N u U O v o nco N Y o� o a u o a v u a vuoo n. � t * > O p m m O C S C' Q� S 2 CL C G aG -n O O c o0 0 Y W LL C L '.,eyifiF c-I O ►- � a � p �Fn �, c c O_ U to 4� C � o c N Q C n O a _ •o %w N M y Ln u j= a d cc.0 a� Y v Y C V N fB n > L ro D O L � Y L i 0. to CLO C C w U .}' vi Q U i U V, p ca C> t\ Q Q C ra N C v O U 00 O 4q C co U C N Q U— a)O a }; L n ON 41 LO `n ca O O C7 W N i-+ UU N (6 a- -0 CL d ..e for o rn c r N O C p Z O d O rt, N .hc s N su 0 O 0- >T O w O+ o C N i a N O > p -0 -0 i a (i1 .a) C O a O a = -0 N L ,'.. U O on U > Q O .0 Zn 'o a N V CL OA C O '0 d y aC C f0 cu C a2seS C_ N O O U C_ .� f0 l0 a a bn � r C r N cr cD 41. G O _ tw L00 2 S C ry t a-' a � Y C a Q E M1 O °cp s a Q V a a Y see N _ _ O .+ O u O N N C U a C a N 00 — c0 O O C t0 =� OO 'p L N p Q- C i 7 N mbA �' O 7 N v/i O O Q -0 p O_ O 0 C: _Yp C E .T3 m m >. aN+ u O m U Q O p C O cm:pa > a C > E > O 0 U p O U� � p> N LON o aE� ap vi OCoaNN fl `Cp 'a 'Oa O m U nO , N 107 ./ ) � z / \ \ � $ \ \ < / � 2 \ z \ � m \ \ CL E < z s = E _ ��\ f $ / \ a [ [ 6 § / 2 f #E2(_ 0 / + 5 2 mI�= I bD to uo = I = §2 r k\ a)� < < < g M e \ ƒ e ( , \ U / § _ / /% 6 —® e s Q\ 7 \ / 7 % @ / ( ° % 0 \ 7 \ f _ u 0— g®/ =g. m> e \° 5 sm —= OD 0 \ \ \ v) E \ \ \ \ 2 / e y{@\ƒ/ = 0 3\\ g / 0@ a& g e a) = o e 2 m n c 2 / c » / \ u \ \ ( \ ® E , E / ) % / / � 0 \ } 7 \ § \ / ƒ / : \ \ \ \ ° } e \ / \ \ \ \ ( ^ / \ m ~ / + l / \ / } ( { / \ ) \ - ƒ g j 0 5 \ \ \ / % \ \ G \ \ \ — 3 « ƒ / / 7 \ / y� x` � » : \ / 0 109 July 14, 2016 I - r : 11 ,1 F 1V p� Chapter 7 - Economics Page and line numbers reflect Planning Commission Recommended Draft dated 1114116 (htt wa- whatcomcounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Ww/15156). To improve clarity of Councilmember requested changes, previous edits (i.e. staff and Planning Commission) are included, but not show as edits. Items for Reconsideration 1) p. 7-10; Policy 7A-2: Foster a diverse, private-sectorjob base, which will provide family -wage jobs at the state median income level or greater, and facilitate the retention and expansion of existing businesses. An increasing body of research (from institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank Yale the Kauffman Foundation and the Center on Policy and Budget Priorities) has concluded communities that prioritize and invest in Business Start Up, Retention, and Expansions-aw�4 ,Pnt will experience more job growth, income growth, and economic resiliency than those that spend heavily on recruitment, including giving away tax money and other incentives to attract businesses. (Brenner, Mann) 2) p. 7-11; Policy 7A-3: Employ innovative techniques to awaet feefv# develop a mix of diversified industries for a broader economic base starting with the creation of a new economic development program to be funded ideally with monies collected under RCW 82.14.370. This program will be governed by a sunset provision whereby it will automatically terminate after seven years if it was not able to document its efforts were contributing to an equal or greater number of new iobs for the monev invested in it, compared to other economic development rojects funded by the community. (Brenner, Mann) 3) p. 7-12; Delete New Policy 7B-6: Mir, NIMIM jobs that the eemmunity is well pesitiened to •p' (Brenner, Mann) 4) p. 7-12; Delete New Policy 7B-7: .� .J .+Rar +.,. + +.. +:.....,..�I.. tbe—gat�Fl�9f the ieaa--ean;a—the pa*t-.--- a-m--itment GGAVAUGUSIV (Brenner, Mann) 5) p. 7-12; Delete New Policy 7B-8 ^ss*ega" y. (Brenner, Mann) 110 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics Passed May 1 1) p. 7-1; lines 17-20: Economic vitality depends on job retention, job creation, job training programs, public and private capital investment, and business and community capacity - building to allow businesses or community groups to do the job themselves. (Brenner) 2) p. 7-2; line 19-23: Examples include_ recognition of the need for a healthy economy; the emphasis on coordination and cooperation among jurisdictions and public/private partnering; coordination with environmental quality; and the desire to maintain the resource -based industries and recreation as we move toward a more diversified economy. (Brenner) 3) p. 7-8; lines 24-39: The CEDS incorporates three vision statements relating to the County's preferred economic future: • Whatcom County values its business community, which is principally responsible for the continued growth in jobs and incomes in the region,! • Whatcom County and its constituent communities have vibrant and dynamic economies where the region's abundant natural resources are cherished and protected,; and • Whatcom County has an outstanding quality of life where all residents have opportunities to thrive and the support they need to seize those opportunities. The CEDS also identifies infrastructure and other projects that support economic development., and includes economic data. (Brenner) 4) p. 7-9; lines 33-36: A fundamental aspect of "quality of life" characteristics is a strong and diversified economy that remains resilient through business cycles, and that. can provide family -wage employment, affordable housing, discretionary income, tax base, and sponsors for worthy causes. (Brenner) 5) p. 7-11; Policy 7A-4: In addition to stimulating family -wage jobs and jobs in diverse sectors, plan for service -related jobs such as those necessary to support tourism, recreation, and retailing, as well as those that relate to industry. (Brenner) 6) p. 7-11; Policy 7A-8: Enhance the environment for resource -based industries and the growing service industry with an emphasis on the communities in eastern Whatcom County. (Brenner) 7) p. 7-11; Policy 7A-10: Establish a competitiveness review of policies, taxes/fees, processes, and other influences that impact county businesses. (Brenner) N 111 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics 8) p. 7-11; lines 37-39: Cooperation and coordination by businesses, jurisdictions, and other entities are essential components to achieve a strong economy. The CEDS states that one of its purposes is communication and outreach that encourages local goal setting, public engagement, and a commitment to cooperation among the different levels of government, the business community, and the not -for -profit sector. (Brenner) 9) p. 7-11; line 46 - p. 7-12 line 3: The Port of Bellingham was designated as the Associate Development Organization (ADO) in Whatcom County by the County Executive in 2012. An ADO is intended to serve as a point of contact for local economic development activities: by_supporting business retention, expansion of existing businesses, and new business development. (Brenner) 10) p. 7-12; Policy 7B-1: The Port of Bellingham, serving as the ADO, will work with the cities, the County, Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions,. and other groups to assist retention and expansion of existing local businesses and to attract appropriate businesses to Whatcom County. (Brenner) 11) p. 7-13; Policy 7B-5: Encourage utilization of current technology and efficient communications tools to disseminate information. (Brenner) 12) p. 7-14; Policy 7C-2: Encourage the provision of adequate transportation infrastructure,. including roads to all industrial sites. (Brenner) 13) p. 7-14; Policy 7C-4: Encourage location of industrial areas, especially where sewer and water service and all weather access can be readily provided when necessary. (Brenner) 14) p. 7-14; Policy 7C-5: Support the efforts of the PUD #1 and area communication and cable companies to get a fiber optic network throughout Whatcom County. (Brenner) 15) p. 7-14; Policy 7C-6: Participate in the ongoing: implementation and operation of the countywide water resources management body (WRIA #1) for Whatcom County. (Brenner) 16) p. 7-15; lines 8-11: Ample land is needed with proper zoning to ensure a wide range of choices and preclude excessive land prices. Such lands should be located in areas suitable for development, thus minimizing the need for regulatory controls. (Brenner) 17) p. 7-15; lines 16-20: One step toward addressing this issue is a land capacity analysis, which includes an inventory of the supply and availability of industrial and commercial properties in the county and a forecast of future demands. (Brenner) 18) p. 7-15; Goal 71): Consistent with other goals of the county, strive for balanced, clear, and predictable overall policies, practices and regulations which do not unnecessarily or inadvertently prevent, confuse, delay, or create costly hurdles restricting effective and desirable economic development. (Brenner) 3 112 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics 19) p. 7-16; Policy 7D-7: Use information technology and improve the Internet web sites so the public can receive information on the status of projects, latest drafts of documents, and access to general resources via the Internet. (Brenner) 20) p. 7-16; lines 28-30: The large Canadian consumer population has created a large retail sector in Whatcom County, increasing jobs, retail sales, taxes, and traffic. Over time, the impacts of Canadian consumer activity has have fluctuated greatly, primarily in relationship to the value of the Canadian dollar and increased security issues. (Brenner) 21) p. 7-16; line 39: Retail jobs tend to be low -wage, frequently part-time, and without benefits. (Brenner) 22) p. 7-17; lines 1-3 A more positive aspect of the proximity to Canada is the opportunity to provide for Canadian companies who want to expand or relocate in the United States to broaden their markets or enjoy other economic advantages. (Brenner) 23) p. 7-17; Goal 7E: Enhance the economic trade, tourism, and industrial siting advantages of the county's location adjacent to the Canadian border. (Brenner) 24) p. 7-17; Policy 7E-2: Work cooperatively with jurisdictions in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, along with US and Canadian national governments, to facilitate the development of economic, transportation, and environmental initiatives. (Brenner) 25) p. 7-17; Policy 7E-4: Continue to provide assistance and t-he opportunityies for Canadian companies to relocate or set up a second plant in Whatcom County, while at the same time encouraging our companies to explore and develop markets in Canada. (Brenner) 26) p. 7-18; lines 6-8: A local company with national or international interests, or a national firm with major local investment can provide substantial support to local causes, a -ad educational and cultural activities, and the tax base. (Brenner) 27) p. 7-18; Policy 717-3: Encourage firms to contribute financially as a partners with the public sector in sharing the costs for civic and cultural needs of the community -at -large. (Brenner) 28) p. 7-18; Policy 7F-4: Enhance opportunities for increased resource -based (agricultural, forest, fisheries,. and mining products) value added industries. (Brenner) 29) p. 7-18; Policy 7F-5: Encourage utilization of existing and future resources available through local agencies, entities, and organizations, such as information from the Western Washington University Center for Economic and Business Research. (Brenner) 4 113 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics 30) p. 7-19; lines 13-14: Conversely a strong economy that provides weUgood-paying jobs allows the leisure time and the resources to focus on environmental protection. (Brenner) 31) p. 7-19; Goal 7G: Coordinate economic development with environmental, resources, and other comprehensive plan land use and open space policies and measures to enhance the community's overall quality of life. (Brenner) 32) p. 7-19; Policy 7G-4: Encourage sustainability by: • Supporting waste reduction, re -use, recycling, and the processing of used and waste resources into economically viable productsT and • Supporting renewable energy, state-of-the-art technology, and conservation techniques to minimize demands on resources such as water, energy, and other natural and developed resources. (Brenner) 33) p. 7-19; Policy 7G-6:Address environmental issues on a county -wide basis so that areas like the Cherry Point Industrial aArea or public access areas such as marinas or the airport can expand as necessary using mitigation banking or other appropriate mitigation measures. (Brenner) 34) p. 7-19; lines 12-14: Additionally, almost $11 million was paid to fishermen for salmon, ground -fish, and shellfish at Whatcom County ports in 2012 (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife). Farming, forestry, fishing, and mining are important to the economic health of the County. (Brenner) 35) p. 7-21; Goal 7H: To promote economic diversity, continue to support the resource industries as significant elements of the local economy including the employment base. (Brenner) 36) p. 7-21; Policy 7H-1: Ensure that sufficient agricultural land, support services, and skills are available to encourage a healthy and diversified agricultural economy. (Brenner) 37) p. 7-21; Policy 7H-4: As part of a broad -based economy, foster productive timber, agriculture, and fisheries industries in a sustainable manner. (Brenner) 38) p. 7-21; Policy 7H-5: Support mining, which is compatible with other land use and environmental policies, including surface mining of sand, gravel, and rock and subsurface mining of other minerals found in Whatcom County, such as gold and silver. (Brenner) 39) p. 7-21; Policy 7H-7: Encourage growth of tourism, and recreational activities, and businesses that provide for diversity of the natural resource industry, provided that they comply with County regulations and, when located in a rural area, preserve the rural character. (Brenner) 5 114 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics 40) p. 7-22; lines 17-23: Measurable statistics are not available to monitor this issue but should be considered as the employment base of Whatcom County shifts from being a resource -based economy to one of services -producing employment. Cottage industry and home -based businesses, also minimally measured, have an impact on the employment base. Graduates from Western Washington University, area high schools,. and the community and technical colleges desiring to remain in the area are another sector of the population that is underutilized. (Brenner) 41) p. 7-23; Policy 7J-2: Support economic development that recognizes and respects the needs, concerns, rights, and resources of a diversity of cultural groups, and allow them every opportunity to participate and benefit in this process in full partnership with the community -at -large. (Brenner) 42) p. 7-23; lines 19-21: This is where the majority of the population lives and works, and the infrastructure is available, and where most of the jobs should continue to be located. He e"I!eople from smaller communities located throughout the County generally have longer commutes, creating greater impacts on the road system. Also, there is it creates additional need for more income for travel costs. (Brenner) 43) p. 7-23; lines 19-21: These and other area -specific issues have spurred three communities to focus efforts on economic development: Point Roberts,I Birch Bayl and East County. Each has successfully developed an area Economic Development Plan and has a Ssub-Aarea plan. The ongoing work of these groups is crucial to addressing the most urgent and long-range planning needs in these areas, such as loss of family -wage jobs and tax -base revenues, and the increased demand for services by a growing residential population. (Brenner) 44) p. 7-24; Policy 7K-5: Support the implementation of land use concepts as defined in Chapter Two by seeking grants to provide technical support and complete necessary programmatic environmental analysis to facilitate reduced time frames and duplication in the SEPA process. (Brenner) 45) p. 7-24; Policy 7K-6: Support long-term employment efforts in the unincorporated areas of the county, such as those stated in the Point Roberts, Birch Bay,. and east County Economic Development Plans and Sub -Area Plans. (Brenner) 46) p. 7-24; Policy 7K-7: Support efforts and/or organizations trying to achieve agricultural diversity, such as: • niche markets for local productsTl • technical assistance or educational programs,1 • farmers' marketsT; • value-added or innovative ag products or services; 115 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics • other product outlets.; and • community education and information dissemination. (Brenner) 47) p. 7-24; Policy 7K-8: Support agriculture, agricultural processing, and manufacturing as a high priority in future allocations of water rights. (Brenner) 48) p. 7-2; lines 15-23: This chapter specifically addresses Goal #5 of the Growth Management Act, which encourages economic development and economic opportunity for all citizens of the state. The County -Wide Planning Policies also have a section on economic development, which this chapter specifically addresses. Examples include recognition of the need for a healthy economy; the emphasis on coordination and cooperation among jurisdictions and public/private partnering; coordination with environmental quality; and the desire to maintain the resource based industries and recreation as we move toward a more diversified economy. This chapter recognizes the best path towards economic prosperity will likely be found through promotion of the county's existing strengths, such as our unique position to accommodate Canadian companies looking to expand and access the US market, our extensive recreational infrastructure, and the skilled workforce produced by our excellent educational institutions. (Browne) 49) p. 7-8; line 20, new subheadings: Community Wide Strategic Planning Efforts Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (Browne) 50) p. 7-8; lines 21-25: The Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was updated in 2015. The principal purpose of the CEDS is to facilitate the retention and creation of living -wage jobs and to foster a stable and diversified regional economy, thereby improving the quality of life in the region. Its intent is to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an "economic roadmap" to diversify and strengthen the regional economy by integrating the region's human resources and capital -improvements planning in the service of economic development. The CEDS incorporates three vision statements relating to the County's preferred economic future. (Browne) 51) p. 7-8; lines 38-39: The CEDS also identifies infrastructure and other projects that support economic development, and includes economic data. The CEDS report has Primarily directed sales tax revenue collected under RCW 82.14.370 be used to fund infrastructure. (Browne) Passed June 1 2) p. 7-8; line 41, new subsection: Whatcom Futures 116 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics In 2012, more than 90 leaders and representatives from businesses, local governments, not -for -profit organizations and the public helped create the Whatcom Futures report. The following are quotes from the report: "Whatcom County's lower commercial real estate costs compared to those in B.C. — as well as the enhanced access to the U.S. market that a Canadian company enjoys with a U.S. location — has resulted in significant Canadian business investment in the County." "Bellingham Technical College's Engineering and Advance Manufacturing programs offer degrees that are in demand by industries in Whatcom — and nationwide —with starting salaries for new graduates in excess of $50,000 a ey ar". "The economic value of Whatcom's natural resources manifests itself in numerous ways. For instance, the County is the top producer of raspberries in the U.S. and a leading producer of other types of berries as well as dairy products, fish and shellfish". "However, it is important to note that a single resource will often have value to more than one economic sector. For instance, the presence of timberland supports eco-tourism as well as the forest products industry. The same can be said of farmland — which in addition to the produce it generates also facilitates agri-tourism — as well as the region's fisheries, which support both commercial and sport fishing." "The ability to receive a quality education from Pre-K through post graduate study greatly enhances the quality of life in the County and is an important asset in recruiting businesses to come to the region. Indeed, strong public schools and the availability of higher education are among the principal attributes that prospects look for when considering relocation." (Browne) 3) p. 7-9; line 27, new subsection: Current County Economic Development Activities Whatcom County delegated job creation activities to the Port of Bellingham, which serves as the County's "Associate Development Organization" (ADO). The Port of Bellingham's mission statement is: "To fulfill the essential transportation and economic development needs of the region, while providing leadership and maintaining Whatcom County's overall economic vitality through the development of comprehensive facilities, programs, and services". (Browne) 4) p. 7-9; lines 32-40: Quality of life is an essential component in many people's choice to live in Whatcom County. A fundamental aspect of "quality of life" characteristics is a strong and diversified economy that remains resilient through business cycles, M 117 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics and that can provide family -wage employment, affordable housing, discretionary income, tax base, and sponsors for worthy causes. Such an economy should provide for all segments of society with a geographic distribution that, in accordance with the land use plan, spreads the jobs and tax base throughout the area. Retain the diverse base of manufacturine and other familv wage firms alread here, as well as prepare for future opportunities by: (i) working with our workforce development partners to ensure we focus on the skills enhancement needed for existing and future industries; and (ii) maintaining an adequate supply of shovel -ready land to support the buildings and infrastructure companies will require. The wage and iob prospects in the service sector vary widely based on the nature of the employment. Retail positions offer relatively low wages and limited prospects for job growth in part due to the trend of retail sales shifting away from traditional storefronts to the internet. Conversely computer programming and cyber-security positions offer entry level wages that are typically well above the national average with some artificial intelligence positions attracting stratospheric starting salaries in other areas of the country. As the developed world evolves away from a resource -based and high- volume/low-value-added manufacturing economy, most of the new generation of family wage jobs will likely come from knowledge intensive industries such as computer software and high -value-added specialty manufacturing. The CEDS and Whatcom Futures reports are valuable contributions to the challenge of the improving the Whatcom County economy and Whatcom County has much to offer prospective employers as indicated by our latest informational resource www.ChooseWhatcom.com. (Browne) 6) p. 7-11; Policy 7A-4: In addition to stimulating family -wage jGbs employment and jobs in diverse sectors, plane-ensure we retain entry level and service -related jobs such as those necessary to support tourism, recreation, and retailing, as. well as th }"^* r^';a*^ *^ and other industriesy. (Browne) 7) p. 7-11; Policy 7A-7: Foster an adequate amount of preferred housing supply for all income levels as a prerequisite for a healthy economy. (Brenner) 8) p. 7-11; Policy 7A-8: Enhance the environment for resource -based and knowledge -based industries 0 with an emphasis on attracting employment to the communities in eastern Whatcom County. (Browne) 118 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics 9) p. 7-12, line 4: In the late 1970s, Whatcom County and its communities were suffering economically. Reliance on natural resource harvesting and export to drive employment growth was insufficient to generate the jobs that were required. A work group of community leaders, local governments, and the private sector was convened and the Stanford Research Institute was hired to assess opportunities. Their report emphasized: a. Selling the State of Alaska on relocating the southern terminus of its ferry from Seattle to Bellingham; b. Marketing to BC businesses interested in a foothold in the U.S. market; and c. Promoting Whatcom County's potential as a regional service center for Northwest Washington and the lower BC mainland, including retail, healthcare and manufacturing entrepreneurs The community rose to the challenge and the Alaska Ferry terminal was relocated to Bellingham and more than 3,000 primarily manufacturing jobs were added at a time when the county's population was about half of what it is today. The community recognizes both the global and local economy have changed significantly since the Stanford report was commissioned in the 1970s and the report itself is out of date. Nonetheless the community remains confident our history proves that with updated research, and an intelligent, focused approach, we can again bring much needed family -wage jobs to our community. Our success will depend on leveraging the significant expertise of our business community and our willingness to allocate sufficient financial resources for our economic development initiatives to have a meaningful impact. New emplovers have traditionally emerged from three orimary sources: i. Canadians looking for skilled labor and cheaper industrial land than can be found in BC and/or access to the US market; ii. Home grown entrepreneurs who have chosen to remain headquartered in the county as their businesses have grown; and iii. Established business owners who have relocated because they are attracted to the county's superior quality of life. 10) p. 7-12; Policy 7B-1: The Port of Bellingham, serving as the ADO, will work with the cities, the 10 County, Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions and other groups to assist retention and expansion of existing local businesses and to attract appropriate businesses to Whatcom County. Work with the Partnership for a 119 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics Sustainable Economy, Chambers of Commerce, the Port of Bellingham, the ECD, and the Convention and Visitor Bureau and other groups to attract sustainable industry to Whatcom County and to assist expansion and retention of local businesses. Prior to an ADO contract renewal, the ADO's performance shall be evaluated by surveying the members of the other organizations and private companies the ADO has been working with to promote economic development. (Browne) 11) p. 7-12; Policy 76-2: Continue in infer-M-al meetings o informally meeting with staff from all toe entities and jurisdictions involved with economic development to discuss issues of interest on a periodic basis. (Brenner) 12) p. 7-12; Policy 713-4: Identify, develop,. and match funding opportunities with the economic development projects contained within the CEDS. Funding sources could include the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), Rural Sales Tax (also known as the Economic Development Initiative or EDI fund), USDA Rural Development, and other types of grants,, and loans, private investment, local match,. and many other federal, state,. and local sources. (Brenner) 16) p. 7-13; lines 24-26: The Planning Unit,, representing various stakeholders, is designated to address., water resource planning needs from a watershed perspective through local government. (Brenner) 17) p. 7-14; Rename Policy 6-G9 as Policy 7C-10 (Passed 5/17 with intention to move): Work with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, and the cities to develop and implement a common Countywide Way -Finding system that encourages people traveling on the 15 corridor to detour and easily find the many tourist attractions that Whatcom County has to offer. (Browne) 18) p. 7-14; Rename Policy 6F-8 as Policy 7C-11 (Passed 5/17): Develop plans and prioritize facilities for the County to become internationally recognized as a "Trail -Town" tourist destination (one that offers 100 miles or more of contiguous walking/hiking trails) by 2027. (Browne) (Staff recommends move) 19) p. 7-15; Policy 7D-3: Integrate and simplify regulations using the "Federal Plain Language Guidelines" available at www.plainianguage.gov to make them more understandable and user-friendly. (Browne) 20) p. 7-16; Policy 7D-6: Streamline and coordinate the permit process and sustain a supportive customer service approach towards permitting. Benchmark the County's regulatory and permitting performance against itself and other comparable 11 120 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics jurisdictions. Develop and publish reports on these key performance metrics. (Browne) 21) p. 7-16; Policy 7D-8: Use information technology and 7 e the Internet weha site so the public can receive information on the status of projects, latest drafts of documents, and access to general resources via the Internet. (Browne) 22) p. 7-17; lines 1-3: A positive aspect of the proximity to Canada is the opportunity for iob creation through BC companies w#e -ante looking for a great location to expand or relocate in the United States or enjoy other economic advantages. (Browne) Passed June 2 1) p. 7-17; Policy 7E-1: Support attractions for Canadians and other visitors so they will remain in the Gommunity county longer and distribute their spending throughout the community. Some of the examples would include support for such items as the following: • Events such as the "Ski to Sea" race and festival,; • The Whatcom Museum, Mount Baker Theater, other historic and cultural centers, and community revitalization efforts,; • Parks and open spaces,; • The Bellingham Festival of Music,; • The Mount Baker outdoor recreation area,; • Farmers markets and other natural resource based activities,; and • Projects, events, and activities of unincorporated areas such as Point Roberts, Birch Bay and East County. (Brenner) 2) p. 7-18; Policy 7F-1: Support existing businesses ice- the -eew� locally as the major contributors of job creation and regeneration and afford them every opportunity to continue their success in the community. (Brenner) 3) p. 7-19; lines 8-9: The fishing and shellfishing industries are particularly dependent on wateF water quantity, good water quality, and habitat. (Brenner) 4) p. 7-19; Policy 7G-1: Recognize the natural environment as a major asset and manage environmental resources accordingly. We need both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. 5) p. 7-19; Policy 7G-4: Encourage sustainability by: 12 121 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics • Supporting waste reduction, re -use, recycling and the processing of used and waste resources into economically viable products. • Supporting renewable energy, state-of-the-art technologyies and conservation techniques to minimize demands on resources such as water, energy, and other natural and developed resources. • Pursuing energy resiliency and self-sufficiency by establishing renewable energy overlay zones, and by revisiting restrictions on the development of wind energy systems that protect public health and safety. (Brenner, Mann) 6) p. 7-20; lines 6-8: Natural resource based industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing., and mining. While accounting for less than 5% of the total county employment, resource based industries are still major components of the economy. (Brenner) 7) p. 7-21; Policy 7H-2: Work with other agencies, Tribal governments,. and other groups to improve the condition of the fishery resource, including habitat maintenance and enhancement, especially for habitats utilized by threatened and endangered fish species. (Brenner) 8) p. 7-20; line 15: Agriculture is one of Whatcom County's largest economic drivers. Whatcom County holds the most agricultural and farming land within western Washington, according to the 2014 Whatcom Futures Report. Additionally, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2012 Census of Agriculture, 1,702 Whatcom County farms produced a market value of $357 million in crops and livestock that year. Locally produced milk produced in 2013 reached an all-time high market value of $246.1 million. Raspberries and blueberries combined for a record market value of $123.6 million in 2014. (Brenner) 9) p. 7-21; New Policy 7H-8: Develop and support more programs to promote ag-tourism and ag- education to increase public awareness of the nutritional and economic value of agriculture and quality food production. (Brenner, Sidhu) 10) p. 7-22; Goal 7J: Aaddress unemployment and underemployment as important issues and continue the effort to increase family wage jobs. (Brenner) 11) p. 7-23; Policy 7J-3: Focus on absorbing and retraining displaced and discouraged workers and addressing the skills gap through grants, training by the Northwest Workforce Council 6o­nd1, Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College,, a d Northwest Indian College, and other opportunities (Brenner) 13 122 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 - Economics 12) p. 7-24; New Policy 7K-11: Recognize high speed Internet and cellular coverage are essential for all regions of our economy to succeed. (Browne) 13) p. 7-24; New Policy 7K-12: Encourage, and if necessary provide incentives, for high speed Internet and cellular infrastructure to be deployed in areas of the County such as the Columbia Valley. (Browne) 14a) p. 7-24; New Section: Local Food System Whatcom County is home to a robust agricultural production industry, marine harvest industry, as well as an associated local consumption industry. To maintain and advance the quality and quantity of food produced in Whatcom County, consideration must be given to interconnected sectors which support a thriving food system, including land, water, fishing, farming, labor, processing, transportation, consumption, aquaculture and waste. A vibrant local food system is a community asset to be protected, strengthened, planned for and celebrated. (Weimer) 14b) New Goal 7L: Strengthen the local food system and take steps to improve conditions for a healthy, resilient, and prosperous food economy. (Weimer) 14c) New Policy 7L-1: Encourage government, institutions, and local businesses to purchase food produced within Whatcom County when available. (Weimer) 14d) New Policy 7L-2: Encourage local farmers and producers to sell their products to local markets. (Weimer) 14e) New Policy 7L-3: Support development plans and zoning changes that increase access to healthy and locally grown food products. (Weimer) 14f) Move and renumber Policy 7K-10 as Policy 7L-4: Support food outlets such as grocery stores,. convenience stores, and local food markets that provide fresh, healthy foods, especially in underserved areas. (Weimer) 14g) Move and edit Policy 7K-7 as 7L-5: Support efforts and/or organizations seeking to achieve economic agFieultuFal diversity within the food system such as: • Niche markets for local agricultural products; • Technical assistance or educational programs. • Farmer's markets; • Value-added or innovative agricultural products or services; • Farm -to -school and farm -to -institution; • Agricultural diversity; • Food access and affordability: and • Community ed-u-cation and infer ation d:«eminati^^ gardens, education, and information dissemination. 14 123 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan (Weimer) Chapter 7 - Economics 14h) New Policy 7L-6: Support efforts to protect water quality and quantity, soil health, and best management practices as related to the food system. (Weimer) 14i) New Policy 7L-7: Encourage communication and collaboration across and within all sectors of the food system and support efforts/organizations working to build common understanding and to facilitate better collaborative effort toward an equitable, sustainable, and healthy food system for all. (Weimer) 14j) New Policy 7L-8: Support establishment of community -wide food system development plans. (Weimer) 14k) New Policy 7L-9: Support healthy and safe working conditions as well as healthy and safe living conditions for farmworkers. (Weimer) 14m) New Policy 7L-11: Support organizations that provide technical assistance, educational programs, and general support to people and businesses within the local food system. (Weimer) 14n) New Policy 7L-12: Consider food waste systems that reduce food waste and capture food waste nutrients. (Weimer) 15 124 VNHA ` CONI COlCdN rY COUNCIL AG EN0A B1, L r'YO. AB2016-047K CbRA,tl�ES Initial Date Dante Received in Council office Agenda Date�Natural Assigned to , orator. ! "" "" -- . g 2181WI6 2/23/2016 ResoalPces Cliff Strang ,. Division Head: Comm ittee r Dert !rsonius �4/5/2016 SCOTW p f tj 4/19/2016 SCOTW Sam.Ryan' Prosecutor. t' - w#� z 5/3/2016 SCOTW Royce Buckingham t� 4 a 5/17/2016 Public Hearing Purchasing/Budgef: ����ti iA CC�u, M C0 U&,5/31/2016 SCOTW t�S s 6/21/2016 SCOTW Executive: ii,3 `L 6 2016 Jack Louws 7/5/2016 SCOTW TITLE OF DOCU T` CONT . ON ATTACHED PAGE Discussion and preliminary Council direction on Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11, Environment 11, ATTACHAfflxr., Preliminary draft, Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11, Environment Related paperwork can be found at: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/2346/Comprehensive-Plan-Update-Process SERA review required? (X ) Yes i ? a�. Should Clerk, a hearing? J Yes ( ) NO SEPA review completed? (X ) Yes ( J N I SUAWARY STATENENT ON LEGAL , T'ICE LAiN aUAGE: (if this item is an ordinance or requires a public hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice, Re specific and cite RCW or 'MCC as appropriate. tie clear in emplaining the intent of the action.) The Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing on May 17, 2016, regarding the periodic update of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 11, Environment (AB2016-047K). This hearing will give the public an opportunity to provide comments to the County Council relating specifically to Chapter 11. The Council is conducting the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and urban growth area (UGA) review as required by the Growth Management Act under RCW 36.70A.130. It is anticipated that the County Council will adopt an ordinance amending the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and UGAs by the end of June 2016. C®il+TNMEEACT10d : COUXCIL ACT[Of% 2/23/2016: Briefed and discussed 5/17/2016: Public Testimony Received 4/5/2016: Discussed and provided preliminary direction 1.4/19/2016- Comments received 5/31/2016: This item was not discussed 4/19/2016: Discussed and proved preliminary direction I5/3/2016: Comments received' 5/3/2016: Discussed and provided preliminary direction 116/21/2016: Comments received; did not discuss 1.6/28/2016: Comments received, but did not discuss 7/5/2016: Comments received and prelim. direction given_ CONTINUED ON ATTACHED PAGE -------- _ -Plated File: Ordinance or Resolu�i®n Number: AB2016-047. I Pl�asa= Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are availably?; fear viewing and printing an the County's website at. ?�r,* xa<.what�Va ri w 125 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL Page Two AB2016-04K COMMITTEE ACTION.• 7/12/2016: Comments received and prelim. direction given Agenda Date Assigned to: 711212016 SCOTW 7/14/2016 SCOTW COUNCIL ACTION.• 126 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Chapter Eleven 2 Environment 3 4 Contents 5 Introduction................................................................................................. . 6 Chapter Organization.................................................................................. 2 7 Purpose..................................................................................................... 8 GMA Goals and County -Wide Planning Policies ................................................ 3 9 GMA Requirements..................................................................................... 3 10 Environmental Setting................................................................................. 11 Environmental Management............................................................................ 6 12 Introduction............................................................................................... 13 Background Summary................................................................................. 6 14 Issue, Goals, and Policies............................................................................. 6 15 I Community and Environmental Protection..................................................6-7 16 Administration and Regulation................................................................... 8 17 I The Environment and Property Rights......................................................91-G 18 Climate Change...................................................................................... 11 19 Natural Hazards........................................................................................... 13 20 Introduction.............................................................................................. 1 21 Background Summary........................................................................... 14-13 22 Issues, Goals, and Policies..........................................................................16 23 Water Resources..................................................................................... .21 -- 24 Introduction......................................................................................... _ 25 Background Summary................................................................................ 21 26 Whatcom County Water Resource Programs...............................................22 27 Issues, Goals, and Policies..................................................................... 232-2 28 Watershed Planning and Management ................................................... 232-2 29 Surface Water and Groundwater.......................................................... 2524 30 Stormwater and Drainage........................................................................26 31 Water Conservation............................................................................ 1 -- 32 Lake Whatcom Watershed.................................................................... 313G 33 Natural Systems....................................................................................... 33-3-2 34 Introduction.......................................................................................... 333-2 35 Background Summary............................................................................ 34-33 36 Fish and Wildlife Populations and Habitat ............................................... 34-33 37 Marine Resources Management............................................................. 35-34 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-1 127 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Shoreline Management Program........................................................... 3736 2 Issues, Goals, and Policies...................................................................... 3736 3 General - Natural Systems................................................................... 3736 4 Fish and Wildlife Populations and Habitat ............................................... 39-38 5 Wetlands.......................................................................................... _ . 41 6 Marine Habitat................................................................................... 434-2 7 Other Marine and Marine Dependent Organisms and Systems ................... 464-5 8 9 Introduction 10 Each person in Whatcom County has a fundamental right to a healthful and safe 11 environment in which to live and grow. With this right comes a responsibility to 12 contribute to the protection and enhancement of our natural environment. 13 Consequently, an important goal of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan is to 14 protect or enhance the county's environmental quality. This means that, individually 15 and collectively, we have the obligation to protect these resources for our children 16 and their children. Essential to this is the establishment of safe development 17 ( practices and patterns that do not significantly disrupt natural systems and that 18 ensure the continuation of ample amounts of clean water, natural areas, farmlands, 19 forest lands, and fish and wildlife habitat. 20 Chapter Organization 21 This chapter is composed of an introduction and four sections organized by topic 22 heading. The first section, entitled "General Environmental Management," 23 addresses general environmental goals and policies. The remaining three sections 24 deal with Natural Hazards, Water Resources, and Natural Systems. An Aethen 25 at the end ef the ehapteF Feeemmends speeifie aetiens to implement these goals 26 and pelieies-;-Together, the its sections of this chapter provide the direction 27 necessary to ensure and promote long-term sustainability of the environment in 28 Whatcom County. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Reason for Change: Action plan has been deleted, and unaccomplished actions added to the policies. Purpose Whatcom County's natural environment, with its seasonally -abundant supply of water, its beauty, and its other natural resources, has attracted people to our community for generations. This setting is important to our sense of well- beinasf)+r- , to our health, to our economic well-being, and to our future. Yet sSustaining these assets in the face of increasingly intense human activity h-as becomes more difficult e eF theeach years. The challenge of protecting this environment while accommodating growth w+ii-requires maintaining guidelines for development a blueprint that can help guide develepngent so that it -growth does Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-2 128 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 not ultimately overrun the very assets that brought most of us here. The purpose of 2 this chapter is to create such i-b+uep4etguidelines. 3 Process 4 This ehapteF was first nFiginally pi=edueed by the Citizens' Environmental Task FeFee 5 , 6 ' 7 weFe divided ante twe tasks: develep an EnviFenngen 1 chapter feF the 8 e!Qen9pFehensive pplan, 9 10 Mengbers ef the ETF paFtieipated in the ceunty's 11 tewn hall meetings te explain the eengmittee's 12 public input FegaFding the 9t. The values and alteFnatives gather 13 thmugh the Visiening PFeeess are reflected in this ehapteF. 14 GMA Goals; and County -Wide Planning Policies, and Visioning Community 15 'Value Statements 16 GMA Planning Goal 10, "Environment," provides the directive for much of this 17 chapter. It requires Whatcom County to "protect the environment and enhance the 18 state's high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of 19 water." In addition, some of the goals and policies of this chapter support Planning 20 Goal 9, "Open Space and Recreation," which directs the county to "conserve fish 21 and wildlife habitat." 22 Relative to environmental protection, Whatcom County's County -Wide Planning 23 Policies (CWPP) give the most attention to water issues. They state, "The quality of 24 life and economic health of Whatcom County communities depend on the 25 maintenance of a safe and reliable water supply. All jurisdictions and water 26 purveyors should cooperate to ensure the protection and quality of the area's water 27 resources." Five—sSpecific policies address water, promoting inter -jurisdictional 28 cooperation in conserving, protecting, and managing the water resource, and in 29 reducing water pollution. The CWPP also support protecting wildlife habitat and 30 corridors, natural drainage features, and "other environmental, cultural and scenic 31 resources." 32 GMA Requirements 33 The GMA alse-requires Whatcom County to identify and manage critical areas in 34 such a manner as to prevent destruction of the resource base and reduce potential 35 losses to property and human life. The GMA has identified Critical Areas to include 36 the following areas and ecosystems: 37 • Wetlands 38 e AFeas with a critical reehaFging effect en aquifeFs used for peta 39 wate Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas 40 • Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-3 129 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment • Frequently flooded areas • Geologically hazardous areas.- (GMA Definition) elm - - - -ILIA- - - - - -- - -- - "M W. - - NEI _ViTAMM-- - �- - ._ .. - -- - -- -- ::. :. Reason for Deletion: These references are old. Newer, pertinent documents are referenced below and in the bibliography. 21 Environmental Setting 22 Whatcom County bedrock geology can be divided into five bedrock geologic 23 provinces. From east to west these provinces are the Methow terrain, the Cascade 24 Crystalline Core, the Northwest Cascades System, the Fraser Lowland, and the San 25 Juan Island system. Tectonic activity over the past 15 million years has created the 26 present North Cascades and the formation of Mount Baker, a 10,000-foot high 27 composite volcano. 28 The mountains of Whatcom County, as well as the streams, lakes, valleys, ate -hills, 29 and shoreline _="eal.-.ur,� s are the result of millions of years of geologic events. Over 30 2.5 million years ago, during the Ice Ages, glacial ice invaded the Puget Sound 31 lowlands from the north at least four times, with the last major glacial event, the 32 Fraser Glaciation, ending approximately 12,000 years ago. A minor advance of 33 glacial ice, the Sumas Advance, ended approximately 10,000 years ago. The ice 34 formed from the accumulation of snow in the British Columbia Coast Range and 35 interior of British Columbia. Numerous glaciers are still present within the 36 mountains of Whatcom County, and some of these mountain glaciers formerly 37 extended far down the mountain valleys of the County. The underlying bedrock was 38 deeply eroded during these glacial events creating very steep mountainsides, and in 39 some areas, particularly in northwestern Whatcom County, a thick sequence of 40 glacial related sediments was deposited. The glacial ice was approximately 6,000 41 feet thick in the vicinity of Bellingham. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-4 130 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Two main glacial advances are the most important to our area, the Salmon Springs 2 glaciation and the later Vashon glaciation. Each time the massive glacier advanced, 3 it dammed up the Puget lowlands to form a huge lake. As the floating ice melted, 4 sand, gravel, clay and occasional boulders would melt out of the ice and fall to the 5 sea floor. This deposit, the Bellingham Drift, covers the ground surface over a large 6 area of western Whatcom County. Each time the Ice Age glacier advanced, it also 7 compacted underlying sediments with its great weight. It created a concrete -like 8 material called "till" (also known as "hardpan") beneath it. Because the Bellingham 9 Drift consists primarily of clay and silt, it is relatively impermeable; water tends to 10 accumulate on the ground surface. Wetlands are common on the Bellingham Drift. 11 On the bottom of the lake, "rock flour" —the finely ground remains of rocks 12 pulverized by glacial action —settled out. These deposits became the familiar "blue 13 clays" of the Puget lowland. The milky color of the Nooksack River is due to the 14 same kind of rock flour, created by glacial activity on the slopes of Mount Baker. 15 Additionally, each time the glacier retreated, water from the melting ice deposited 16 thick layers of sand and gravel known as "outwash." The outwash areas are 17 typically where we find our most productive aquifers, since these loose sands and 18 gravel are porous and drain rapidly. While these areas absorb rainwater for our 19 later use from wells, they are also vulnerable to contamination. An example of this 20 phenomenon is found in the outwash sands and gravels resulting from the Sumas 21 Advance. Large melt water streams and rivers flowed from this glacier depositing 22 the Sumas Outwash sands and gravels. The Sumas Outwash sands and gravels 23 make up the best non-floodplain farmland in the County and some of the highest 24 quality construction gravel deposits as well. Abandoned outwash channels were 25 formerly used as sources of peat. 26 I Each of these glacial sediments —lake bed deposits, till and outwash—is present in 27 various places and in varied combinations in Whatcom County. 28 These sediments provide both the formations that hold the groundwater for many 29 of the area's wells, and the parent material for most of the different soils. 30 Out of these long physical processes a complex natural ecology has emerged that 31 supports a diversity of wildlife. Many of our lakes, rivers, and streams support fish 32 including, but not limited to, native species such as the five pacific salmon 33 (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Chum, Pink) as well as Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, 34 Cutthroat (coastal and resident), Bull Trout, and Dolly Varden. Every year salmon 35 return to spawn in the streams and rivers of Whatcom County. Bufflehead and 36 goldeneye ducks winter here. Additionally, numerous bird species including scoters, 37 snow geese, trumpeter swans, canvasbacks, cormorants, grebes, loons, and other 38 migrating waterfowl pass through every spring and fall as they travel between their 39 breeding grounds in Alaska and Canada and their wintering grounds in California 40 and Mexico. Mallards, Canada geese, great blue herons, and numerous songbirds 41 live in the county year-round. Maintaining these unique resources is a high priority 42 for both present and future county residents. Whatcom County is home to a distinct 43 subspecies of the Great Blue Heron, which is the third largest colony in the Puget 44 Sound area. The wetlands, fields, streams, and nearshore habitat in the county Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-5 131 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 support many birds of special concern, such as the bald eagle (ESA threatened), 2 1 the pileated woodpecker (candidate for State threatened list), and the peregrine 3 falcon (ESA monitored). The National Audubon Society has designated Semiahmoo, 4 Drayton Harbor, and Birch Bay as 'important Bird Areas." 5 Environmental Management 6 Introduction 7 General environmental goals and policies are intended to provide guidance for 8 environmental management that will promote environmental protection and good 9 stewardship practices through a balance of public education and involvement; 10 incentives, acquisition,, and voluntary programs; land use planning and regulations; 11 environmental monitoring; and intergovernmental cooperation. These goals and 12 policies are also intended to provide guidance to County government as it assists its 13 citizens in maintaining a balance between individual property rights, economic 14 development., and environmental protection. 15 16 See Appendix G. 17 Background Summary 18 Development in the last 100 years has had a significant impact on the natural 19 I environment in Whatcom County. At the turn of the 20t" century, the areas 20 surrounding Lynden, Sumas, and Ferndale were logged, drained, and converted to 21 agricultural land. In the intervening years, many of the remaining forests were 22 logged, many streams re-routed and channelized, and much of the native 23 vegetation removed and replaced with a wide variety of introduced vegetative 24 types. Roads now crisscross most areas, with homes, farms, businesses, and 25 1 industriesy scattered throughout the county. 26 Issue, Goals, and Policies 27 There are designated any lands in Whatcom County that can still accommodate 28 exteT;s;�development. Whatcom eCounty also has areas that are sensitive to 29 human activity (wetlands, streams, lakes, marine shorelines) and lands that can 30 pose a hazard to the community (floodplains and unstable slopes). In these These 31 aFe the areas w4efe-development must be carefully planned or limited to maintain 32 environmental quality and public safety. This can be done through the creation and 33 implementation of goals and policies that seek to reduce hazards and prevent 34 adverse environmental impacts. 35 Community and Environmental Protection 36 The elements of the natural environment —water, air, soil, plants, and animals —are 37 interconnected and interdependent, functioning as one dynamic ecosystem. 38 Environmental resources within this ecosystem are extensive and, in some cases, Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-6 132 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 1 irreplaceable. They provide important beneficial uses to the community such as: the 2 supply of clean drinking water; management of stormwater run-off and flood 3 hazard managementee-ntf�; support for a wide variety of fish and wildlife; fresh 4 airi and a sense of place that -in which residents invest 41, enjoy, and expect. 5 Some of these same resources result in serious environmental constraints or pose a 6 hazard to development and a danger to the community. Flooding in the Nooksack 7 River is frequent and impacts much of the valley floor. There are numerous 8 wetlands and hydric soils throughout the lowlands that provide critical wetland 9 1 functions but and are generally unsuitable for inhibit development. The steep 10 gradient and geologic structure of the mountain ranges in conjunction with heavy 11 annual precipitation can contribute to slope instability and flood -prone drainage 12 basins. 13 Much of the environmental degradation and destruction to property occurs as a 14 result of a lack of information or understanding k-n-awIedge-rather than willful 15 action. Natural systems are subtle and complex. Too often both their benefits and 16 hazards are not readily apparent to the community. Additionally, baseline 17 I information is not always available to help identi�pfej-e t-the real costs or hazards 18 of building in Whatcom County. There is -be-a need for further research and 19 education. 20 Goal 11A: Protect natural resources and systems, life, and property 21 from potential hazards. 22 Policy 11A-1: Support good stewardship of Whatcom County lands, and apply 23 this principle to the management of public lands. 24 Policy 11A-2: Protect the environment through a comprehensive program that 25 includes voluntary activity, education, incentives, regulation, 26 enforcement, restoration, monitoring, acquisition, mitigation, 27 and intergovernmental coordination. 28 Policy 11A-3: Continue to identify,, and --designate, a_nd protect 29 Critical Areas and other important environmental features. 30 Policy 11A-4: Manage designated EnviFenmentally -Critical Areas (ECAs) as 31 Needed, to n9inimize er—protect against environmental 32 degradation and reduce the potential for losses to property and 33 human life. 34 Policy 11A-5: Actively pursue voluntary, cooperative, and mutually beneficial 35 efforts aimed at advancing county environmental goals. 36 Policy 11A-6: Aim to meet or exceed national, state, 37 and regional regulatienss the requiF air quality standards. Work 38 with the Northwest Clean Air Agency to ensure compliance with 39 applicable air quality standards. Develop —a„ i,;,pTe,T,e„1 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-7 133 1 2 County Council Preliminary Draft Mav 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Reason for change: No individual jurisdiction adopts its own air monitoring programs; the Northwest Clean Air Agency performs this role. 3 Policy 11A-7: SUsing Best Available Science support efforts to educate and 4 inform the public as to the benefits of a healthy and viable 5 environment, their- ecologically fragile areas, and their economic 6 and social value. 7 Policy 11A-8: GLead and/or coordinate efforts with property owners, citizen 8 groups, and governmental and non -governmental agencies in 9 furthering Whatcom County's environmental goals and policies. 10 Policy 11A-9: Cooperate with state and federal agencies and neighboring 11 jurisdictions to identify and protect threatened and endangered 12 fish and wildlife species and their habitats. 13 Policy 11A-10: Support acquisition, conservation easements, open space, and 14 other such programs to protect high -value natural areas as 15 identified through the GMA planning process, the Natural 16 Heritage Plan, the state Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) 17 program, the Lake Whatcom Management Program, and other 18 sources. 19 Policy 11A-11: Designate high -value open space and natural areas for 20 acquisition, conservation easements, open space, and other 21 such programs to protect these natural areas upon request or 22 consent of the property owner. 23 Policy 11A-12: Broadly inform the e,caz,=,s Peeople of th-e-Whatcom _Ccounty of 24 the locations of potential development constraints associated 25 with natural conditions. Information should include known 26 natural hazards; and an assessment of the potential danger to 27 both the property owner and the public. 28 Administration and Regulation 29 There are currently a multitude of regulations and administrative processes at the 30 federal, state and local level that, together, have become excessive and difficult to 31 understand. Conflicting regulations and complicated administrative processes can 32 create undue hardship on community members and result in reduced levels of 33 environmental protection. R . til - ,-'r,r .r� I ,� �-.�.. r .; �,> -.,� ra...- ' »- h y ..__.� "`CTti�fsi.,>:4. .7..✓:- 34 £'�g�1,£�.:�,�. �r�� ��,:�-�� _�_,",_ ,-r�<--�F'r`3�.,� ,#'�C ,r�,�r�f i. �,� ;.�,.,icl�z'._ 35 F� » 36 a.ti�.rt. 37 : rx::s Re ulator _ins ection and enforcement of environmental regulations 38 are currently inconsistent and lack effectiveness. The combination of complex 39 regulations and inadequate enforcement have led to a lack of administrative 40 predictabLfty, widespread violations, and ultimately to environmental deterioration. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-8 134 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 _ _... __ -. _ �._.__- �sRatl.� :>f ..E'. �:--- -- ..° ;r r� s.����v ) '; z �s i a .'+ E,. s ram..'!- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 it 12 13 14 Reason for Change: Amended by the P/C because they thought the language too` negative. Goal 1113: Simplify and harmonize regulations l 3 of -= y s em wea� r* &,e-nJ to - urelating to the identification, delineation, and protection of environmental features. Policy: 1113-1: Develop, as a significant_ey-component of a comprehensive environmental management program, non -regulatory measures that include voluntary activity, education, incentives, restoration, acquisition, advanced mitigation_ _,fit kg aLfon o �. `v; : ol if pact's), and intergovernmental coordination. 15 Policy 1113-2: Provide incentives for good stewardship of the land through the 16 use of non -regulatory and innovative land use management 17 techniques. 18 Policy 1113-3: Support education as an important tool in developing public 19 appreciation for the value of natural systems and provide the 20 public with informational materials and presentations relating to 21 natural system functions, regulations, and issues. 22 Policy 1113-4: Promote cooperation and coordination among involved 23 government agencies when multiple agencies have jurisdiction 24 over aspects of a single project. 25 Policy 1113-5: Process the environmental review of building and development 26 permit applications within an established timeframe that is 27 predictable and expeditious. 28 Policy 1113-6: Provide clear, timely, appropriate, and understandable direction 29 to citizens, developers, and property owners. 30 Policy 1113-7: Ensure regulations as as simple as possible and 31 I ecdish maintain effective inspection, compliance, and 32 enforcement measures. 33 Policy 118-8: Recognize the policies of the Whatcom County Shoreline 34 Management Program as constituting a "Shoreline Element" of 35 this plan. The shoreline program regulations and policies shall 36 be considered to be consistent with this plan until sueh tinge as 37 any neces5affangendngents a a 38 The Environment and Property Rights 39 Prior to the 1970s, growth in Whatcom County was relatively slow and received 40 little management. As a result, private property owners were left to their own Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-9 135 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 resources as they determined how best to use their land. However, as increasing 2 numbers of people have --moved to this area and settled, a greater demand hwas 3 beery --placed on Whatcom County's natural resources. 4 The problems that arise from this situation have caused many to realize th-at-what 5 one person does with his-o-=Lher property may have an impact on the larger 6 environmental system that sustains us as a community and on the pFopeFty 7 of other property owners. 8 Land use decisions can no longer be considered exclusively private matters. We are 9 aware th-at­public actions impact every private citizen in Whatcom County and t 10 private actions may have public consequences as well. To that end the law must 11 protect the oublicood from detrimental private actions. Nevertheless, the right of 12 the individual to use his or her property, within the bounds permitted by law, is a 13 value supported by law and the community and must be recognized when making 14 land use decisions in Whatcom County. 15 Goal 11C: In implementing environmental 16 policies, provide for protection of private property rights, 17 economic opportunities, and plan appropriately for 18 growth. 19 Policy 11C-1: Actively pursue voluntary and cooperative efforts that advance 20 Whatcom County's goals in a mutually beneficial manner. 21 I Policy 11C-2: Review eurFent eengpFehensive When adopting new 22 environmental protection programs to ensure that they 23 consider multiple economic parameters including development 24 objectives,, a-t---impacts., and the economic benefits of the 25 natural environment as both a resource and an amenity. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Policy 11C-3: Emphasize an approach to environmental protection b v,,, --the use of conservation easements, open space taxation, land acquisition, purchase/voluntary' workable transfer of development rights, and other mechanisms to -that assist affected property owners `�e, - k, ..._ - E,'t;:l' a,d t 3.. , `. . f.: - " p ._3?, �.�a..r i - r'.}ps. _..-- a�l..?1- f;�.�...t, r �t�—v 3.°'. >t —f _ ...F_ _rr r"}, t—.',,,,- --tl P®Iicy.11C-4 Avoid standards and procedures likely to require compensation to property owners or invalidation of such rules voi#-e-citron =d - a t d-- a c d u r�� �, S, y— to _ re q � -_ —li"� - Reason for _change: The P/C _thought it best to -avoid regulations leading to compensation for takings, rather than build compensation into the system.. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-10 136 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Climate Change 2 Climate chanae is a alobal phenomenon that has the potential for significantIocal 3 impacts to natural resources, ecosystem functions, as well as human health, 4 infrastructure, and the economy. In Washington State, the Climate Impacts Group 5 CIG), a consortium of scientists at the University of Washington, has done the 6 most extensive analysis of potential local climate change impacts in the Pacific 7 Northwest. Based on a range of climate change model projections, as well as peer- 8 reviewed scientific publications, the CIG concludes that during the next 20-40 years 9 the Pacific Northwest climate may change significantly. See Climate Cha__n�c e 10 Impacts and Adaptation in Washington State: Technical Summaries for Decision 11 Makers, Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington, December 2013. The 12 CIG confirms that global climate models project mid-21St century temperatures in 13 the Pacific Northwest t-ha ar-e—higher than the natural range of temperature 14 observed in the 20t" century. The CIG reports that as a result of likely climate 15 change —causing slightly higher average annual temperature —impacts to the Pacific 16 Northwest will likely affect a broad spectrum of the natural environment, but most 17 notably changes to water resources, including: 18 ® More precipitation falls as rain rather than snowfall in the Cascades due to an 19 increased snow -line elevation; 20 • Decreased (winter) mountain snowpack and earlier (spring) snowmelt; 21 ® Higher winter streamflow in rivers that depend on snowmelt; 22 • Higher winter streamflow in rain -fed river basins resulting_in scouring floods 23 that negatively affect salmon populations if winter precipitation_ and rain-on- 24 snow events increases in the future as projected; 25 ® Earlier peak (spring) streamflow in rivers that depend on snowmelt; 26 ® Lower summer streamflow in rivers and streams; and, 27 ® Decreased water in summer for irrigation, fish, human consumption and 28 recreational use (more drought -like conditions). 29 Climate change impacts are likely to include longer -term shifts in forest types 30 and species, potentially increasing wildfire risk and greater exposure to insects 31 and disease. Nearshore and riverine fisheries may be subjected to increased 32 stress due to even lower average summer stream flows (and higher summer 33 stream temperatures) and increased acidity in Puget Sound. Agricultural sector 34 concerns include the cost of climate adaptation, development of more climate- 35 resilient technologies, and management and availability of adequate water 36 supplies. Susceptibility to natural hazards is also expected to intensify due to 37 climate change including increased landslides, erosion, and coastal and riverine 38 flooding due to more winter rainfall, and potential rising sea levels. 39 In 2007, Whatcom County completed a Climate Protection and Energy Conservation 40 Action Plan that laid out specific actions and targets for reducing greenhouse gas Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-11 137 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 emissions and increasing energy conservation efforts in response to potential 2 climate change. 3 In addition many insurance industry experts are now factoring in the costs of 4 climate change into insurance premiums as the increase in the frequency and 5 severity of extreme weather events around the world results in a corresponding 6 increase in claims costs. 7 Local government, residents and business must anticipate that as the climate 8 changes, more frequent and severe damage to private and public infrastructure will 9 occur. Maintenance costs and insurance premiums can be expected to increase 10 accordingly. (Browne) 11 Reason for Change: Climate change was not addressed in the Comprehensive Plan 12 Goal11D Strengthen the sustainability of Whatcom County's 13 economy, natural environment, and built communities by 14 responding and adapting to the impacts of climate 15 change. 16 Policy 11D-1 Whatcom County's natural resource -based economic sectors, 17 natural systems water resources infrastructure, emergency 18 management, and public health all face 1- - entiall�noteworthy 19 climate change related risks in the future. The County should 20 consider potential long-range climate change implications into 21 its on -going functional planning and implementation actions. 22 The County should: 23 1. Study the resilience of its natural and built environments to 24 the potential impacts of climate change; 25 2. Identify the relative vulnerability of these sectors to climate 26 change; and, 27 1_n______Examine the adaptive capacity of these sectors to cope 28 with or mitigate climate change and take advantage of any 29 beneficial opportunities. 30 Policy 11D-32 Develop strategies that encourage a diversified and sustainable 31 economy that is resilient to the impacts of climate change. 32 Policy 11D-43 Promote the efficient use, conservation, and protection of water 33 resources. 34 Policy 11D-S4 Pursue strategies to reduce the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 35 the county by encouraging expanded availability and use of 36 public transportation, carpooling, and non -vehicular modes of 37 transportation. 38 Policy 11D--75 Establish land use patterns that minimize transportation -related 39 greenhouse gas emissions and encourage thy --preservation of 40 natural resource lands _and, _the prolect czn of .water_ re e arce _ Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-12 138 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 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Polite 11D-6: Convene a climate impact advisory committee by 2017. The advisorvcommittee should consist of(but not be limited._ to) e?�pjqrts_ in energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction, representatives from Whatcom County, and _ interested communia ty members. The committee will be tasked with: ® Evaluating_Whatcom Counts __comp liance with meeting targets set forth in the 2007 Climate Plano Establishing new targets that meet or exceed ._state and federal climate impact goals; ® Updatingthe he Climate Plan, at minimum every five years, or as needed to meet targets; ® Recommending updates to the Whatcom Count Comprehensive Plan in accordance with meeting Whatcom County's emission reduction goals; and ® Ensuring that Whatcorn County government facilities and operations are designed ed to meet or exceed mac. owls_ and standards resolved in the current Climate Protection and Enerqv Conservation Action Plan. Policy 11D-7: Encourage sustainabilityby developing strategies and practices to increase the use of renewable net -neutral carbon enema in Whatcom County facilities and County vehicles, with a goal of net zero man-made carbon emission by 2050. Policy 11D-8: Encoura_ge sustainabilij by developing strategies and practices to reduce landfill waste from Whatcom County government facilities to near zero. Policy 11D-9: identify responsible parties and agencies and encourage them to identify and properly seal and/or burn methane that is escaping into the atmosphere from wells. Reason for Change: "Address most current scientific assessments of potential, local climate change impacts. Natural Hazards Introduction The location, climate, and geology of Whatcom County combine to create many natural hazards to people and their developments. Earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and flooding s}re,ngs and rivers are some of the major natural hazards found in our region. Additionally, old mines are scattered around the county that could be dangerous to the community. Natural Hazards goals and policies are intended to provide guidance to county government as it assists its citizens in effectively managing natural hazards in a manner whichthat minimizes the danger Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-13 139 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 to each member of this community, while continuing to provide for economic 2 opportunities. 3 Background Summary 4 1 Natural Hazards include the following (Map 2711-4): 5 Landslide Hazards - The geologically recent retreat of glaciers from the Whatcom 6 County landscape, succeed b_contemoraneous geomorphic processes of erosion, 7 sediment transport, deposition, isostatic rebound and tectonic uplift has left many 8 hillsides over -steepened and susceptible to naturally occurring and human- 9 triggered slope failure '„afldstkie-s-and erosioneaFt.-Ah,-T„e e„lents. Several large, well- 10 known landslides are presently active e*as, -in Whatcom County, such as the Swift 11 Creek Slide on Sumas Mountain .aR : 12 '��eek: rF_ > t . In addition, numerous. large scale, pre -historic slope failure 13 deposits have been mappedby past workers and are readily identified in more 14 recently available LQh ,�r imagery. Various slope failure processes contribute to the 15 mosaic of landslide hazards present in the Gcounty the 16 seutb-eflv4a and the 17 pgteritial exists for a multitude of impacts ranging from _periodic small- to large- 18 scale rockfall and slides, as well as-#i,ete+ntial for massive debris. slides and 19 ¢avalanches destructive debris flows, and deep-seated earthflows, slumps and 20 slides_ domes4tse. Nl trneFeus-smaller These landslides processes act on b^th—� 21 large- and small-scale, and though much less catastrophic in nature., smaller 22 landslides occur more frequently and pose a continual - hazard to County residents. " riyaffecting in additen,-th-e23 and infrastructurea's^ ~} �eetnt, 24 presence--e€-cCertain types of geologic conditions and formations afe--commonly 25 cause culprits in jEhe landslides, namely the Chuckanut Formation and 26 the Darrington Phyllite, but are also frequently observed in unconsolidated glacial 27 sediments, in the presence of day -lighting groundwater seams and springs, on 28 slopes in excess of 35 percents along coastal_ bluffs and in areas of fluvial. 29 erosion onditions. .n -t-hie�W 0 s, a 30 I,em ce jvv-h-ef- 31 portions of unstable rh,,ckan„t I ern9at,.n. 32 1 Reason for Change: Updated due to updated knowledge. 33 Alluvial Fan Hazards - Alluvial fan hazards areas exist where steep mountain 34 streams flow onto floodplains or into lakes and deposit debris and sediment. 35 Because these streams are steep and flow in confined canyons, they can carry more 36 sediment and debris than a similar -sized stream flowing over flat land. During a 37 large storm, streams on alluvial fans can create catastrophic flooding and debris 38 floods, such as were experienced in 1983 in the Lake Whatcom area. During this 39 storm event, the Sudden Valley development on Lake Whatcom incurred significant 40 damage to property from flooding and debris flows on the Austin Creek alluvial fan. 41 Flood Hazards - Heavy winter rains and a transient snowpack combined with the 42 steep and sometimes unstable slopes of Whatcom County's foothills create Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-14 140 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 conditions ideal for flooding and debris flows along many of our rivers and streams. 2 The Nooksack River floodplain alone covers 38,000 acres in Whatcom County. In 3 1989 and 1990, the Nooksack River overflowed and flooded lowland Whatcom 4 County causing millions of dollars of damage. During some extreme floods, the 5 Nooksack River overflows near Everson and adversely impacts residents along 6 Johnson Creek in Sumas, and in the Abbotsford area of British Columbia. It is 7 predicted that climate change will exacerbate flooding, due to increased sea 1ev-1 8 and changes in rainfall patterns. Significant damage may result from these such 9 floods. In 1991, Whatcom County formed a countywide Flood Control Zone District 10 to address the major flooding issues in the county. 11 Volcanic Hazards - The presence of Mt. Baker is an asset to our region. Its 12 10,778-foot peak is one of the dominant features of Whatcom County's landscape. 13 However, Mt. Baker is also considered one of the most potentially active volcanoes 14 in the Cascade Range, and of the six major volcanoes in the range, Mt. Baker is 15 considered by geologists to be very hazardous during and after an eruption. The 16 fFequeney ef Mt. Baker veleanic events averages enee every 200 years. The last, 17 recorded signifleant event was abeut 200 yeaFs age. Pyroclastic flows, ash flows, 18 and especially volcanic mudflows, (also called known as laharsJ are believed to be 19 the greatest dangers to human life and development in Whatcom County. Geologic 20 evidence indicates that an eruption on Mt. Baker caused a major mudflew lahar 21 about 6,00 -6,600 years ago whichthat inundated the Middle Fork Nooksack Valley 22 from its headwaters downstream past the confluence with the North Fork at 23 Welcome. The same mudflew, lahar is now known to have been over 300 feet 24 deep in the upper reaches of the Middle Fork and extended as far east west as 25 Nugent's Corner, A major nqudflew -lahar 26 along the Nooksack would divert the river from its channel and cause mass 27 flooding. Fortunately, volcanic eruptions are infrequent with periods of hundreds 28 and thousands of years between events, but this infrequency also makes 29 forecasting a volcanic eruption extremely difficult. However, a major eruption of Mt. 30 Baker would pose a serious threat to human life and property. The deeply 31 weathered nature of the rocks forming Mt. Baker may also fail, triggering a 32 mudflow that would travel rapidly down the stream channels ringing the volcano 33 and result in damage similar to that from a volcanic eruption trigger. Mapping over 34 the past decade of other Cascade volcanoes has demonstrated massive mudflows 35 extending from the volcanoes to Puget Sound, and from Mount Rainier and Glacier 36 Peak. 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Reason for Change: According to web research, the event frequency doesn't appear to be true; in fact there doesn't appear to be a frequency to the known events. Earthquake Hazards - Whatcom County lies within the influence of the convergent plate maroin between the Pacific and North American Plate termed the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Reg ig onaIly-extensive and damaging; a--m+aj®r earthquakes, termed mega -thrusts, are possible when stress generated , between the subducting. Pacific Plate and over-riding Borth American Plate is released. fa-ult afea-off-ti�re--e= st of-1 e st-ef=n I M .rLl I n �, �}e �asC v, re-iias-ci're Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-15 141 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 peteflt,�I-f A mega -thrust earthquake is capable of generating an earthquake of 2 magnitude 9,_eight—or greater, and research has indicated an arproximate 3 recurrence interval ofeafthq-u-�, ever-y-500-600 years. Associated with the 4 stresses generated at the convergent plate margin are shallow, crustal faults that 5 are mappedThis type of earthquake is called-a­--gfea. 6 throughout Whatcom County_ Earthquake activity on these fault systems is much 7 more frequent than that observed at the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and thehas 8 recently expeienced nqueh sn9aller interplalEe earthquak-es--neaf Deming area is 9 considered one, of the 10 most seismically active areas in Washington. Recent research has shown tFra- these 11 crustal faults are gable of generating a magnitude 7 earthquake with an average 12 recurrence interval of These-tykes--eecur more4Fequefltly f30 to 50 years)-than-t-he 13 _ es. While all buildings are susceptible to damage from 14 seismic-shakin eartfquakes, structures built on peat soils,_ afI4-large areas of non- 15 structural Jill, or liquefiable soils are prone to more severe shaking during an 16 earthquake. If the shaking is strong enough, or of sufficient duration, structures 17 may collapse_ or become _ damaged due to building fatigue, ground 18 settlement/liquefaction, and/or lateral spreading. In addition to seismic hazards 19 posed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a significant mega -thrust earthquake has 20 the potential to generate a large and destructive tsunami that has the potential to 21 affect most low -bank areas of the County. 22 1 Reason for Change: Updated due to updated knowledge. 23 Mine Hazards - Mine hazard areas are sites of abandoned underground mine 24 shafts, adits, and mine tailings. Coal mining was a major industry in Whatcom 25 1 County in the early part of the 20" century, and several major mines were 26 developed in various parts of the county. All of the formerly active mines are now 27 no longer worked and are abandoned. For the most part these mine locations are 28 known and mapped, such as the extensive coal mines under the northern part of 29 the City of Bellingham and in the Blue Canyon area of South Lake Whatcom. 30 Issues, Goals, and Policies 31 Landslides - Siting human development on or adjacent to known landslide hazard 32 areas can create health and safety risks -few -humans and t�ir ye efl-arad 33 e the risks can be elevated due to extreme 34 weather events and earthquakes^, but may also occur with little or no warning. ar 35 +In the case of the Swift Creek Landslide5ar-a Mou-rt�a , the release of asbestos- 36 laden sediment poses an additional risk to public health. Development activity can 37 als-e--de-stabilize naturally unstable slopes and impact natural systems. However, 38 Ppredicting the exact timing, location, or extent of a damaging landslide is difficult, 39 and in _particular areas of the Ccuunty landslide hazards are not possible to 40 completely mitigate or avoid. In some circumstances, the development of upland 41 properties may place W-h-i-Fe- s-may- d end e+r s-w-it-h 42 i,t t;e--ar , downslope neighbors and natural systems may -fie 43 1 p aced at risk from rockfall or landslides—as----a---r Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-16 142 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 development. A similar relationship holds true for development at the toe of a 2 potentially unstable slope. In either event, development in proximity to landslide 3 hazards must proceed in consideration of potential impacts in order to ensure life 4 safety and preserve and protect public and private infrastructure. 5 Reason for Change: Updated due to updated knowledge. 6 Alluvial Fans - Because alluvial fan areas are associated with streams, are 7 generally gently sloping and elevated above the adjacent floodplain, and are 8 located at the base of mountains, they have historically been popular places to 9 develop. However, once every 10-25 years, a large storm event occurs in our area 10 and ei= ee-k --1 :^�:��€�_E -_flood homes and developments, causing damage to property, 11 natural systems, and sometimes loss of lives. 12 Flooding - Floodwaters from the Nooksack River can damage aa+FiEa--homes, 13 agricultural areas, businesses, and industries in the small cities situated along the 14 river; fish and wildlife habitat and other natural systems; and disrupt transportation 15 and utility corridors. Storm tides can flood homes and roads along low, exposed 16 marine shorelines in the Birch Bay, Sandy Point, Point Roberts, and Gooseberry 17 Point areas. Homes along Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, and Cain/Reed Lakes have 18 ( also been impacted by flooding during extreme storm events. Property and public 19 safety are also impacted by ra id channel morphology events. 20 Volcanos - A volcanic eruption or mudflow at Mount Baker could potentially 21 severely affect river flow on the Nooksack River or Baker River and cause severe 22 property damage near the volcanoes or along mudflew-lahar routes. 4 ,_'I . 23 X cd 1 C e �il 3 s7 ho d �3f 24 _-t+ie-C 'I', I AFeas 25 Grdinane.- 26 Note: The P/C added this text, modified from language submitted by the BIAWC. 27 Earthquakes - A major earthquake corm —may likelk and significantly affect 28 Whatcom County. If the shaking is strong enough, buildings may collapse, roads 29 could be damaged, and/or communications, power, and utilities could be severely 30 disrupted, mud and rock slides could occur on unstable slopes, and local sea levels 31 may change as shorelines assume altered post -quake elevations. 32 Reason for Change: Recommended changes by the Marine Resources Committee. 33 Mines - Some abandoned mine areas may pose a risk of ground subsidence from 34 the collapse of abandoned mine shafts. Air and water pollution may also be hazards 35 associated with abandoned mine tailings and trapped toxic gases. Development on 36 or near mine hazards could be adversely impacted. 37 Gas wells - Several explorator oil & gas wells have been drilled around the county 38 over the last 70+years. Some of ththese)resent potential environmental hazards due 39 to mooing_ leakage of gas. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-17 M91 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 ®Id Landfills - There are known abandoned landfills in the County and possibly 2 some that are unknown. There are also several sites around the County that 3 contain large numbers of abandoned _vehicles . and other debris. As with most 4 landfills these locations pose some degree of risk of hazardous substances leaking 5 into local aquifers. 6 Balanced Management - A central issue common to all development in natural 7 hazard areas is the need for Whatcom County to balance the responsibility of local 8 government to protect the public interest and provide for a safe and healthy 9 environment while safeguarding the rights of private property owners. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Economic Impact - Damage to private and public property resulting from the siting of human development in areas of natural hazards is significant to the people of Whatcom County. The 1990 Nooksack River floods caused over $20 million dollars of —in damage to roads, bridges, buildings, and farmland. Disaster relief efforts are expensive and dangerous to conduct during an emergency. Public efforts to reduce hazards, such as the establishment of the Flood Control Zone District, are also expensive. Goal 11OF: Minimize potential loss of life, damage to property, the expenditure of public funds, and degradation of natural systems resulting from development in hazardous areas such as floodplains, landslide -prone areas, seismic hazards areas, volcanic impact areas, abandoned mine and exoloratory gas well locations, potentially dangerous alluvial fans, and other known natural hazards by advocating the use of land acquisition, open space taxation, conservation easements, growth planning, regulations, and other options to discourage; or minimize develogment, or prohibit inaoDrooriate development in such areas. Reason for change:We do use regulations as well as these other measures to achieve this. 31 ( Policy 11DF-1: Avoid or minimize public investments for future infrastructure 32 development on known natural hazard areas. 33 ( Policy 119F-2: UtilizeUse th, Best Available Science to research and investigate 34 the nature and extent of known natural hazards in the county 35 and make this information available to the general public and 36 policy makers in an accessible and understandable form. 37 Policy 119E-3: Broadly inform the ep o Ike of Whatcom citizens of t ^ eCounty of 38 the locations of known natural hazards, and the potential for 39 adverse impacts of such natural hazards to the health, safety, 40 and welfare of people and their propertyies. 41 Policy 119F-4: Establish acceptable levels of public risk for 42 development in known natural hazard areas based upon the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-18 144 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 I nature of the natural hazard; and levels of public risk, and 2 establish —maintain regulatory _criteria for approving, 3 disapproving, conditioning, or mitigating development activity. 4 Policy IIBF-5:-- all per. itt . -ha ' -a-s 5 s a-5- b­abl—e a,'.,, Fse „ff site i ts4e_et hGproperties 6 aF-n-at u i-�-from h, e , �,, „ r 7 of-tle- fattr ---cue }-are g Fninimizeud or n9itigated. Prebable adverse 4rnpaets-s e 9 pFev n'Eed e_in_habi _ef ,.tat rami or fed fa}4y 10 11 Policy llDF-65: Prohibit the siting of critical public facilities in known natural 12 hazard areas unless the siting of the facility can be shown to 13 have a public benefit whichthat outweighs the risk of siting in 14 the particular hazard area. land 15 Policy 11D 7: Develop a comprehensive use managengent pFegFam 16 consistent with the findings and reeemmendations of the 17 . 18 Reason for Change: Similar to and redundant with new policy 11F-15. 19 Policy llDF-876: Maintain Beve+ep a comprehensive program of regulatory and 20 non -regulatory mechanisms to achieve Natural Hazard goals and 21 policies. This program should include such mechanisms as 22 education, tax incentives, zoning, land use regulations, 23 conservation easements, purchase of development rights, 24 transfer of development rights, and public acquisition. 25 Policy 119F-9-87: Review and ..eviseBe consistent with the Natural Hazard goals 26 I and policies and consider the locations of Natural Hazard Areas 27 when establishing or changing zoning patterns and densities. 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Reason for Change: Policies 1117-9 -15, below, were moved from the Action Items' section which is being deleted. Policy 11f)F-1098: To address the causes of flooding and avoid expensive and maintenance -intensive bank protection measures, the County sh-al4should prioritize its floodplain property acquisition program._ of " This Policy llDF-4-09• Ta lkc steps to d iscourage additions new fiocdplgin--development n the i"!_ood�_lain. Policy 11DF-11-0• Require applicants for development permits located in natural hazard areas to provide development plans designed to minimize the potential to exacerbate the natural hazard as well Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-19 145 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 as the risk of damage to property or threats to human health 2 and safety. In natural hazard areas where engineering solutions 3 cannot be designed to withstand the forces expected to occur 4 under the design event of a particular natural hazard, or off -site 5 adverse impacts to adjacent properties or natural systems 6 cannot be adequately mitigated, Whatcom County may deny 7 development permits intended for permanent or seasonal 8 human habitation. 9 Policy llDF-1-21: Consider conducting a public process with affected citizens, 10 technical experts, and decision -makers to establish 11 recommended levels of public risk for each of the identified 12 natural hazards. In developing recommended levels of public 13 risk for natural hazards, consider the appropriate variables 14 affecting developments in hazardous areas. These variables may 15 include: 16 i Specific types of risk associated with the particular hazard 17 area;- 18 • The gradation of hazards associated with a particular geo- 19 hazard; - 20 • Level of detail necessary to map hazard areas;.. 21 • Different levels of risk associated with different ownership 22 classes (e.g. public ownership versus private ownership);_ 23 • Different levels of risk associated with different types of 24 land uses;.. and 25 ® Mitigation measures related to specific adverse impacts of 26 development in hazard areas. 27 Once a set of risk levels have been identified, propose these risk 28 levels for adoption by the County Council as the level to which 29 future development must be designed 30 fo,-chef . 31 Policy 11BF-132: Consider establishing acceptable levels of public risk for 32 use in approving and conditioning development activity in 33 known natural hazard areas. The established level of risk may 34 be expressed as the potential hazard posed as determined by 35 scientific and historical methods applicable to each specific 36 natural hazard. 37 Policy 119F-14.3: Review the findings and recommendations of alluvial fan hazard 38 evaluations and make appropriate recommendations for land 39 use and zoning regulations to the County Council to assist in 40 reducing the hazards posed on these fans. Whatcom County has Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-20 146 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment completed or nearly completed alluvial fan evaluations of Canyon Creek Jones Creek, and Glacier -Gallop Creeks. Policv llDF-154: Review the findings and_recommendations of the Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (CFHMP) and make appropriate recommendations for land use and zoning regulations to the County Council to assist in the implementation of the CFHMP. Policy 11F-15: Identifvnown locations of abandoned wells that could produce methane and/or other hazardous substances and where immediate dander of methane and hazardous substance leaking exists, condition development approvals on affectedr)arcels to mitigate those impacts. Reason for Change: Policies 11F-9 15, above, were moved from the Action Items' section which is being deleted. 15 Water Resources 16 Introduction 17 Water resources refer to the numerous surface waters such as lakes, streams, 18 wetlands; groundwater; aquifers, estuaries; and marine waterbodies within 19 Whatcom County (Map 2411-1). These waterbodies are often integrally linked 20 through the complex network referred to as the water cycle. The water cycle 21 describes the series of transformations that occur in the circulation of water from 22 the atmosphere onto the surface and into the subsurface regions of the earth, and 23 then back from the surface to the atmosphere. Water resources of Whatcom County 24 provide_ natural beauty; recreation; habitat for fish and wildlife; water for drinking, 25 agriculture, and industry; and other benefits essential to the quality of life and 26 economic health of the community. The quality of life and economic health of our 27 county's communities depend on the maintenance of a safe and reliable water 28 supply. Decisions affecting any element of the water environment must be based on 29 consideration of the effects on other elements. 30 Background Summary 31 Whatcom County has 16 major freshwater lakes, 3,012 miles of rivers and streams, 32 over 37,000 acres of wetlands, 134 miles of marine shoreline, and aquifers 33 containing an undetermined amount of groundwater. These water resources serve 34 ( multiple uses including providing a source of drinking water for the people of 35 Whatcom County. Surface water sources such as Lake Whatcom, the Nooksack 36 ( River, and Lake Samish provide water to more than half the county residents, with 37 the remainder relying on groundwater, either from individual wells or from about 38 300 public water systems. Agriculture relies on both ground and surface water for 39 irrigation, drinking water for livestock, and facility wash down. Businesses and 40 industries may also require water, sometimes in substantial quantities, fromer non- Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-21 147 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 potable as well asand potable supplies. Water is also essential to meet many of 2 what are referred to as "in -stream" uses, such as €e-r-recreation, shellfish growing 3 and harvesting, habitat feF fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetics, and other uses and 4 benefits. 5 Groundwater is contained in aquifers, which are subterranean layers of porous rock 6 I or soil. Most of the surficial aquifers in Whatcom County are replenished by 7 rainwater, . Aquifers 8 are often integrally linked with surface water systems and are essential for meeting 9 in -stream and out -of -stream water needs such as for drinking water, agriculture, 10 e4LII aT;�-industry, and other uses. 11 Rainfall that 12 water and -runs into drainage courses such as ditches, streams, wetlands, rivers, 13 lakes, and the Strait of Georgia supports local surface and marine waters. Natural 14 and n9anmade drainage systems have many important functions, including storing 15 excess water flow, purifying surface water, recharging groundwater, conveying 16 water, and supporting important biological activities. As more areas in Whatcom 17 County are being urbanized, natural water resource systems are being replaced 18 with built systems, leading to permanent changes in hydrology. 19 ( Whatcom County government has a major role in helping to maintain these benefits 20 through its many responsibilities and programs, particularly in the areas of health, 21 safety, land use, and development. The intent of the following goals and policies is 22 to provide guidance to Whatcom County government as it assists its citizens in 23 effectively managing our water resources in a manner that ensures that the 24 benefits of those resources are maintained far into the future. The water resource 25 section focuses primarily on groundwater and surface water management. Surface 26 water management relates generally to watershed protection and 27 stormwater/drainage systems. However, some policy direction may indirectly be 28 provided for areas such as wetlands, estuaries, streams, and marine waterbodies 29 within the Water Resource section. Some of these areas are covered in more detail 30 in other sections within the Environment Chapter. 31 1 Whatcom County Water Resource_Procirams 32 I Whatcom County has and/or participates in numerous water resource programs 33 aimed at arotectina and enhancing water auality and quantity, includinq: 34 ® WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project; 35 • Lake Whatcom Watershed Management; 36 • Groundwater Protection & Management;; 37 ® Flood Hazard Management; and, 38 • Stormwater Management. 39 These oroarams are described in Appendix G. 40 Reason for Change: The Planning Commission felt that the descriptions of the 41 County's water resource ;and salmon recovery programs should be in an appendix Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-22 UM County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 rather than the body of this chapter, mostly for brevity's sake, but also because 2 their organization may be changing soon. 3 Issues, Goals, and Policies 4 1 Watershed Planninq and Management 67 36 Goal11-EG: Protect and enhance water quantity and quality and 37 promote sustainable and efficient use of water resources. 38 I Policy 11€G--21: Maintain as a high priority the protection of water quality and 39 quantity, . Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-23 149 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Policy 11€G-2: Actively participate in and support WRIA 1 Watershed Planning 2 efforts associated with the coordination of local federal tribal 3 and state agencies to achieve integration or consistency 4 between the various levels of environmental regulations relating 5 to the County. in cenjunetien with the eities, 6 , 7 publie and pFivate utilities, and the publie, 8 10 11 12 13 1 Reason for Change: Policies 11G-2 & 3 were combined. 14 1 Policy 11€G-83: 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Work cooperatively with Federal, State, and local jurisdictions, Tribal governments, municipal corporations, and the public to implement the goals and; policies, and ,,tiers itengs contained in of this-th_e_chaote Cornpre_hensive__Olan as well as state water resources and water quality laws. Policy _1.1_-EG-4 _ y_ ri _1_­_____ _____ coordination _cif _a_Il local _water_. anal _- r an _c eme_ni efforts-- pla_rt ar _d :ca tc ._.ensure __-�deq_ __ to uversight_of_wate_r qu_antity-_a_nd_q_uaiity_issues. Policy 11€G-5: Manage and prioritize water resources for multiple instream and out -of -stream beneficial uses, including eemmensurate . iti, instream flows set by the State Department of Ecology. Reason for Change: Recommended change by Dept. of Ecology. When issuing water rights, the state's surface water & groundwater codes specifically do not prioritize one beneficial use above another. Also, in -stream flows and water rights are all by priority date. 29 I Policy 11€G--16: Actively promote and participate in education, research, and 30 information opportunities whichthat better --improve our 31 understanding of the county's complex water resource systems. 32 New information should be considered in the development and 33 evaluation of management actions. 34 I Policy 11€G--37: Pursue the most effective methods for protecting water quantity 35 and quality, through both regulatory (e.g. zoning, enforcement, 36 fines) and non -regulatory approaches (education, incentives, 37 and technical/financial assistance). Emphasis should be placed 38 on non -regulatory approaches where possible and effective. 39 Policy 11€G-98: Track the development of policies and regulations at the local, 40 state, and federal level. Provide input to those regulations and Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-24 150 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3. 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 policies as necessary to ensure that the interests of Whatcom 2 County are considered. 3 Policy 11€G--69: In conjunction with all jurisdictions, develop and adopt 4 programs to protect water quality and quantity within 5 watersheds, aquifers, and marine waterbodies thatwhieh cross 6 jurisdictional boundaries. 7 Policy 11€G-1410: Promote awareness and participation in management and 8 protection efforts by individual citizens and the community as a 9 whole. 10 Surface Water and Groundwater and 12 : - - fFeFfl a variety ef peint and non point seuFees.o. eF 13 supplies in seme aFeas ai=e alse vulneFable- - - 14 bacteria, elevated el_ :,an _ ;_15 feund in seme qFeundwateF supplies at levels that exeeed these eensideFed safe fer 18 Goal 11FH: Protect and enhance Whatcom County's surface water 19 and groundwater quality and quantity for current and 20 future generations. 21 Policy 11€H-1: Manage surface water systems-,_where--app ri-atep on a 22 watershed basis. 23 Policy 11H-2:.. _Coordinate _efforts to_._brinaall _water _.users n Wh_atcorn _County 24 into c, m,li .nc-e__wit{h__state__o_nd _feder l__water I a w s in a___wa_y_ that 25 _lnhan_ ,es _slues_ fic1ws, water _qu01Ity, and ti5h rid tnri(dl f 26 habitat, 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 RFC: The P/C felt that the County should be coordinating such efforts with other agencies. Policy 11€H-23: In conjunction with the public and appropriate local, Sstate, _ri_b i_f_ and Ffederal jurisdictions, define, aTr d--identify., and develop management strategies for watershed basins and subbasins —that may require special protection. These areas may include aquifers, critical aquifer recharge areas as defined under the Growth Management Act, Groundwater Management Areas, wellhead protection areas, and high priority watersheds such as those specified under WAC 400 (Local Planning and Management of Non -point Source Pollution), WRIA Watershed Management Planning, and under legislative policy direction (e.g. Nooksack Basin, Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish and Drayton Harbor). Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-25 151 1 2 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 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Pelney 1. 1 F Continue identifying areas that Fequire speeial preteetien sueh as wellhead preteetien areas, aquifers, and high priority watersheds, and incorporate that knowledge into n9anageme aetiens, ineluding dissemination of the information te the general publie. Policy !IF 3� in eenjunetien with the publie and appropriate leeal, , Tribal, and Federal jurisdietiens, develop Frianagengent strategi Management efforts should consider both water quality and quantity. Water quality efforts should help reduce the likelihood that potential contaminant sources will pollute water supplies. Water quantity efforts should include consideration and protection of recharge areas as--appr-o--pri-ate--and potential effects on stream flow. Reason for Change: The above three policies were similar, so combined into one. Policy 11FH-4: Support the earn piet-ien and implementation of local and Jstate Watershed Aetien Management Plans, the Lower Nooksack Strategy, -the Lake Whatcom Management Program, NPDES Phase II Permitting, and the WRIA Watershed Management Projects as senge of the Ffleans of addressing non paint source pollution. Policy 11FH-5: Pursue the adoption and implementation of ground and/or surface water management plans and their integration e-the plans into local comprehensive plans. Designate the Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish Watersheds as a -high priorityies in this effort. Policy 11H-6: Oppose the use of hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas wells (also known as "fracking") to avoid thepotential degradation of water quality in aquifers and other ground water. 29 Stormwater and Drainage 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 - - - - : NIN : • - - -- - - - -- - - :. :- •: :: Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-26 152 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chanter 11 - Environment 1 petreleum weduets-eil, heavy metals, gar -den chemicals, and animal wastes inte t 2 water system; r 4 Reason for Change: Background information is now provided in Appendix G. 5 Goal 11GI: Protect water resources and natural drainage systems by 6 controlling the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff. 7 Policy 11GI-1: Manage stormwater runoff to minimize surface water quality and 8 quantity impacts and downstream impacts on channel 9 ( morphology, property owners, and aquatic species and habitats. 10 ( Policy 11GI-2: Maintain or enhance, when appropriate, natural drainage 11 systems and natural water storage sites in order to better 12 protect water quality, moderate water quantity, minimize 13 environmental degradation, and reduce public costs. 14 ( Policy 11GI-3: Limit the alteration of natural drainage systems and natural 15 water storage sites without mitigating measures. Such 16 measures should not degrade water quality or fish and wildlife 17 habitat; and should not increase hazards to the community. 18 I Policy 11GI-4: Support the use by resource industries, ---such as agriculture, 19 forestry, and mineral resource extraction ---of management 20 practices that minimize erosion and sedimentation, and 21 significantly reduce pollutants. 22 ( Policy 11GI-5: Evaluate the role of watersheds in the maintenance of water 23 quality and quantity and determine what cumulative impacts 24 development activity may have on watershed hydrology. 25 Policy 11GI-6: Develop specific stormwater management programs for each 26 I drainage basin within the county's jurisdiction whiehthat may be 27 impacted by urban levels of development. Recognize the Lake 28 Whatcom Watershed, Lake Samish, and Drayton Harbor as high 29 priorities in this effort. Coordinate efforts with the Lake 30 Whatcom Management Gong ng itteePolicy Group —per, the 31 various shellfish protection districts, and other watershed 32 management plansentities. 33 Policy 11GI-7: Establish, as a high priority, a stormwater maintenance program 34 rthat a-sensures that stormwater systems are adequately 35 maintained and function at or near design capacity. 36 Policy 11GI-8: Stronci1v ncentiviz __ Encos�r aln- -the use of low impact 37 development strategies. Minimize the amount of impervious 38 surface whenever practicable by using natural engineering 39 design methods such as the use of open, grassed., street swales 40 aa;-, l rain gardens instead of curbs and gutters. Where feasible, Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-27 153 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 encourage alternate surfacing options and other techniques 2 associated with low impact development (see Glossary). 3 1 Policy 11GI-9: Develop and administer stormwater management standards as 4 required by the NPDES Phase II Permit. 5 Policy 11GI-10: Develop and administer regulations and incentives such that 6 there is no net loss of ecological functions and values of 7 r_ e ulated wetlands and fish and wildlife habitats. 8 Policy 11I-11: Place a high priority on integrating impervious surface reduction 9 incentives into policies, regulations, and standards for the ' U`Ke 10 WheteeiT-and-ems-came—Sam;s"- wat—eFsheds. 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 Reason for Change: Policy M-11 comes from the Action Plan that was removed from this chapter. Policy 11I-12: Develop and implement comprehensive stormwater management programs and strategies designed to address runoff from all private and public developments and facilities within regulated and sensitive watersheds. 1. Implement the Western Washinaton Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. Incorporate watershed considerations into the development of a comprehensive stormwater management strateav for designated areas. 2. Review Stormwater Special Districts Standards, Watershed Protection Districts and other related codes that address runoff treatment from potentially polluting surfaces for their applicability to other sensitive watersheds with the Technical Advisory Committee and other appropriate agencies. Coordinate efforts for ongoing monitoring and evaluation within the sensitive watersheds and NPDES areas. 1A______Amend subdivision, zoning, and other land use regulations and design standards to Fe-gute,n ou'r ae that land use activities minimize the amount of impervious surface. 4. Identifv and imDlement a Iona -term fundina source to provide for water resource protection services, including non - point source identification and enforcement of applicable county regulations. 5. Focus on the Lake Whatcom watershed as a high priority in developing a stormwater management program. Develop a stormwater management plan that achieves a uniform level of protection throughout the Lake Whatcom watershed. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-28 154 •• • • •NOUS a- r r • rr` • • • • .•. v` OO r .rr ^G. ,..r... � �. ,s �..wC,..r ,. G' � r • G. s. CrrO ,�. a... •, ISO, alil Ow .raa r �' r • .. � .a r' r r ra , r r i ^. -:a r. G ' # � G r r � ` r r 1 w`' G G � s :Ors " G.■. 0- O r"G r` a � `G r'G O r G s O sir • C:. O `Gr ^s G' r O rCG9 • G` C G G 'rr O iC G G`' �♦ rrr � Os � � .�► C_r� wa r w..C,�.. O r ■: G O -sG . �� r-Cr C G •rCr r Or Cw . � y.� G. C. r • • C G O' sG" I . a 155 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 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Reason for 'Change: The double underlined and struck out policy was an action item. The new language (underlined) is a rewrite of the policy by Public Works. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-30 156 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 1 Water Conservation Chapter 11 - Environment 2 Goal 11-3: Policy 11E 4., Support water conservation, 3 reclamation, r r l--wreuse measures;_ and education as a 4 means to ft@jpiftSzensure sufficient water supplies in the 5 future. 6 Policy 11€J--71: Support and assist water users in the development of cost- 7 effective means of improving efficiency of water use. 8 1 Policy 11€J-82: Support efforts to establish and protect sustainable water 9 supplies to meet existing and future demands for water in the 10 county. 11 Policy 11J-3: _ Develop and implement plans to comply with the Department of 12 Ecology's instream flow and water _management rules and water 13 resources management progrrams. 14 Lake Whatcom Watershed 15 Goal 11-K: Prioritize the Lake Whatcomas an area in 16 which to minimize development, repair existing 17 stormwater problems (specifically for phosphorus), and 18 ensure forestry practices do not negatively impact water 19 quality. Provide sufficient funding and support to be 20 successful. 21 ( Policy 2MM11-K-1: Work with property owners to find acceptable development 22 solutions at lower overall densities than the present zoning 23 allows. 24 Policy 2MM11-K-2: Develop a storm drainage utility district or other funding 25 mechanism to deal with the unique problems of development in 26 a drinking water watershed. 27 ( Policy 211-K-3: Recognize that all users of Lake Whatcom water have an 28 interest in the resource and should share in the cost of its 29 protection. 30 Policy 2MM11-K-4: Work cooperatively with the City of 8ellinham, and--the L _kel 31 Whatcom Water_ � = Sewer DistrictWater District 10, a } 32 to identify, review, and, as appropriate, 33 recommend changes to existing monitoring programs that will 34 address the needs of the various jurisdictions. Place a -particular 35 focus on the information needed to evaluate the impacts of 36 ( additional development and__stormwater management measures 37 in the watershed. Include an analysis of the diversion from the 38 Middle Fork of the Nooksack. Coordinate efforts with the Lake 39 Whatcom Management Committee process. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-31 157 1 2 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Reason for Change: "Applicable associations added by P/C in response to the Sudden Valley Community Association's request. 3 Policy 2MM11-K-5: Evaluate and pursue, as appropriate, the use of incentives to 4 encourage voluntary lot consolidation, transfer or purchase of 5 development rights, current use taxation, and participation in 6 open space conservation programs. 7 Policy 2MM11-K-6: Do not allow density bonuses within the Lake Whatcom 8 Watershed. 9 Policy 2-MM11-K-7: Work cooperatively with the City of Bellingham and theLakes 10 Whatcom Water a.__d, Sewer _DistrictlAJ-ate _Di-aa:riet-10 to develop 11 benchmarks to determine_ the effectiveness of management 12 options; when goals have been achieved; or when additional 13 actions are necessary. 14 1 Policy 2MM11-K-8: Continue to develop and refine structural and non-structural 15 best management practices (BMPs), both voluntary and 16 required, to minimize development impacts within the Lake 17 Whatcom watershed. . 18 Policy 2MM11-K 9 Work to keep . 19 within the Lake Whatcom 20 watershed in public ownership, and support managing forestry 21 on _c _> tq lands in a manner that minimizes sediment and 22 phosphorus yields from streams. 23 I Policy 2MM11-K-10: Encourage the location of public services, such as schools, 24 libraries, parkp�n _pe=____and post offices within Rural 25 Communities that would likely reduce the vehicle miles traveled 26 within the watershed. 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Reason for change: This change was recommended by the County Health Department. Policv 2MM11-K_}'Lake What-c-orn, Uj _ _L�.=.,..Lc : _' _T__ _d { ___ 11t4e -_. and �i il;'� .. f t 1 t us fjt _ i3,,d T! na E �l S_.;.`��`�.e , stu - -. __.... .. .. _..: _ , ......,--_._.. .. _ _-_ .._:.__...u..r. _ . ..._ ...... __ ''� ..z j1` } Ew.,�.:� '(1 ?; , (€.:"' 2i -' t f r"; �sj,� 1998 (rFxii ly — ... _.... > � a , i _�_� .__.._ .._� �.. .•het 4�1{ ra a k -�� i� 6 i. d �- a 3 �, ;2 t„5 I _ .. - _ �: r �l tort 4r +T tPt -t�€. i z ���. 'Jtr� k �ti tf4 �.4 a tL 6.'.`�' CI - _. _ - _. _— � -- � ___ . _ _ __ _ _ s cLb } ifi4,.dts for Reason for change: This text was moved from the action plan items in Chapter 2. 37 )1 i :w v 2MM11-K ` >. _' v;i ra na rnod fv (,- d d) I he cu;Frent,_d v-.,,,Ion )-; en,' re i &uV 38 �,� �, , '_. ... __. __. _.. e t 1 4.. . t �__ i .s "3�C 3 i Ef 0F I 40 Reason for change: This text was moved from the action plan items in Chapter 2. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-32 158 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 2MM11-K L ------_ _ __ ... _ _._a-. - - _ _ .___.. _. �._._ _�. w 2 i .J., _ _...�_ _. __. _.., 4 + ._ .w1.._. w..., .. b- ._ _riOC .. ut4zS .. .,_. Llan tt . t VV n. Reason for change: This text was moved from the action plan items in Chapter 2. Note: Policies 11-K-14 through 21 were moved from Chapter 2. 7 ( Policy 213-1311-K-14:Facilitate meeting the unique needs of Sudden Valley due to its 8 location within the Lake Whatcom Watershed. 9 1 Policy 2-BB11-K-15:Recognize the existing parcelization and the commitment for 10 development of the remaining multi -family parcels in Sudden 11 Valley. 12 Policy 2BB11-K-16: Work with the Community Association towards voluntary 13 achievement of the density reduction , of 14 additional lots within Sudden Valley. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Reason for change: 'According to Public Works,the density reduction program has been completed; thus, this policy is no longer needed. Policy 2-B-911-K-17: If vacant lots in the Lake Whatcom watershed come available due to a tax foreclosure the County may acquire them, remove the developments rights and then011ace them back on the market through the public auction process to recover any residual value. - �ac-qups—lot-s-__ —tax fereelesure, censider�selling them as build Policy 2-6B11-K-18: Support Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District's effort to maintain adequate sewer capacity and control stormwater run-off in keeping with appropriate environmental controls and the Sudden Valley Community Association's density reduction goal. 28 Policy 26B11-K-2419: Work with all parties to maintain; and appropriately plan 29 for infrastructure, public services, and stormwater retention so 30 I th-at-Sudden Valley can develop to its appropriate potential. 31 Note: Policies 11-K-14 through 21 were moved from "Chapter 32 Natural Systems 33 Introduction 34 "Natural systems" refers to the complex biological ecosystem that has 35 grewi=�developed from the geologic setting of Whatcom County. It includes fish and 36 wildlife, as well as diverse vegetation that has adapted to a variety of physical and 37 climatic conditions (Map 2511-2, Map 2�011-3). Natural Systems goals and 38 policies are intended to provide guidance to county government as it assists citizens Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-33 159 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 to effectively manage and enhance these natural systems, and ensures that the 2 benefits of these systems are maintained far into the future. 3 Background Summary 4 ( Whatcom County provides a wide variety of natural habitats ,"hthat support and 5 shelter a diverse array of fish and wildlife species. The county's wildlife is 6 particularly varied and abundant when compared to many other areas of 7 Washington State. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this: 8 abundant water resources, rich soils, mild climate conditions, and a moderate 9 degree of urbanization are among the most important. Among the habitats of 10 importance to fish and wildlife are the following: 11 • wetlands, lakes, and streams! 12 • nearshore, intertidal, and—estuarinees habitats and marine habitats 13 including, but not limited to, kelp and eelgrass beds 14 • riparian areas and other travel corridors 15 • snags and downed logs 16 • forested habitats in a variety of successional stages. 17 • caves, cliffs, and talus slopes 18 • grasslands and cultivated fields; and, 19 • thickets and fence rows. 20 Aquatic habitats include rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and their riparian borders. 21 Together, these habitats are essential to Whatcom County's fish and wildlife. 22 Twenty-six species of fish —including twelve economically important stocks of 23 salmon and trout —inhabit fresh water in Whatcom County for all or part of their life 24 cycles. Healthy flowing streams and rivers, as well as off -channel wetland habitats, 25 are essential to the survival of the majority of these fish. Wetland ponds, especially 26 beaver ponds, provide optimal habitats for rearing and over -wintering of young 27 fish, particularly Coho salmon and cutthroat trout juveniles. 28 Most regional wildlife species regularly use aquatic and riparian habitats for 29 breeding, feeding, shelter, and migratory activities. Of this large grouping, over half 30 are dependent upon wetland habitats at some point in their life cycles, and would 31 decline or disappear in the absence of wetlands. Wetlands also contain unique 32 vegetative communities that harbor many species of rare and unusual plants. 33 INative Fish and Wildlife Populations and Habitat 34 Optimum habitat for Pacific Northwest salmon and other fish is one that resembles 35 the riparian landscape of pre -settlement times: braided streams wandering freely 36 through nearly continuous forest; trees overhanging and partly fallen into streams; 37 stream beds with abundant logs, step waterfalls, pools, and cutbanks, wand 38 vegetated marine and estuarine communities. In most cases, it is not realistic to 39 return to that state. However, measures can be taken to retain or regain those 40 features which that provide the minimum requirements of a viable fishery. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-34 160 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 M 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment The best habitat for native wildlife includes native plants, which that have eyel ed and eeeUF natuFally in the county. Native plants are more closely matched to local soils, climate, and wildlife. They provide the right kinds of food, shelter, and diversity needed by wildlife. Native plants frequently need less watering, spraying, pruning, fertilizing, and or other maintenance than do exotic or imported plants. Loss of native vegetation through conversion to ornamental vegetation and non- native species often results in loss of wildlife habitat, increased competition to native wildlife from introduced species, such as starlings, and increased maintenance needs. Loss of native vegetation also can occur through invasions such as the spread of Spartina, which can drastically displace important native eelgrass communities. Salmon Recovery Program The decline of salmonids throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest over the past century is well established. Since 1991, numerous evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Pacific salmonids have been listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including those of chinook, coho, chum, sockeye, and steelhead. Decline in salmonid abundances have been attributed to widespread loss and degradation of habitat, due to hydropower, residential and urban development, agriculture, and forestry. Fishing and hatchery production have also contributed to declines. t£ a r ( 4 �4t� £ �� { �!� I' J �+.�c° - Sal ; -,nor t"� } k` ! P_, 'kn ._.. �r r r� t G Reason for Change: The Planning Commission felt that the descriptions of the County's water resource and salmon recovery programs should be in an appendix rather than the body of this chapter, mostly for brevity's sake, but also because their organization may be changing soon. Marine Resources Management Marine habitats include all salt water bodies and their shorelines, kelp beds, eelgrass meadows, salt marshes, beaches, and mudflats. These habitats play a vital role in the health of the local environment, as well as of the broader Puget Sound region. They provide spawning, rearing, and feeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, as well as refuge for juvenile and adult fish, birds, and shellfish. The vegetation on back -shore marshes and within estuaries buffers adjacent upland areas by absorbing wave energy and slowing erosion. Symptoms of ecosystem stress include: declining stocks of salmon, bottomfish, and forage fish; closures of recreational and commercial shellfish beds; degradation and losses of eelgrass beds, kelp forests, and other marine habitats; and dwindling populations of seabirds and marine mammals. The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative was authorized by Congress in 1998. The Initiative established the Northwest Straits Commission and Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) in seven western Washington counties, including Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-35 161 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Whatcom County. The MRCs' main purpose is to guide local communities, using up- 2 to -date information and scientific expertise, to achieve the important goals of 3 resource conservation and habitat protection within the Northwest Straits. The 4 Whatcom County MRC acts as an advisory committee to the Whatcom County 5 Council. 6 Shellfish Recovery 7 Many of the marine waterbodies in Whatcom County support natural and cultured 8 bivalve shellfish, including oysters and many species of clams. The warm, nutrient- 9 rich tide flats in and around Lummi Portage, and Birch Bays; af-d---Drayton Harbor;; 10 and Eliza and Lummi Islands represent unique water resources in this regard. 11 Commercial shellfish growers recreational clam and oyster harvesters, and Native 12 Americans have used this resource for many years. It is an important part of our 13 community's heritage. 14 Our ability to grow and harvest shellfish that is safe for human consumption is 15 directly linked to surface water quality and the influence it has on marine waters. 16 The primary measure of water quality for shellfish harvesting is bacterial 17 contamination associated with human sewage and animal wastes. Potential sources 18 of fecal bacteria include municipal sewage treatment plants, on -site sewage 19 systems, boat waste, farm animals, pets, and wildlife. Since 1995, valuable 20 shellfish beds in Portage Bay and Drayton Harbor have been downgraded (harvest 21 prohibited) due to non point pollution impacting recreational, tribal, and commercial 22 harvesting. In 2014, Portage Bay was identified as a threatened Shellfish Growing 23 Area by the Washington Department of Health. (Washington Department of Health, 24 2014) 25 Shellfish Protection Advisory Boards 26 Whatcom County has three Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committees 27 one for each of the Shellfish Protection Districts: Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor, and 28 Portage Bay. Each advises the County Council on proposed actions and operations 29 relating to the restoration of water quality in their respective watersheds. 30 Shellfish Recovery Plans 31 Shellfish Recovery Plans have been created for each of three districts. The plans 32 outline the primary sources of bacteria and actions to improve water quality-° 33 • Drayton Harbor Shellfish Recovery Plan (2007); 34 • Portage Bay Shellfish Recovery Plan (2014), Portage Bay Initial Closure 35 Response Strategy (1998); and, 36 • Birch Bay Initial Closure Response Strategy (2009); 37 Pertinent Documents 38 Whatcom Marine Resources Committee 2011 - E�[2015 Strategic Plan (2010) 39 This document outlines the MRC's mission, vision, and -values, their -goals, ate 40 objectives, and strategies for achieving them. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-36 162 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Shoreline Manaaement Chapter 11 - Environment 2 The State Legislature passed the Washington State Shoreline Management Act 3 (SMA) in June 1971. The SMA was overwhelmingly passed by public initiative in 4 1972. Under the SMA, each county and city was required to prepare a shoreline 5 'master program" in accordance with the shoreline guidelines issued by the State 6 Department of Ecology in 1972. 7 The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (SMP), WCC Title 23, is the 8 document that implements the goals and policies of the SMA at the local level. It 9 was adopted in 1976 in accordance with RCW 90.58. The goals and policies of the 10 Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program also constitute the shoreline 11 component of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan. 12 Under the provisions of the SMA, all development along shorelines of the state is 13 required to comply with the provisions of local shoreline master programs. The 14 Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program works with other chapters of the 15 Whatcom County Code to protect and preserve saltwater and freshwater shorelines 16 throughout the county by managing natural resources and directing development 17 and land use suitable for the shoreline environment. 18 The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program jurisdiction includes: 19 • More than 130 miles of marine shoreline; 20 • More than 60 miles of lake shoreline° 21 ® More than 220 miles of stream channels; and, 22 • All wetlands and floodways associated with the above shorelines, together 23 with all upland areas within 200-feet of the Ordinary High Water Mark 24 OHWM . 25 Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) share 26 joint authority and responsibility e-ffor the Whatcom County SMP. Whatcom County 27 Planning and Development Services is the primary agency responsible for 28 implementation of the Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program. 29 Issues, Goals, and Policies 30 General — Natural Systems 31 Growth and urbanization of the land base have and may continue to impose a risk 32 to the degradation and reduction of natural systems. Wetlands and estuaries 33 continue to be lost incrementally. Streams and their adjacent riparian habitat are 34 affected by land clearing, ditching, erosion, and road building. Lakeshore 35 development degrades the foreshore environment for waterfowl and other species, 36 as well as negatively affecting water quality. It is estimated that Washington has 37 also lost approximately one-third of its historic eelgrass beds from a variety of 38 causes, including dredging, shading, and filling. Large -diameter snags and downed 39 logs, an essential feature for dozens of wildlife species, are lost during clearing or 40 intensive forest management. Forested habitats are lost to a number of 41 development processes including urbanization, agriculture, increased rural/ Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-37 163 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 suburban housing density, and timber harvesting. The delicate environment of cliffs 2 and caves may be affected by housing development, mining, and other activities. 3 Conversely, grasslands, thickets, fields, and fence rows are habitats largely 4 provided and enhanced by human activities, and are thus fairly abundant and 5 stable within the developing county. The existence of farms, in particular, has 6 contributed to an abundance of these more open, pastoral habitats. 7 Many stream systems in Whatcom County have been altered by agriculture, 8 forestry, development, and flood control practices, contributing to low streamflows 9 fisheries loss, water pollution, sedimentation and other problems. These impacts 10 can directly affect the fisheries resources by depositing silt and debris into 11 I spawning beds, by removing trees that shade and cool the water, bank 12 arm orinastab+l+z- -q , interfering with the recruitment and establishment of 13 large woody debris (LWD), by obstructing fish passage with culverts and roads, by 14 altering natural channels through filling, bank hardening, and channelizing. In 15 addition, the physical processes that create functional habitats for fish life stages 16 are altered by increasing flows through stormwater runoff or consuming water 17 volume for other out -of -stream uses. 18 Finally, the cultural value of functioning habitats, including wetlands and the fish 19 and wildlife they harbor, has often been ignored in land use decisions. The 20 gathering of fish, game, and other natural resources forms a central aspect of many 21 cultures in this region. Also, the mere presence of these natural resources 22 constitutes a community amenity that is a substantial part of our local economic 23 base. 24 Goal1114L: Protect and enhance natural systems, which provide 25 economic, ecological, aesthetic, and cultural benefit. 26 I Policy 1144L-1: Define and identify habitats and habitat features important to a 27 balanced and sustainable web of life that supmorts_fish and 28 wildlife. 29 I Policy 11+4L-2: Develop and adopt programs wh�that protect habitats 30 are essential to the conservation of species that have been 31 identified as endangered, threatened, or sensitive by the state 32 or federal government. These programs should maintain and 33 encourage restoration of habitat conditions for threatened listed 34 species. 35 Policy 11HL-3: Develop and adopt programs whieh-that provide incentives for 36 the -protection of environmentally fragile areas or critical wildlife 37 habitats and corridors. 38 Policy 11HL-4: Where feasible, incorporate fish and wildlife habitats into public 39 capital improvement projects, 40 _ banding pregfa,m. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-38 164 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Policy 11HL-5: Provide measures to mitigate negative water quality and 2 quantity impacts from both public and private alterations of 3 natural drainage systems. 4 Policy 11HL-6: Consider sensitive fish, shellfish, and wildlife species and their 5 habitats when establishing zoning densities and patterns. 6 Policy 11f+L-7: Promote voluntary fish and wildlife habitat enhancement 7 projects through educational and incentive programs. These 8 projects, which can be done by individuals, organizations, and 9 businesses, will buffer and expand fish and wildlife 10 habitat. 11 Policy 114+L-8: Give careful consideration to the siting of industrial, commercial, 12 residential, and other land use designations when located near 13 important marine habitats. 14 Policy 11HL-9: Protect, retain, and enhance the beneficial uses and functions of 15 streams and rivers. Define and identify the beneficial uses and 16 functions of streams and rivers, whieh includinge wildlife and 17 fisheries habitat, water quality, open space, aesthetics, and 18 recreation. 19 Policy 11f+L-10: Protect and enhance natural systems when flood hazard 20 management eertf�measures are utiliz-edused. 21 Policy 11#L-11: Regulate the operation of river gravel extraction activities in 22 such a manner so as to provide long-term protection of fish and 23 wildlife habitat and water quality. 24 Policy 11#L-12: Supp nsure that -design and development of residential and 25 I industrial development that minimizes disturbance to rivers, 26 streams, and functioning riparian areas. 27 ( Policy 11f+L-13: Evaluate the full value of the fishery —including its cultural and 28 economic value —in land use decisions that may impact that 29 fishery. Unavoidable impacts to an individual habitat or fishery 30 s-h®a�shall be mitigated. 31 Fish and Wildlife Populations and Habitat 32 Goal 11-JM: Protect and enhance natural systems that support native 33 fish and wildlife populations and habitat. 34 ( Policy 114M-1: Strongly discourage any activity that might cause significant 35 degradation of the fishery resource or habitat. 36 I Policy 113M-2: Plrotect and_ en nce_...r-'.- ort_ the protect on and e-nhanccm^ rat 37 of significant fish spawning and rearing habitat, food resources, 38 refugia (shelter), and travel passages. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-39 165 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Policy 11-JM-3: Wheo—pess ale; eEstablish non -regulatory mechanisms and 2 incentives for development that accommodates the habitat 3 needs of fish and wildlife and encourages good stewardship 4 practices. 5 Policy 11-JM-4: Support protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat 6 through site design in new development. 7 ( Policy 11JM-5: Native vegetation and soils on stream —banks and shorelines 8 should be disturbed as little as possible. In situations where re- 9 vegetation is necessary to restore stream bank or shoreline 10 stability and provide shading, site -specific native plants should 11 be used. Retention of vegetated riparian areas on all lake and 12 marine shorelines s-h-&u shall also be encouraged. 13 Policy 114M-6: Discourage shoreline armoring. Instead, -Eencourage natural or 14 bio-engineering solutions such as planting native vegetation, 15 engineered log jams/LWD, and beach nourishment along 16 eroding banks to address stream and shoreline bank erosion 17 problems. Riparian buffers should be replanted with suitable 18 native vegetation as a part of all bank stabilization projects. 19 I Policy 113M-7: Encourage native vegetation and soils retention and plantings 20 which that provide or maintain the beneficial uses and functions 21 of streams, rivers, lakes, and marine shorelines. 22 Policy 11JM-8: Maintain and encourage restoration of habitat functions for 23 threatened and endangered fish species. 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Policy 11M-9: Use Best Available Science to inform the creation of regulations to mitigate adverse impacts of development adjacent to rivers, streams and marine shorelines. Policy 11M-10: Encourage landowners to protect surface water quality with filter strips or other appropriate water cleansing mechanisms installed between lawns, landscaping, livestock pens, or agricultural fields and waterbodies. Reason for Change' Proposed policies 11M-9 and 11M-10 were proposed by the Marine Resources Committee. Policy 11M-11: Formulate and implement a comprehensive, wateFshed landscape -based, environmental management program to protect fish and wildlife. The program w44should include the following: 1. Formulate an administrative approach to the review of development and planning proposals that consider natural system policies-.,, Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-40 166 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 2. Investigate and develop programs for acquisition and restoration of important fish and wildlife habitat areas; 3. Develop and enter into cooperative agreements with State and Federal agencies and neighboring jurisdictions for the purpose of identifying and protecting natural systems...; 4. Identify and map important habitat corridors throughout the county;- and, A ,_Support the development of aft —educational b-ee-k4,--t materials which lists describes and characterizes the appropriate use of native vegetation to enhance natural systems in Whatcom County. Reason for Change: Proposed policy 11M-11 comes from the Action Plan that was removed from this chapter. 14 Policy 11M-12: Consider establishing formal meander limits for the Nooksack 15 River, precluding additional development within this zone, and 16 promote the River and Flood property acquisition program 17 within these areas. 18 19 Reason for Change: Proposed policy 11M-12 comes from the Action .Plan that was removed from this chapter. 20 Policy 11M-13: Diligently work to prevent and reduce the spread of invasive 21 species. 22 Reason for Change: New policy suggested by Dept. of Ecology. 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Policy 11M-14: Actively participate in and support WRIA 1 Salmon Recovery efforts to return self-sustaining salmonid runs to harvestable levels through: the restoration of healthy rivers, marine shorelines, and natural processes,;-- the careful use of hatcheriesy; and responsible harvest. Reason for Change: There were no policies acknowledging the County'sposition regarding` salmon recovery or its work with the Salmon Recovery Board. 30 Wetlands 31 Wetlands are crucial environmental features in Whatcom County. Once thought of 32 as waste areas and unproductive lands, it is now known that wetlands provide 33 invaluable functions in aquifer recharge, groundwater storage, floodwater 34 detention, pollutant removal and purification of water supplies, as well as provision 35 1 of fish and wildlife habitat. Loss of wetlands has been due to many factors 36 including urbanization, and to a large degree to agricultural development and 37 associated drainage projects. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-41 167 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chanter 11 - Environment 1 A plethora of complex and often confusing laws govern the definition, delineation, 2 and protection of wetlands. These laws originate at national, state, and county 3 levels. Land managers and private citizens often experience difficulty in 4 interpreting, synthesizing, and applying wetland regulations. In general, however, 5 state regulations must comply with federal standards and local regulations must 6 comply with both federal and state standards. 7 Goal 11KN: Conserve and enhance wetlands. 8 Policy 11KN-1: Recognize natural wetlands such as swamps, bogs, saltwater 9 marshes, and ponds for their value in cleaning water, reducing 10 flood damage, providing valuable habitat for plants, fish and 11 wildlife, and as sites for groundwater recharge. 12 1 Policy 11f-N-2: Develop and adopt criteria to identify and evaluate wetland 13 functions that meet the Best Available Science standard and 14 that are consistent with state and federal guidelines. 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 Policy 11+EN-3: Biological functions of wetlands are complex and interwoven. Evaluate the full range of potential and immediate economic impacts in land use decisions relating to wetlands, including fisheries, wildlife, recreation, farmlands, sustainable resources, air and water quality, flood hazard management real estate, cultural attributes, and other entt;esuses. Policy 11+EN-4: Encourage land development to avoid - _e��;�, ---wetland impacts. Impacts to art w,y_!u,! ,.Iwetlands should be contingent upon full mitigation measures that equitably compensate for wetlands impacts, on a case -by -case basis. Approved mitigation measures shall include resources for long- term monitoring and adative management of mitigation outcomes to assure effectiveness. Strongly discourage alteration of land that results in the degradation of tlpe 1_r?d 2„s-g,qif.�ca�i wetlands. Reason for Change: The P/C felt that mitigation monitoring should last longer than 5 years, and that the applicant should pay for it. They also agreed that "significant" should be replaced with "type 1 and `'2," as it better defines what the County would consider significant. Policy 11-EN-5: Property rights and public services are ai--essential components of our political and economic system. Where such rights and public services are significantly compromised by the goal of wetland preservation, adverse wetland impacts may be permitted through standardized mitigation. This may include avoidance, impact minimization, restoration, enhancement, creation, or off -site compensation for loss of wetland functions in accordance with mitigation seauencina. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-42 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chanter 11 - Environment 1 1 Policy 11+EN-6: Recognize beneficial wetland uses, functions, and values. 2 Support protection of fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, 3 plant diversity, flood attenuation and low -flow contribution, and 4 water storage through planning, acquisition, incentive programs, 5 and mitigation. 6 1 Policy 11KN-7: Development proposals applications should be assessed on a 7 case -by -case basis so that marginal wetlands are not preserved 8 at the expense of upland areas with higher habitat value. 9 Marine Habitat 10 Marine habitats -shorelines,- 11 eelgrass meadows, salt marshes, beaches, .-: mudflats.- habitats 12 role on the health of the •envirenmentas ll as : the broader Pugeti • - ' - - -feeding grounds 14 marine life as well as • for juvenile and adult fish, birds, -shellfish.- 15 vegetatien on baek shere marshes and within estuaries buffers adjaeent upland •areasbyabsorbing-energy and : 17 Symptoms of ecesystern Stress inelude- declining steeks of salmon, betterrifish, a forage fish; closures of Feereatienal and eemmereial shellfish beds; degradation and 19 losses of ee'gFass beds, l(elp forests, and ether marine habitats; and dwindling 1 populations: seabirdsand marine mammals. 21 The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation init*ative was autherized by Cengress 22 1998. ••established the \erthwest Straits Commission and 1 23 Resources Committees (MRGs) in seven western Washington counties, ineluding I Whateern County. The 1 / • main purpose to guide leeal communities, r 25 to date information and scie ie expertise, to achieve the important goals e 26 reseuree censervatien and habitat protection within the Northwest Straits. The 27 1 - • : -- CountyMRG acts as • - advmserv`w:�m.m.liiwetq: the Wh[•IAR:Jm Cl:lt�nly' • • Reason • 'moved / an earlier section of this chapter. 30 Goal11t®: Protect and enhance marine resources in Whatcom 31 County. 32 I Policy 11 O-1: Support the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee in 33 their- —its pursuit of the Northwest Straits Commission 34 benchmarks as follows: 35 Broad county participation in MRC's-, 36 A net gain in high -value habitat and ecosystem functions..-, 37 A net reduction in shellfish bed closures.-- 38 Measurable increases in factors supporting bottomfish 39 recovery.-� 40 Population increases in other key indicator species.i 41 Coordination of scientific data: Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-43 169 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 11 - Environment 1 Successful public education and outreach efforts..-; and, 2 The establishment of a regional system of Marine Protected 3 Areas (MPA's). 4 Policv._110 3. Promote naturalized shoreline buffers andrestcradon of r ipa_ria 5 vegg tio—n ,_ 6 Reason for Change: Policy 110-3 was added by the P/C. • Many ef the n9arine- Geunty suppeFt natural and cultuFed • bivalve shellfish,- y of species ef elarns. The warm, 11 Harber, and Eliza and Lummi islands Fepresent unique water reseuFees in this gFewers, Feereatienaland eyster harvesters, and 13 Native AmeFieans have utilized this :. :: - :, :.heFitage. gFew and haFvest shellfish that is safe for human eensumptien - - te suFface wateF quality and the influenee:- 17 The primaity measure of water quality feF shellfish haFvesting is baeteri • eentaminatien asseciated with human sewage•- • : - bacteria inelude municipal sewage treatment plants, en site sewage 20 systems, beatwaste, farm animals, pets,• • • - 21 beds in PeFtage Bay and DraytonHaFber have :: - - - : - : - peint pellutien irnpaeting reereatienal, tribal,and 23 -r20032DIA, Bireh • : ay was added- : threatenedharvesting- 27 Reason for Change. This text was move&to��an earlier section of this�chapter. 28 Goal 11MP: Protect and enhance shellfish habitat in commercial and 29 I recreational areas : w--'e- to ensure a productive 30 resource base for long-term use. 31 ( Policy 11MP-1: Identify and designate marine shellfish habitat for commercial 32 and recreational uses. 33 Policy 11MP-2: Restore degraded waters within the drainage basins of shellfish 34 growing areas to a level that allows/supports shellfish 35 harvesting by work with the Department of Ecology, Tribes, 36 Department of Health, and affected property owners to improve 37 water quality. 38 Reason for Change: Suggestion by Dept. of Ecology. 39 Policy 11MP-3: Protect shellfish resources by means of pollution prevention__nd 40 enforcement when necessary. This should include surface and Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-44 170 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 I groundwater monitoring for early detection of pollution wh+eh 2 hat--wmto minimize the damage and cost of resource 3 restoration. 4 Policy 11MP-4: Improve knowledge of the importance of protecting, preserving, 5 and improving the quality of shellfish habitat within the County. 6 Seek out valuable partnerships that will raise awareness, 7 provide education, and enhance shellfish habitat. 8 Policy 11P4P-5: Develop Low Impact Development standards in shellfish habitat 9 areas. 10 Policy 11MP-6: Identify and encourage the use of stormwater treatment 11 systems and Best Management Practices that- to reduce 12 fecal coliform bacteria levels in stormwater that discharginnges 13 directly into shellfish habitat areas and eneeHFage their use and 14 str, ,ctier 15 Policy 11P4P-7: Solicit input from the Pt�get Sound Action Teaffi staff and 16 Shellfish Protection District advisory committees and appropriate 17 state, federal, and tribal agencies when considering updates to 18 the Comprehensive Plan that relate to shellfish protection. 19 Policy 11P4P-8: Identify and restore functions selected through best available 20 landscape -based science, of key wetland areas, which afe 21 selected thFeugh best available landseape based seience. 22 Policy 11MP-9: Modify county roadside ditch maintenance procedures to protect 23 water quality. 24 I Policy 11MP-10: Continue to partner with jurisdictions in British .Columbia.. to 25 minimize impacts on water quality, including twhat affects+ng 26 shellfish habitat. 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Reason for change: Proposed Policies 11P-11 through 16 were moved from Action Plan, which has been deleted. Policy 11P4P-11: Work within the structure of County programs such as the WRIA Watershed Management Planning process to achieve improvements in land use Best Management Practices that will positively affect change in marine water quality. Policy 11P4P-12: Continue to develop programs that gjp—identify potential pollution sources and ensure timely and science -based approaches are used in response to problems as they arise. Policy 11MP-13• Develop educational tools and opportunities to raise public awareness of marine issues and to inform them of how they can have a positive impact by helping preserve these marine resources. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-45 171 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Policy 11MP-14: Identify areas (such as wetlands and the nearshore environment) that are important to shellfish habitat preservation. Also identify river and stream processes that adversely impact shellfish habitat. Use this information when making land use management and preservation decisions. Policy 11MP-15: Create a tracking mechanism to document progress made toward improving downgraded shellfish areas. This information will be useful not only in supporting an upgrade when water quality shows improvement, but also in helping- to preventing degradation in currently approved shellfish areas. Policy 11MP-16: Work with ethefthe County Shellfish Advisory $eafd-s eCommittees, Marine Resources Committee Salmon Recovery Fund Board, -WRIA Watershed Management Board and other local state federal and tribal agencies P+aeeteq-to address issues associated with shellfish shellfish area closures and shellfish habitat. Reason for change: Proposed Policies 11P-11 through 16 were moved from Action Plan, which has been deleted. 19 Policy 11MP-17: EConsider establishing the Drayton Harbor Watershed as a 20 sending area when considering a T.-,=; a transfer of 21 development rights (TDR) program sending a inthe DFayt - 22 Harbor Watershed. 23 24 25 Reason for change: Policy 11P-17 was moved from Policy 217-7 and edited. It was tabled by Council over the wording "voluntary, workable" added by Brenner throughout Ch. 11 wherever TDR was used. 26 Policy 11P-18 Support the Department of Health's On -Site Sewage System 27 (OSS) Program as a means to lower degradation of our 28 waterways. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Reason for Change: Monitoring septic systems is an important component of helping keep our waters clean. Our Marine system sui)Dorts not onlv local, critical, and Global fisheries resources but also a myriad of interdependent organisms, the importance of which we lack the capacity to fully grasp. The Marine ecosystem is a complex web of life that is increasingly affected by anthropogenic impacts. Toxics hormones, heavy metals, and other harmful substances flushed into nearshore and marine environments with storm water have been shown to have deleterious cumulative impacts on a range of aquatic and marine dependent organisms. Whatcom County will take steps to halt the practice of treating its streams and rivers as a storm sewer and the marine system as a water treatment facility. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 172 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 Policy 11-Q: Promote Best Management Practices, land use, and stormwater 2 policies that result in a minimal release of harmful chemicals 3 and metallic substances into surface water and the marine 4 environment. 5 Reason for Change: Recommended addition by the MarineResources Committee. In 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 Note: The Action Plans in each of the Comprehensive Plan elements is proposed for deletion, as many of the items' have been accomplished. Those that have not been accomplished are being considered for adding into the policies, above. - - - :--- . - - - MIL :- Reason for deletion: This work has been accomplished through the adoption of the Critical Areas Regulations, participation in the WRIA 1 planning` process and development of the Watershed Plan,' participation in the Salmon Recovery planning process and development of the Salmon Recovery Plan, and other similar plans. in eempliance with the eempFehensive plan, meet the GMA e—Whra e- e- e- e- Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-47 173 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 e- 3 e- 4 e- 5 e-- 6 e- 7 ®-- 1\Ci�U1G LI VI7J 8 e-- 9 10 e— , 11i� i} 12 e- 14 1 Reason for deletion: This actionhas been accomplished. I • existingdevelepmentstandards- pt=evidedetailedspecifleatiens i=egulateFy- : -Fegulatery • 99entalpregraffis in WhateengCounty.1a nginiffluffl, these 20 - - • - - 21 22 23 - . standards - -ly pFevide the teehnieal- 26 develepment ef these standards n9ust fellew both eeFnpFehensive plan - : - • Continue : paFtieipate and - :: 1 • 1 WateFshed Planning : - - - - : - ef leeal, federal, tFibal, and state 34 adnginistFativeinterpFetatien and the - - the permitting 36 38 39 40 41 Reason for deletion: This has been largely accomplished through the adoption of the Critical Areas Regulations,' WCC Chapter 17 (Flood Damage Prevention), and the Comprehensive Flood Hazard ;Management Plan. Additionally, it has been included to Policy 11D-11. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan �• 174 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 1 Chapter 11 - Environment :-- - -- - - -- -- -- - -- - - - - - • - :. - - : 9 Mr- to- - 11 1 Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. Sam -, Drayton - :: - - threatened eF eigdangeFed 1 • I Reason fordeletion.•n item �has��beeh accomplished. 17 Maintain a wer-king Felatienship with a local Land TFust and/eF ether • similar- eFganizatiens. in deing se, Whateem Geunty sheuld • ass"stance On the develepment- - - 20 nen - - --- - - attien and ether non FegulateFy 23 Reason for deletibin_-.�This action item has Deen accomplished. 24 25 26 Eeunty 27 , and ethef= inteFests. The pregi=affis will be 28 29n 30 Free Market Mechanisms 32 Restoration and PFeseFvat;E)n 33 AequisitieFt 34 35 Tax D feFFal.. 36 ete 37 Mitigatien Banking 38 n tech.-,;eal +tee he l,d be established to .d.�. ele then T[—C�ITn7CQ'rC8'�'ITfi'CC�sTT�TCI—�7 �r� these � c J c 39 40 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-49 175 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 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. : -- LWAWAF- : - - •- �- - - - NOW - - MW .:- - - - -:. - :. .: Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. The Envwrenment and Private Rightg pi=eteetien, and pFeper-ty rights erganizatiens, with Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-50 176 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 m 21 24 25 Qi 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Gi��'�q�a��►Al \:l�lq M.►:P �i--[!��� 1 Al►➢i�'.• - - - - -- - -- - - .-- :- NO - AWOL JERMSA-GIMEMORW-MIMIL Reason for deletion: This action item has been moved to Policy 11D-12. Reason for deletion: Moved to policies. Reason for deletion: In considering any density changes, natural hazard areas are always considered. :-27:- Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-51 177 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 A Gengngpttee, t- • ManagengentPlanning, andetheF avenues- Reason• deletipo ••licies �Iready included above. 6 AL Gentinue identifying aFeas that- :- such as • natien ef the infeFnqatien Reason10 • deletion. This item has been a -• to '• 11 PuFsue adeptien: - :ground and/err eernprehensove plans. Shellfish14 SuppeFt existing and pending pi=egi=aFns such as these direeted at Lake 17 . Aquifer 18 • _ Areas, 1 . 1 1 _ _ed 1 I - _ . - - - • Wellhead .retectien (Sum -as, Blaine and - - aFe - - - Geunty budgeting 22 Reasbn Tfor dIel e-tion. These items are similar to policies a.l.ready included above. 1 A. 1 I - _ - 1 I _ - . -- • : • • • - - - - develop - - I • : I : - Geunty - 31 adopt ngeasur-es to pFeteet these - I / Fesewees - - - - IQUIVAIIIIIAMOIzO •• 178 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment •^,. rr,. __^ __ +�""'- �.�-.n,.� ,ate _ _ grM • __ __^G _ MVVW rr. n -.. :_,. rs_ K -s._.=- _ MI Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-53 179 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 County Council Preliminary Draft Ma v 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Reason for deletion: This item has been moved to �olicy 11G-11. -.- ME -- - - - ONNIM-- - - iz. :- : Reason for deletion: This action has already been incorporated into PDS procedures. Reason for deletion: This item has been moved to Policy 11J-11. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-54 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 2 3 a. pietecting natuFal systerns. 4 Reason for deletion: These items have been accomplished via other means. 5 -eFs I.-I-Weugheut the county. describes, and eharaeteFizes the appFepriate use ef native vegetatien •te enhanee natural systengs in Whateem Reason for deletion: This action iterri has been accomplished. 10 Fosh - nd Ww'd'ofe -- the Geunty fish and wildlife 12 —Develep an eutt=eaeh pFegFang with landewners and eitizen 13 purpose of ftAFther understanding, and suppeFti 14 stewardship ef wildlife speeies and theiF habitats. This pFn---- - and provision ef edueatienal- 18 Suppe .: :. :higheF density 23 habitat censeFvatien areas. These plans sheuld take inte full aeeeun : : . - - us eenstFaints. Thes.- FegLilatiens that addFess fish and wildlifepFetectien. 30 threLigheulvei=ts where neeessaFy andfeasible. !Fnplengent apFegra passage. 32 ■' • 1 •' • • /'accomplished. - • - -IN -Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. 77 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-55 181 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment 1 =identify existing and histerieally impeFtant fish habitats. inelude a 2 eempenent that seeks te pFeteet and FesteFe these habitats and te 3 mitigate future impaets te fish habitats. 4 Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. 5 =DeteFm.',,.., ,,,,.,F"ate sti=eam and Fiver buffer widths, based upen 6 Best Available Science that ill .,fii.,. ize fish and am wildlife habitat and IIL-3 TU CTTLGL and 7 wateF quality. 8 Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. • GeeFdmnate the vaFieus JuHsdietienal- - biliti 10 ef Whateem 11 Reason for deletion - fhisaction item��has been accomblished. 14 90.S8 and -- 17 endangered species, eensistent with RGW 36.70A.172, which calls fer • -givinig- special eensideratien- - �- : : - -- 1 21 c 195, • 22 1 Reason for deletion. This action item�hos�been accomplished. Fflanner- to pi=eteet fish habitat and watei= quality when a fish beaHng •streang ei= HveF passes thFough the Reason for deletion.- This action item has been accomplished. • Revoew and eensider angendmentsthe - • 9evelepment StandaFds,: Management ehapter,: the SteFmwateF Management chapteF e: _ - 32 DepaFtment :Eeelegy's new manual. 33 1 Reason for deletion: This action item has been accomplished. =�Reason for deletion This action it m ha been accomplished. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-56 182 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment . . . . . . MIGN-0, 5 Wet'ands 6 8 9 10 state 11 12 . 13 1 Reason for deletion: These items have been accomplished.' in eFder to preteet wetlands -- Geunty.- - - the 18 statements. 19 - inventeFy, and categeFize wetland systeffisin Whateem 1 Geunty. Assess the- -- values ef these 21 relate : and water quantity. 22 1 Reason for deletion. These action Items have been accomplished. eta 24 wetlands Onte a single, uni ied leeal peliey deeument, that meets the 25 intent and dminectien ef the eeffipFehensive plan. This document sheuld 26 be as bi=ief and eeneise as pessible. 27 Reason for deletion - This action item has been accomplished. • Develep a mitigatien pregram that will allew fer full build 29 designated industrial and GemmeFeial zening districts. The 1 sheuld inelude pi=evisiens fei= the - - g. 32 Reason for Change- There are other options for achieving this. 33 Marine 34 35 36that. will pesitively affect change 37 in ngaFine wateF quality. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-57 W-3t? C! 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 County Council Preliminary Draft May 3, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Reason for deletion: Moved to policies Policy 11M-11 through 11M-16 Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 11-58 He July 14, 2016 Chapter 11 - Environment Page and line numbers reflect Planning Commission Recommended Draft dated 111412016 (htt wa- whatcomcounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Viewll516O). To improve clarity of Councilmember requested changes, previous edits (i.e. staff and Planning Commission) are included, but not show as edits. Previous changes made by the Council are underlined or struck eu but not bold. New changes are in bold. 1) P. 11-26; New Policy 11H-8: Identify wellhead protection areas and critical aquifer recharge areas and incorporate into the Critical Areas Ordinance. This information should be available to the public. (Brenner) "fabled 2) P. 11-30; New Policy 11J-7: Encourage the Department of Ecology to provide flexibility in the application of the water relinquishment rule simultaneous with establishing a water bank/water exchange program in Whatcom County in cooperation with stakeholders. (Donovan) 185 July 14, 2016 Changes Approved April Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 1) p. 11-4; lines 23-26: Over 2.5 million years ago, during the Ice Ages, glacial ice invaded the Puget Sound lowlands from the north at least four times, with the last major glacial event, the Fraser Glaciation, ending approximately 12,000 years ago. (Brenner) 2) p. 11-6; lines 5-12: General environmental goals and policies are intended to provide guidance for environmental management that will promote environmental protection and good stewardship practices through a balance of public education: and involvement; incentives, acquisition, and voluntary programs; land use planning and regulations; environmental monitoring; and intergovernmental cooperation. These goals and policies are also intended to provide guidance to County government as it assists its citizens in maintaining a balance between individual property rights, economic development, and environmental protection. (Brenner) 3) p. 11-6; lines 21-23: At the turn of the 20th century, the areas surrounding Lynden, Sumas, and Ferndale were logged, drained, and converted to agricultural land. (Brenner) 4) p. 11-8; Policy 11A-11: Designate high -value open space and natural areas for acquisition, conservation easements, open space, and other such programs to protect these natural areas upon request or consent of the property owner. (Brenner) 5) p. 11-8; lines 38-40: There are currently a multitude of regulations and administrative processes at the federal, state, and local level that, together, have become excessive and difficult to understand. (Brenner) 6) p. 11-11; lines 9-11: Climate change is a global phenomenon that has the potential for significant local impacts to natural resources, ecosystem functions, as well as human health, infrastructure, and the economy. (Brenner) 7) p. 11-11; lines 14-16: Based on a range of climate change model projections, as well as peer -reviewed scientific publications, the CIG concludes that during the next 20-40 years the Pacific Northwest climate may change significantly. (Brenner) 8) p. 11-11; lines 39 — p. 11-12, line 2: Agricultural sector concerns include the cost of climate 2 adaptation, development of more climate -resilient technologies, and management and availability of adequate water supplies. Susceptibility to natural hazards is also expected to intensify due to climate change, including increased landslides, erosion, and coastal and riverine flooding due to more winter rainfall, and potential rising sea levels. (Brenner) :o July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11 - Environment 9) p. 11-12; Policy 11D-1: Whatcom County's natural resource -based economic sectors, natural systems, water resources, infrastructure, emergency management,. and public health all face potentially noteworthy climate change related risks in the future.... (Brenner) 10) p. 11-12; Policy 11D-3: Promote the efficient use, conservation, and protection of water resources. (Brenner) 11) p. 11-14; lines 37-39: Pyroclastic flows, ash flows, and especially volcanic mudflows,. (also known as lahars),. are believed to be the greatest dangers to human life and development in Whatcom County. (Brenner) 12) p. 11-27; Policy 111-3: Limit the alteration of natural drainage systems and natural water storage sites without mitigating measures. Such measures should not degrade water quality or fish and wildlife habitatIr and should not increase hazards to the community. (Brenner) 13) p. 11-27; Policy 111-8: Strongly incentivize the use of low impact development strategies. Minimize the amount of impervious surface whenever practicable by using natural engineering design methods,, such as the use of open, grassed, street swales and rain gardens instead of curbs and gutters. Where feasible, encourage alternate surfacing options and other techniques associated with low impact development (see Glossary). (Brenner) 14) p. 11-32; Policy 11K-10: Encourage the location of public services,. such as schools, libraries, parks/open space, and post offices within Rural Communities that would likely reduce the vehicle miles traveled within the watershed. (Brenner) 15) p. 11-34; lines 46 — p. 11-35, line 3: Loss of native vegetation through conversion to ornamental vegetation and non-native species often results in loss of wildlife habitat, increased competition to native wildlife from introduced species,. such as starlings, and increased maintenance needs. (Brenner) 16) p. 11-42; lines 10-12: Loss of wetlands has been due to many factors,. including urbanization, and to a large degree to agricultural development and associated drainage projects. (Brenner) 17) p. 11-43; Policy 11N-6: Recognize beneficial wetland uses, functions, and values. Support protection of fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, plant diversity, flood attenuation, and low -flow contribution, and water storage through planning, acquisition, incentive programs, and mitigation. (Brenner) 18) p. 11-10; lines 6-15: Prior to the 1970s, growth in Whatcom County was relatively slow and received little management. As a result, private property owners were left to their own resources as they determined how best to use their land. However, as 3 187 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment increasing numbers of people have moved to this area and settled, a greater demand has was placed on Whatcom County's natural resources. The problems that arise from this situation have caused many to realize that what one person does with his/Gfher property may have an impact on the larger environmental system that sustains us as a community and on the rights of other property owners. (Brenner) 19) p. 11-10; lines 17-19: Land use decisions can no longer be considered exclusively private matters. We are aware that public actions impact every private citizen in Whatcom County and that private actions may have public consequences as well. (Brenner) 20) p. 11-10; Policy 11C-2: When adopting new environmental protection programs, consider multiple economic parameters including development objectives,. a -ad impacts,. and the economic benefits of the natural environment as both a resource and an amenity. (Brenner) 21) p. 11-11; lines 25-32: • More precipitation falls as rain rather than snowfall in the Cascades due to an increased snow -line elevation; • Decreased (winter) mountain snowpack and earlier (spring) snowmelt; • Higher winter streamflow in rivers that depend on snowmelt; • Higher winter streamflow in rain -fed river basins if winter precipitation increases in the future as projected; • Earlier peak (spring) streamflow in rivers that depend on snowmelt • Lower summer streamflow in rivers and streams; and • Decreased water in summer for irrigation, fish, human consumption and recreational use (more drought -like conditions)_ (Brenner) 22) p. 11-13; Policy 11D-5: Establish land use patterns that minimize transportation -related greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the preservation of natural resource lands and the protection of water resources. (Brenner) 23) p. 11-13; lines 34-35: Various slope failure processes contribute to the mosaic of landslide hazards 4 present in the Gcounty and the potential exists for a multitude of impacts ranging from periodic small- to large-scale rockfalls and slides, massive debris slides and avalanches, destructive debris flows, and deep-seated earthflows, slumps, and slides. These landslide processes act on both the large- and small- scale, and though much less catastrophic in nature, smaller landslides occur more frequently and pose a continually hazard to County residents and infrastructure. Certain types of geologic conditions and formations Um July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment GUIP U °A the ercuF"e"^e of commonly cause landslides, namely the Chuckanut Formation and the Darrington Phyllite, ... (Brenner) 24) p. 11-14; lines 43-45: The same lahar is now known to have been over 300 feet deep in the upper reaches of the Middle Fork and extended as far west as Nugent's Corner. (Brenner) 25) p. 11-15; lines 8-10: Mapping over the past decade of other Cascade volcanoes has demonstrated massive mudflows extending from the volcanoes to Puget Sounds and from Mount Rainier and Glacier Peak. (Brenner) 26) p. 11-15; lines 30-32: Recent research has shown that these crustal faults are capable of generating a magnitude 7 earthquake with an average recurrence interval of 30 to 50 years. (Brenner) 28) p. 11-17; lines 30-31: The 1990 Nooksack River floods caused over $20 million dollars of in damage to roads, bridges, buildings, and farmland. (Brenner) 29) p. 11-19; Policy 11F-9: To address the causes of flooding and avoid expensive and maintenance - intensive bank protection measures, the c6ounty should prioritize its floodplain property acquisition program. (Brenner) 30) p. 11-21; lines 5-8: Water resources of Whatcom County provide_ natural beauty; recreation; habitat for fish and wildlife; water for drinking, agriculture, and industry; and other benefits essential to the quality of life and economic health of the community. (Brenner) 31) p. 11-21; lines 15-21: Whatcom County has 16 major freshwater lakes, 3,012 miles of rivers and streams, over 37,000 acres of wetlands, 134 miles of marine shoreline, and aquifers containing an undetermined amount of groundwater. These water resources serve multiple uses, including providing a source of drinking water for the people of Whatcom County. Surface water sources such as Lake Whatcom, the Nooksack River, and Lake Samish provide water to more than half the county residents, with the remainder relying on groundwater, either from individual wells or from about 300 public water systems. (Brenner) 32) p. 11-21; lines 32-35: Aquifers are often integrally linked with surface water systems and are essential for meeting in -stream and out -of -stream water needs such as for drinking water, agriculture, ether industry, and other uses. (Brenner) 33) p. 11-22; lines 3-6: The intent of the following goals and policies is to provide guidance to Whatcom County government as it assists its citizens in effectively managing our water resources in a manner that ensures the benefits of those resources are maintained far into the future. (Brenner) 5 We July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 34) p. 11-22; lines 18-22: • WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project; • Lake Whatcom Watershed Management; • Groundwater Protection & Management; • Flood Hazard Management; and • Stormwater Management; (Brenner) 35) p. 11-24; Policy 11G-6: Actively promote and participate in education, research, and information opportunities that better improve our understanding of the county's complex water resource systems. New information should be considered in the development and evaluation of management actions. (Brenner) 36) p. 11-25; Policy 11H-3: In conjunction with the public and appropriate local, &state, Tribal, and IFfederal jurisdictions, define, aPA identify and develop management strategies for watershed basins and subbasins that may require special protection. These areas may include aquifers, critical aquifer recharge areas as defined under the Growth Management Act, Groundwater Management Areas, wellhead protection areas, and high priority watersheds such as those specified under WAC 400 (Local Planning and Management of Non -point Source Pollution), WRIA Watershed Management Planning, and under legislative policy direction (e.g. Nooksack Basin, Lake Whatcom, Lake Samisht and Drayton Harbor). (Brenner) 37) p. 11-26; Policy 11H-5: Pursue the adoption and implementation of ground and/or surface water management plans and their integration into local comprehensive plans. Designate the Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish Watersheds as a high priorityies in this effort. (Brenner) 38) p. 11-27; Policy 111-4: Support the use by resource industries, such as agriculture, forestry, and mineral resource extraction of by management practices that minimize erosion and sedimentation, and significantly reduce pollutants. (Brenner) 39) p. 11-31; Policy 11-K-4: Work cooperatively with the Gcityr, and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, and applicable associations to identify, review, and, as appropriate, recommend changes to existing monitoring programs that will address the needs of the various jurisdictions. Place a particular focus on the information needed to evaluate the impacts of additional development and stormwater management measures in the watershed. Include an analysis of the diversion from the Middle Fork of the Nooksack. Coordinate efforts with the Lake Whatcom Management Committee process. (Brenner) 40) p. 11-31; Policy 11-K-7: Work cooperatively with the City and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District to develop benchmarks to determine_: the effectiveness of management options; when goals have been achieved; or when additional actions are necessary. (Brenner) 0 190 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 41) p. 11-33; Policy 11-K-18: Work with all parties to maintain., and appropriately plan for infrastructure, public services, and stormwater retention so tpa Sudden Valley can develop to its appropriate potential. (Brenner) 42) p. 11-33; lines 37-40: Natural Systems goals and policies are intended to provide guidance to county government as it assists citizens to effectively manage and enhance these natural systems= and ensures that the benefits of these systems are maintained far into the future. (Brenner) 43) p. 11-34; lines 6-14: • wetlands, lakes, and streams; • nearshore, intertidal, estuarine habitats, and marine habitats including, but not limited to, kelp and eelgrass beds; • riparian areas and other travel corridors; • snags and downed logs; • forested habitats in a variety of successional stages; • caves, cliffs, and talus slopes; • grasslands and cultivated fields; and • thickets and fence rows_. (Brenner) 44) p. 11-34; lines 36-37: ... stream beds with abundant logs, step waterfalls, pools, and cutbanks, and vegetated marine and estuarine communities. (Brenner) 45) p. 11-35; lines 28-36: These habitats play a vital role in the health of the local environment as well as of the broader Puget Sound region. They provide spawning, rearing, and feeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life,. as well as refuge for juvenile and adult fish, birds, and shellfish. The vegetation on back -shore marshes and within estuaries buffers adjacent upland areas by absorbing wave energy and slowing erosion. Symptoms of ecosystem stress include_ declining stocks of salmon, bottomfish, and forage fish... (Brenner) 46) p. 11-36; lines 7-9: The warm, nutrient -rich tide flats in and around Lummi, Portage, aPA Birch Bays,. and Drayton Harbor, and Eliza and Lummi Islands represent unique water resources in this regard. (Brenner) 47) p. 11-36; lines 7-9: Shellfish Recovery Plans 7 Shellfish Recovery Plans have been created for each of three districts. The plans outline the primary sources of bacteria and actions to improve water quality_ • Drayton Harbor Shellfish Recovery Plan (2007); Portage Bay Shellfish Recovery Plan (2014), Portage Bay Initial Closure Response Strategy (1998) ; and 191 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment • Birch Bay Initial Closure Response Strategy (2009); Pertinent Documents a Whatcom Marine Resources Committee 2011-2015 Strategic Plan (2010) This document outlines the MRC's mission, vision, and values, the4F goals,. and objectives, and strategies for achieving them. (adjust formatting as appropriate) (Brenner) 48) p. 11-37; lines 20-26: The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program jurisdiction includes: • More than 130 miles of marine shoreline) • More than 60 miles of lake shoreline; • More than 220 miles of stream channels, and • All wetlands and floodways associated with the above shorelines, together with all upland areas within 200-feet of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)_ (Brenner) 49) p. 11-37; lines 28-29: Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) share joint authority and responsibility of for the Whatcom County SMP. (Brenner) 50) p. 11-37; lines 37-38: Growth and urbanization of the land base have and may continue to impose a risk to the degradation and reduction of for natural systems. (Brenner) 51) p. 11-38; Policy 11L-3: Develop and adopt programs that provide incentives for the protection of environmentally fragile areas or critical wildlife habitats and corridors. (Brenner) 52) p. 11-38; Policy 11L-12: Ensure tha design and development of residential and industrial development minimizes disturbance to rivers, streams, and functioning riparian areas. (Brenner) 53) p. 11-41; Policy 11M-14: Actively participate in and support WRIA 1 Salmon Recovery efforts to return self-sustaining salmonid runs to harvestable levels through the restoration of healthy rivers, marine shorelines, and natural processes, careful use of hatcheries, and responsible harvest. (Brenner) 54) p. 11-41; Policy 11M-11: Formulate and implement a comprehensive, landscape -based,. environmental management program to protect fish and wildlife. The program should include the following: 1. Formulate an administrative approach to the review of development and planning proposals that consider natural system policies,; 2. Investigate and develop programs for acquisition and restoration of important fish and wildlife habitat areas.; N. 192 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 3. Develop and enter into cooperative agreements with State and Federal agencies and neighboring jurisdictions for the purpose of identifying and protecting natural systems,; 4. Identify and map important habitat corridors throughout the county; and 5. Support the development of educational materials which lists, describes, and characterizes the appropriate use of native vegetation to enhance natural systems in Whatcom County. (Brenner) 55) p. 11-43; Policy 11N-5: Property rights and public services are an essential components of our political and economic system. Where such rights and public services are significantly compromised by the goal of wetland preservation, adverse wetland impacts may be permitted through standardized mitigation. This may include avoidance, impact minimization, restoration, enhancement, creation, or off -site compensation for loss of wetland functions in accordance with mitigation sequencing. (Brenner) 56) p. 11-43; Policy 11N-7: Development proposals applications should be assessed on a case -by -case basis so that marginal wetlands are not preserved at the expense of upland areas with higher habitat value. (Brenner) 57) p. 11-44; Policy 110-1: Support the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee in thei* its pursuit of the Northwest Straits Commission benchmarks as follows: ■ Broad county participation in MRC's,; ■ A net gain in high -value habitat and ecosystem functions,; ■ A net reduction in shellfish bed closures,; ■ Measurable increases in factors supporting bottomfish recovery,; ■ Population increases in other key indicator species,; ■ Coordination of scientific data,; ■ Successful public education and outreach efforts,; and ■ The establishment of a regional system of Marine Protected Areas (MPA's). (Brenner) 58) p. 11-45; Goal 11P: Protect and enhance shellfish habitat in commercial and recreational areas in erder-to ensure a productive resource base for long-term use. (Brenner) 59) p. 11-46; Policy 11P-10: Continue to partner with jurisdictions in British Columbia to minimize impacts on water quality, including that affeaing what effects shellfish habitat. (Brenner) 60) p. 11-47; lines 31-33: Whatcom County will take steps to halt the practice of treating its streams and rivers as a storm sewer and the marine system as a water treatment facility (Brenner) 193 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 61) p. 11-2; lines 13-20: This chapter is composed of an introduction and four sections organized by topic heading. The first section, entitled "General Environmental Management," addresses general environmental goals and policies. The remaining three sections deal with Natural Hazards, Water Resources, and Natural Systems. Together, the sections of this chapter provide the direction necessary to ensure promote long-term sustainability of the environment in Whatcom County. (Brenner) 62) p. 11-7; line 13-14 Much of the environmental degradation and destruction to property occurs as a result of a lack of information/understanding rather than willful action. (Brenner) 63) p. 11-7; Policy 11A-4: Manage designated Critical Areas (€CAs) as needed, to minimize -a protect against environmental degradation and reduce the potential for losses to property and human life. (Donovan, Weimer) 64) p. 11-8; Policy 11A-7: Support efforts using best available science to educate and inform the public as to the benefits of a healthy and viable environment, ecologically fragile areas, and their economic and social value. (Weimer) 65) p. 11-8; Policy 11A-8: Lead and/or coordinate efforts with property owners, citizen groups, and governmental and non -governmental agencies in furthering Whatcom County's environmental goals and policies. (Weimer) 66) p. 11-8; Policy 11A-12: Broadly inform the eitimens of the people of Whatcom County residents of the locations of potential development constraints associated with natural conditions. Information should include known natural hazards., and an assessment of the potential danger to both the property owner and the public. (Brenner) 67) p. 11-8; lines 38 - p.11-9, line 2: There are currently a multitude of regulations and administrative processes at the federal, state and local level that together have become excessive and difficult to understand. Conflicting regulations and complicated administrative processes can create undue hardship on community members and result in reduced levels of environmental protection. Regulatory inspection and enforcement of environmental regulations are currently inconsistent and lack effectiveness. The combination of complex regulations and inadequate enforcement have led to a lack of administrative predictability, widespread violations, and ultimately to environmental deterioration. Thoughtful and 10 194 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment efficient regulations play an important part in protecting the environment. (Brenner, Weimer) 68) p. 11-9; Policy 116-7: Keel Ensure regulations are as simple as possible and maintain effective inspection, compliance, and enforcement measures. (Brenner) 69) p. 11-10; Policy 11C-3: Emphasize an approach to environmental protection by encouraging the use of conservation easements, open space taxation, land acquisition, purchase/voluntary, workable transfer of development rights, and other mechanisms that assist affected property owners. Avoid extreme standards and procedures that are likely to require compensation to property owners or invalidation of such rules. (Brenner) 70) p. 11-10 lines 17-23:1-and use decisions can no longer be considered exclusively private matters. We are aware public actions impact every private citizen in Whatcom County and private actions avoid standards and procedures that are likely to require compensation to property owners or invalidation of such rules may have public consequences as well. To that end, the law must protect the public good from detrimental private actions. Nevertheless, the right of the individual to use his or her property, within the bounds permitted by law, is a value supported by law and the community and must be recognized when making land use decisions in Whatcom County. 71) p. 11-11; lines 18-21: The CIG confirms that global climate models project mid-215T century temperatures in the Pacific Northwest that are will be higher than the natural range of temperature observed in the 20`" century. (Brenner) 72) p. 11-11; lines 29-30: • Higher winter streamflow in rain -fed river basins resulting in scouring floods that negatively affect salmon populations if winter precipitation and rain -on -snow events increases in the future as projected (Donovan) 73) p. 11-12; Policy 11D-1: Whatcom County's natural resource -based economic sectors, natural systems, water resources, infrastructure, emergency management and public health all face peteAtially noteworthy climate change related risks in the future.... (Donovan) 74) p. 11-13; New Policy 11D-6: Convene a climate impact advisory committee by 2017. The advisory committee should consist of (but not be limited to) experts in energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction, representatives from Whatcom County, and interested community members. The committee will be tasked 11 195 July 14, 2016 with: Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment • Evaluating Whatcom County's compliance with meeting targets set forth in the 2007 Climate Plan• • Establishing new targets that meet or exceed state and federal climate impact goals; • Updating the Climate Plan, at minimum every five years, or as needed to meet targets; • Recommending updates to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in accordance with meeting Whatcom County's emission reduction goals; and • Ensuring that Whatcom County government facilities and operations are designed to meet or exceed goals and standards resolved in the current Climate Protection and Energy Conservation Action Plan. (Weimer) 75) p. 11-13; New Policy 11D-7: Encourage sustainability by developing strategies and practices to increase the use of renewable, net -neutral carbon energy in Whatcom County facilities and County vehicles, with a goal of net zero man-made carbon emission by 2050. (Donovan) 76) p. 11-13; New Policy 11D-8: Encourage sustainability by developing strategies and practices to reduce landfill waste from Whatcom County government facilities to near zero. (Donovan) 77) p. 11-16; lines 11-12: Landslides — Siting human development on or adjacent to known landslide hazard areas can create health and safety risks for (Brenner) 78) p. 11-17; lines 1-6: Volcanos — A volcanic eruption or mudflow at Mount Baker could potentially severely affect river flow on the Nooksack River or Baker River and cause severe property damage near the volcanoes or along lahar routes. A lahar is an extremely rare and unpredictable occurrence. Evacuation routes should be planned and made public. Development should be regulated ar;GeFding to the (Donovan) 79) p. 11-18; Policy 11F-3: Broadly inform the people of Whatcom ^0+°'e"" of the cCounty reside of the locations of known natural hazards, and the potential for adverse impacts of such natural hazards to the health, safety, and welfare of people and their propertyies. (Brenner) 12 196 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 80) p. 11-18; Policy 11F-5: Allow permitted uses that do not require human habitation so long as probable adverse off -site impacts to other properties or natural systems (those impacts resulting from the interaction of the natural hazard and the proposed developmeRt uses) are minimized or mitigated. Probable adverse impacts should be prevented or avoided in habitats of state or federally listed sensitive plant and animal species. (Brenner) Approved April'19 1) p. 11-12; lines 4- : In 2007, Whatcom County completed a Climate Protection and Energy Conservation Action Plan that laid out specific actions and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy conservation efforts in response to potential climate change. In addition many insurance industry experts are now factoring in the costs of climate change into insurance premiums as the increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events around the world results in a corresponding increase in claims costs. Local government, residents and business must anticipate that as the climate changes, more frequent and severe damage to private and public infrastructure will occur. Maintenance costs and insurance premiums can be expected to increase accordingly. (Browne) 2) p. 11-13; New Policy 11D-9: Identify responsible parties and agencies and encourage them to identify and properly seal and/or burn methane that is escaping into the atmosphere from wells. (Browne) 3) p. 11-17; line 22, insert new paragraphs: Gas wells - Several exploratory oil & gas wells have been drilled around the county over the last 70+years. Some of these present potential environmental hazards due to ongoing leakage of gas. Old Landfills - There are known abandoned landfills in the County and possibly some that are unknown. There are also several sites around the County that contain large numbers of abandoned vehicles and other debris. As with most landfills these locations pose some degree of risk of hazardous substances leaking into local aquifers. (Browne) 4) p. 11-17; Goal 11F: Minimize potential loss of life, damage to property, the expenditure of public funds, and degradation of natural systems resulting from development in hazardous areas such as floodplains, landslide -prone areas, seismic hazards areas, volcanic impact areas, abandoned mine and exploratory gas well locations, potentially dangerous alluvial fans, and other known natural hazards 13 197 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment by advocating the use of land acquisition, open space taxation, conservation easements, growth planning, regulations, and other options to discourage or minimize development, or prohibit inappropriate development in such areas. (Browne) 5) p. 11-19; Policy 11F-12: Consider conducting a public process with affected citizens, technical experts, and decision -makers to establish recommended levels of public risk for each of the identified natural hazards. In developing recommended levels of public risk for natural hazards, consider the appropriate variables affecting developments in hazardous areas. These variables may include: • Specific types of risk associated with the particular hazard area,; • The gradation of hazards associated with a particular geo-hazard; • Level of detail necessary to map hazard areas,; • Different levels of risk associated with different ownership classes (e.g. public ownership versus private ownership),; • Different levels of risk associated with different types of land uses,; and • Mitigation measures related to specific adverse impacts of development in hazard areas. Once a set of risk levels have been identified, propose these risk levels for adoption by the County Council as the levels to which future development must be designed.. (Brenner) 7) p. 11-26; Policy 11H-4: Support the implementation of local and state Watershed Management Plans, the Lower Nooksack Strategy, the Lake Whatcom Management Program, NPDES Phase II Permitting, and the WRIA Watershed Management Projects. (Brenner) 8) p. 11-26; New Policy 11H-6: Oppose the use of hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas wells (also known as "fracking") to avoid the potential degradation of water quality in aquifers and other ground water. (Mann) 9) p. 11-28; Policy 111-11: Place a high priority on integrating impervious surface reduction incentives into policies, regulations, and standards for the I Ap ` hatcam and I alke Sami-sh water -sheds. (Weimer) 10) p. 11-28; Policy 111-12: Develop and implement comprehensive stormwater management programs and strategies designed to address runoff from all private and public developments and facilities within regulated and sensitive watersheds. 1. Amend subdivision, zoning, and other land use regulations and design standards to encourage that land use activities minimize the amount of impervious surface. 2. Identify and implement a long-term funding source to provide for water resource protection services,, including non -point source identification and enforcement of applicable county regulations. 3. Focus on the Lake Whatcom watershed as a high priority in developing a stormwater management program. Develop a stormwater management 14 im July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment plan that achieves a uniform level of protection throughout the Lake Whatcom watershed. Ensure coordination and communication with the public and affected jurisdictions, such as the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, the Sudden Valley Community Association, and the City of Bellingham. 4. Ensure that existing stormwater standards are adequately enforced within Stormwater Special Districts, Watershed Protection Districts, and the NPDES areas. (Brenner) 11) p. 11-30; Goal 11-J: Support water conservation, reclamation, reuse measures, and education as a means to helping ens;z ensure sufficient water supplies in the future. (Brenner) 12) p. 11-30; New Policy 11J-3: Develop and implement plans to comply with the Department of Ecology's instream flow and water management rules and water resources management programs. (Donovan) 13) p. 11-33; Restore Policy 2K-16 with edits: Work with the community association towards voluntary achievement of the density reduction additional lots within Sudden Valley. (Brenner) Approved May 3 1) p. 11-18; Delete Policy 11F-5: Allew peFmitted uses that do not requiFe human habitatiG_ h2x2rd 1; +h..+ ., a deer ad to he of law ar a leng a pFebable adverse eff-site impaGts to etheF PFGpeFtier- er natural systems (these development) aFe minimized 9F mitigated. PFebable adveFse impacts; pfevented 9F avoided in habitats of state 9F fedeFally listed sensitive plant and animalspecies.(OFenneF) 3) p. 11-36; lines 26-31: Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committees Whatcom County has three Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committees, one for each of the Shellfish Protection Districts: Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor, and Portage Bay. Each advises the County Council on proposed actions and operations relating to the restoration of water quality in their respective watersheds. (Weimer) 4) p. 11-38; lines 9-11: Many stream systems in Whatcom County have been altered by agriculture, forestry, development, and flood control practices= contributing to low stream 15 199 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment flows, fisheries loss, water pollution, sedimentation, and other problems. These impacts can directly affect the fisheries resources by depositing silt and debris into spawning beds, by removing trees that shade and cool the water, bank armoring stabilizing ban4vq interfering with the recruitment and establishment of large woody debris (LWD), by obstructing fish passage with culverts and roads, by altering natural channels through filling, bank hardening, and channelizing. (Brenner) 5) p. 11-38; Policy 11L-7: Promote voluntary fish and wildlife habitat enhancement projects through educational and incentive programs. These projects, which can be done by individuals, organizations, and businesses, should will buffer and expand fish and wildlife habitat. (Brenner) 6) p. 11-38; Policy 11L-13: Evaluate the full value of the fishery —including its cultural and economic value —in land use decisions that may impact that fishery. Unavoidable impacts to an individual habitat or fishery should shall be mitigated. (Brenner) 7) p. 11-40; Policy 11M-3: When pessible-, Eestablish non -regulatory mechanisms and incentives for development that accommodates the habitat needs of fish and wildlife and encourages good stewardship practices. (Brenner) 8) p. 11-40; Policy 11M-5: Native vegetation and soils on stream banks and shorelines should be disturbed as little as possible. In situations where re -vegetation is necessary to restore stream bank or shoreline stability and provide shading, site -specific native plants should be used. Retention of vegetated riparian areas on all lake and marine shorelines should shall also be encouraged. (Brenner) 9) p. 11-41; Policy 11M-13: Diligently work to prevent and reduce the spread of invasive species. (Brenner) 10) p. 11-42; Policy 11N-3: Biological functions of wetlands are complex and interwoven. Evaluate the full range of potential and immediate economic impacts in land use decisions relating to wetlands, including fisheries, wildlife, recreation, farmlands, sustainable resources, air and water quality, flood hazard management, real estate, cultural attributes, and other entitiesuses. (Brenner) 11) p. 11-45; Policy 1113-3: Protect shellfish resources by means of pollution prevention and enforcement when necessary. This should include surface and groundwater monitoring for early detection of pollution that will to minimize the damage and cost of resource restoration. (Brenner) 12) p. 11-45; Policy 1113-6: Identify and encourage the use of stormwater treatment systems and Best Management Practices that -will -help to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels in stormwater discharging directly into shellfish habitat areas. (Brenner) 16 200 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 13) p. 11-46; Policy 11P-12: Continue to develop programs that he4p identify potential pollution sources and ensure timely and science -based approaches are used in response to problems as they arise. (Brenner) 14) p. 11-46; Policy 11P-15: Create a tracking mechanism to document progress made toward improving downgraded shellfish areas. This information will be useful,. not only in helping te-suppoFt-supporting an upgrade when water quality shows improvement, but also in helping to " event preventing degradation in currently approved shellfish areas. (Brenner) 15) p. 11-47; Policy 11P-17: Consider establishing the Drayton Harbor Watershed as a sending area when considering a voluntary, workable transfer of development rights (TDR) program -in. (Brenner) 1) p. 11-20; New Policy 11F-16: Identify known locations of abandoned wells that could produce methane and/or other hazardous substances and where immediate danger of methane and hazardous substance leaking exists, condition development approvals on affected parcels to mitigate those impacts. (Browne) 2) p. 11-33; Policy 11K-16: if %he county ..Gqui.eS IOU th,., Ugh tax ce..erlesur-e ,.°.,Sias.. sendft them as If vacant lots in the Lake Whatcom watershed come available due to a tax foreclosure the County mayacguire them, remove the developments rights and then place them back on the market through the public auction process to recover any residual value. (Browne) Changes Approved ju)y 1) p. 11-2; lines 9-19: Essential to this is the establishment of safe development practices and patterns that do not significantly disrupt nataFal syste s ecosystems and that ensure the continuation of ample amounts of clean water, natural areas, farmlands, forest lands, and fish and wildlife habitat. (Brenner) 2) p. 11-2; lines 13-16: This chapter is composed of an introduction and four sections organized by topic heading. The first section, entitled "General Environmental Management," addresses general environmental goals and policies. The remaining three sections deal with Natural Hazards, Water Resources, and Natal Ecosystems. (Brenner) 3) p. 11-7; lines 13-15: Much of the environmental degradation and destruction to property occurs as a result of a lack of information rather than willful action. Natural SysteN^� Ecosystems are subtle and complex. (Brenner) 17 201 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 4) p. 11-9; Policy 116-3: Support education as an important tool in developing public appreciation for the value of tea, s„� ecosystems and provide the public with informational materials and presentations relating to natural system functions, regulations, and issues. (Brenner) 5) p. 11-12; Policy 11D-1: Whatcom County's natural resource -based economic sectors, natural syste...� ecosystems, water resources, infrastructure, emergency management, and public health all face potentially -noteworthy climate change related risks in the future. The County should consider potential long-range climate change implications into its on -going functional planning and implementation actions. (Brenner) 6) p. 11-16; lines 16-17: Development activity can de -stabilize naturally unstable slopes and impact natUFal systems ecosystems. (Brenner) 7) p. 11-16: lines 20-23: In some circumstances, the development of upland properties may place downslope neighbors and natUFal systeecosystems at risk from rockfall or landslides. (Brenner) 8) p. 11-16: lines 34-36: However, once every 10-25 years, a large storm event occurs in our area and streams flood homes and developments, causing damage to property, dal systems ecosystems, and sometimes loss of lives. (Brenner) 9) p. 11-17; Goal 11F: Minimize potential loss of life, damage to property, the expenditure of public funds, and degradation of natuFal syste,s ecosystems resulting from development in hazardous areas... (Brenner) 10) p. 11-19; Policy 11F-11:... In natural hazard areas where engineering solutions cannot be designed to withstand the forces expected to occur under the design event of a particular natural hazard, or off -site adverse impacts to adjacent properties or Ratural systems ecosystems cannot be adequately mitigated, Whatcom County may deny development permits intended for permanent or seasonal human habitation. (Brenner) 11) p. 11-33; lines 30-40: NatuFal Syste s Ecosystems Introduction "NatuFal a ste. .s" refers to the i Ple.. biele nl a mtem that has developed fFem the geo'Gff 06 setting of I-Afhat-c-a-M County, it *nc;!- Was fish and ra el-im-at0n eGnd:t:ens (Map 112, M+e 11 _3) NatUFal Systems goals and 18 202 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment Ecological systems or ecosystems refer to the natural systems that have developed within the geologic and geographic setting of Whatcom county. Whatcom County contains a significant number of distinct ecosystem types, with associated fish, wildlife and plant species, as well as many other living organisms. This biodiversity has evolved and adapted according to the specific physical and climatic conditions of the county (Map 11-2 Map 11-3). Ecosystem goals and policies are intended to provide guidance to county government as it assists people to manage and protect these ecosystems. Additionally they ensure other benefits are maintained far into the future. (Brenner) 12) p. 11-37; lines 33-39: Issues, Goals, and Policies General —iat Ecosystems Growth and urbanization of the land base have and may continue to impose a risk to the degradation and reduction of natUFal systeecosystem functions. Wetlands and estuaries continue to be lost incrementally. (Brenner) 13) p. 11-38; Goal 11L: Protect and enhance natural systems ecosystems, which provide economic, ecological, aesthetic, and cultural benefit. (Brenner) 14) p. 11-39; Policy 11L-10: Protect and enhance natuFal systems ecosystem functions when flood hazard management measures are used. (Brenner) 15) p. 11-3; lines 7-12: GMA Planning Goal 10, "Environment" (RCW 36.70A.020(10)), provides the directive for much of this chapter. It requires Whatcom County to "protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life, including air and water quality, and the availability of water." In addition, some of the goals and policies of this chapter support Planning Goal 9, "Open Space and Recreation" RCW 36.70A.020(9))," which directs the county to "conserve fish and wildlife habitat." (Brenner) 16) p. 11-3; lines 18-22: Specific policies address water, promoting inter -jurisdictional cooperation in conserving, protecting, and managing the water resource, and in reducing water pollution (CWPP Policies N.1— 6). The CWPPs also support protecting wildlife habitat and corridors, natural drainage features, and "other environmental, cultural and scenic resources." (Brenner) 17) p. 11-5; lines 30-32: Every year salmon return to spawn in the streams and rivers of Whatcom 19 County. Whatcom County is located within the Pacific Migratory Flyway and 203 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment serves as a stopover and critical habitat area for many migratory birds. Bufflehead and goldeneye ducks winter here. (Brenner) 18) p. 11-5; lines 38-43: Whatcom County is home to a distinct subspecies of the Great Blue Heron, which is has the third largest colony in the Puget Sound area. The wetlands, fields, streams, and nearshore habitat in the county support many birds of special concern, such as the bald eagle (Fc^ threatened - Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act), the pileated woodpecker (candidate for State thmatened-listi g), and the peregrine falcon (ESA meniteredcandidate species). (Brenner) 19) p. 11-6; lines 20-23: Development in the last 100 years has had a significant impact on the natural environment in Whatcom County. At the turn of the 20th century, the some areas surrounding Lynden, Sumas, and Ferndale were logged, drained and converted to agricultural land and other types of development. (Brenner, Sidhu) 20) p. 11-6; lines 31-34: There are designated lands in Whatcom County that can still accommodate development. Whatcom County also has areas that are sensitive to human activity, including (wetlands, streams, lakes, marine shorelines), and lands that can pose a hazard to the community, including (floodplains and unstable slopes). (Brenner) 23) p. 11-8; lines 42 — p. 11-9, line 2: Regulatory inspection and enforcement of environmental regulations are currently inconsistent and lack effectiveness. The combination of complex regulations and inadequate enforcement have led to a lack of administrative predictability, widespread violations, and ultimately to environmental deterioration. Thoughtful, comprehensible, and efficient regulations play an important part in educating the public and protecting the environment. (Brenner, Sidhu) 24) p. 11-9; Policy 11B-7: deep Ensure regulations are as simple and easy to understand as possible and maintain effective inspection, compliance, and enforcement measures as necessary. (Brenner, Sidhu) 26) p. 11-10; lines 17-20: Land use decisions can no longer be considered exclusively private matters. We are aware that public actions impact every private citizen in Whatcom County and that private actions may have public consequences as well. To that end, to the extent allowed by law, regulations should the law must protect the public good from detrimental private actions. (Sidhu) 20 204 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 29) p. 11-13; New Policy 11D-6: Convene a climate impact advisory committee by 2017. The advisory committee should consist of (but not be limited to) experts in energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction, representatives from Whatcom County, and interested community members. The committee will be tasked with: • Evaluating Whatcom County's compliance with meeting targets set forth in the 2007 Climate Plan; • Establishing new targets that meet or exceed state and federal climate impact goals; • Updating the Climate Plan, at minimum every five years, or as needed to meet targets; • Recommending updates to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in accordance with meeting Whatcom County's emission reduction goals; and • Ensuring that Whatcom County government facilities and operations are designed to meet or exceed goals and standards resolved in the current Climate Protection and Energy Conservation Action Plan. • Recommend updates to Whatcom County land use policies and development regulations to support renewable energy development goals. (Mann) 30) p. 11-13; New Policy 11D-10: Create updates to Whatcom County land use policies and development regulations to support renewable energy development goals. (Brenner) 31) p. 11-14; lines 19-30: Flood Hazards — Heavy winter rains and a transient snowpack combined with the steep and sometimes unstable slopes of Whatcom County's foothills create conditions ideal for flooding and debris flows along many of our rivers and streams. The Nooksack River floodplain alone covers 38,000 acres in Whatcom County. In 1989 and 1990, the Nooksack River overflowed and flooded lowland Whatcom County causing millions of dollars of damage. During some extreme floods, the Nooksack River overflows near Everson and adversely impacts residents along Johnson Creek in Sumas, and in the Abbotsford area of British Columbia. it is pr-ediGte,- that elim-ate Ghan .will a ac-e- -Watt floe, ing It is projected that climate change will increase flood risk, due to increased sea level and changes in rainfall patterns. Significant damage may result from such floods. In 1991, Whatcom County formed a countywide Flood Control Zone District to address the major flooding issues in the county. (Brenner) 32) p. 11-14; lines 31-35: The presence of Mt. Baker is an asset to our region. Its 10,778-foot peak is one 21 of the dominant features of Whatcom County's landscape. However, Mt. Baker is also considered one of the most potentially active volcanoes in the Cascade 205 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment Range, and of the six major volcanoes in the range, Mt. Baker is considered by geologists to be very hazardous during and after an eruption. (Brenner) 33) p. 11-18 Policy 11F-2: Use Best Available Science and data to research and investigate the nature and extent of known natural hazards in the county and make this information available to the general public and policy makers in an accessible and understandable form. (Brenner) 34) p. 11-19; Policy 11F-11: Require applicants for development permits located in natural hazard areas to provide development plans designedto minimize the potential to exacerbate the natural hazard as well as the risk of damage to property or threats to human health and safety. In natural hazard areas where engineering solutions cannot be designed to withstand the forces expected to occur under the design event of a particular natural hazard, or off -site adverse impacts to adjacent properties or natural systems cannot be adequately mitigated, Whatcom County may deny development permits intended for permanent or seasonal human habitation as described in the Critical Areas Ordinance. (Sidhu) 35) p. 11-20; Policy 11F-12: Consider conducting a public process with affected citizens, technical experts, and decision -makers to establish recommended levels of public risk for each of the identified natural hazards. In developing recommended levels of public risk for natural hazards, consider the appropriate variables affecting developments in hazardous areas. These variables may include: • Specific types of risk associated with the particular hazard area:,- • The gradation of hazards associated with a particular geo-hazard.. • Level of detail necessary to map hazard areas:,- • Different levels of risk associated with different ownership classes (e.g. public ownership versus private ownership) • Different levels of risk associated with different types of land uses:; and • Mitigation measures related to specific adverse impacts of development in hazard areas. Once a set of risk levels have has been identified, propose these risk levels for adoption of legislation by the County Council as the levels to which future development must be designed and appFepFiate lacatiens feF them. (Brenner, Sidhu) 36) p. 11-21; lines 19-23: Surface water sources such as Lake Whatcom, the Nooksack River, and Lake Samish provide water to more than half the county residents with the remainder relying on groundwater either from individual wells or from about 300 public water systems. Agriculture relies on both ground and surface water for a variety of uses, including irrigations and drinking water for livestock-,a-nd facility wash dowry. (Brenner, Sidhu) WJ 206 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 38) p. 11-23; Policy 11G-2: Actively participate in and support efforts to coordinate local, federal, tribal, and state agencies to achieve integration and/or consistency between the various levels of environmental regulations relating to the County. (Brenner) 40) p. 11-24; Policy 11G-7: Pursue the most effective methods for protecting water quantity and quality, through both regulatory (e.g. zoning, enforcement, fines) and non -regulatory approaches (education, incentives, and technical/financial assistance). Emphasis rho—ld—shall be placed on non -regulatory approaches where possible and effective. (Brenner, Sidhu) 41) p. 11-25; Policy 11H-2: Coordinate efforts to bring all water users in Whatcom County into compliance with state and federal water laws in a way that enhances stream flows, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat while advocating for adequate water for existing agriculture. (Brenner, Sidhu) 43) p. 11-26; New Policy 11H-6: Monitor, prevent, and reduce the establishment of invasive species in Whatcom County waterbodies. (Brenner) 47) p. 11-29; Policy 111-12: Develop and implement comprehensive stormwater management programs and strategies designed to address runoff from all private and public developments and facilities within regulated and sensitive watersheds. 5. Implement the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. Incorporate watershed considerations into the development of a comprehensive stormwater management strategy for designated areas. 6. Review Stormwater Special Districts Standards, Watershed Protection Districts, and other related codes that address runoff treatment from potentially polluting surfaces for their applicability to other sensitive watersheds with the Technical Advisory Committee and other appropriate agencies. Coordinate efforts for ongoing monitoring and evaluation within the sensitive watersheds and NPDES areas. 7. Amend subdivision, zoning, and other land use regulations and design standards to encourage that land use activities minimize the amount of impervious surface. 8. Identify and implement a long-term funding source to provide for water resource protection services including non -point source identification and enforcement of applicable county regulations. 9. Focus on the Lake Whatcom watershed as a high priority in developing a stormwater management program. Develop a stormwater management plan that achieves a uniform level of protection throughout the Lake Whatcom watershed. Ensure coordination and communication with the 23 207 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment public and affected jurisdictions such as the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, the Sudden Valley Community Association, and the City of Bellingham. 10. Ensure that existing stormwater standards are adequately enforced within Stormwater Special Districts, Watershed Protection Districts, and the NPDES areas. 11. Prioritize stormwater polluting areas and develop retrofits for areas most likely to impact sensitive waters. (Brenner) 48) p. 11-30; New Policy 11J-4: Coordinate local water and land management efforts, plans, and data to ensure adequate oversight of water quality and quantity issues. (Brenner) 49) p. 11-30; New Policy 11J-5: Quantify water use to promote conservation. (Donovan) 50) p. 11-30; New Policy 11J-6: Utilize water use data to encourage conservation and maintain availability of water for agriculture and instream flow. (Donovan) Changes Approved July 12 2b) p. 11-31; Policy 11K-2: Develop a steFrA ,damage utility dirt first OF „theF funding mechanism to dea4 and implement the fair and equitable funding mechanisms called for in the 2008 Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Plan to support lake water quality protections by 2018. (Weimer) (alternative 53a and 53c) 3a) p. 11-31; Policy 11K-4: Work cooperatively with the City of Bellingham, aqc the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, and applicable associations and organizations to identify, review, and, as appropriate, recommend changes to existing monitoring programs to better improve lake water quality (Brenner, Donovan) 4) p. 11-31; Policy 11K-7: Work cooperatively with the City of Bellingham and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District to develop and track benchmarks to determine_ the effectiveness of management options; when goals have been achieved; and/or when additional actions are necessary. (Brenner) 5a) p. 11-32; Policy 11K-9: Work to keep state publicly -owned forest lands within the Lake Whatcom watershed in public ownership... (Donovan) 5b) ...and support managing forestry on these lands in a manner that minimizes sediment and phosphorus yields from streams and is consistent with Best 24 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment Available Science (BAS) data, in order to protect and enhance water quality. (Brenner, Donovan) 6a) p. 11-32; Policy 11K-10: Encourage the location of public services,. such as schools, libraries, parks/open space, and post offices within RuFal Communities Sudden Valley ... (Brenner, Donovan) 6b) ...wed-likel in an attempt to reduce the vehicle miles traveled within the watershed. (Brenner) 7) p. 11-32; Policy 11K-11: Continue to work with Bellingham and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District to protect and manage the Lake Whatcom watershed in accordance with the 1998 jointly adopted interlocal agreement. Focus on continued implementation of the 5-Year Work Plans of the Lake Whatcom Management Program. In addition, work with the affected jurisdictions and secure funding for programs that protect and enhance water quality. (Brenner) 8) p. 11-32; Policy 11K-12: Review and modify (as needed) the current development review process for projects in the Lake Whatcom Watershed to ensure coordination with other jurisdictions to streamline regulations that improve and protect water quality. (Brenner) 9a) p. 11-33; New Policy 11K-20: Existing Urban Growth Areas shall not be expanded nor new Urban Growth Areas designated within the Lake Whatcom Watershed. (Brenner) 9b) ..., and rezones that allow greater residential densities will not be allowed. (Weimer) 10) p. 11-34; lines 4... 12: Among the habitats of importance to fish and wildlife are the following: • caves, cliffs, rocky balds, and talus slopes; (Brenner) 11) p. 11-34; lines 25-26: Most wildlife species regularly use aquatic and riparian habitats for breeding, feeding, shelter, and migratory activities. (Brenner) 12) p. 11-34; lines 46 — p. 11-35 line 5: Loss of native vegetation through conversion to ornamental vegetation and non-native species e#ten can results in loss of wildlife habitat, increased competition to native wildlife from introduced species such as starlings, and increased maintenance needs. Loss of native vegetation also can occur through invasions of non-native species such as the spread of Spartina, which can drastically displace important native eelgrass and mudflat communities. (Brenner) 25 209 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 13) p. 11-35; lines 12-15: Decline in wild salmonid abundances have been attributed to widespread loss and degradation of habitat, due to hydropower, residential and urban development, agriculture, and forestry, and fishing and hatchery production. (Brenner, Sidhu) 14) p. 11-35; lines 27-28: Marine habitats include all salt water bodies and their shorelines, kelp and micro algae beds, eelgrass meadows, salt marshes, beaches, and mudflats. (Brenner) 15) p. 11-36; lines 16-22: The primary measure of water quality for shellfish harvesting is bacterial contamination.. There are many Rpotential sources of fecal bacteria, such as 0nEi�e municipal sewage treatment plants, on -site sewage systems, boat waste, farm animals, pets, and wildlife. Since 1995, valuable shellfish beds in Portage Bay and Drayton Harbor have been downgraded (harvest prohibited) due to non -point pollution impacting recreational, tribal, and commercial harvesting. (Brenner, Sidhu) 16) p. 11-37; lines 37-39: Growth Development and urbanization of the land base have and may continue to impose a-risk4G result in the degradation and reduction of Raturai systems ecosystem functions. Wetlands and estuaries continue to be lost incrementally. (Brenner) 19) p. 11-38; lines 21-26: Finally, e they har-169F, has often been igROFed land use decisions The gatheFiRg of fish, game, and- ether. naturall rprnumpr. fartms wo+ro nU IWFes iR th:S Fegion. Also the mere wresenee of+Ioesoe nat—ral Finally, a healthy and functioning ecosystem, including forests, wetlands, fish, wildlife, and native plants they harbor, is an identified resource. A healthy ecosystem supports diverse and abundant wildlife, fish, and plant populations, and is necessary. The gathering of fish, game, and other natural resources forms a central aspect of many cultures in Whatcom County. The mere presence of these natural resources constitutes a community amenity that is a substantial part of our local economic base. (Brenner) 20) p. 11-38; Policy 111-1: Define and- ideAtify hab*t;atr ;ind habitat features; to 2 balanced Define and identify species, habitats, and habitat features important to a balanced and sustainable web of life, biodiversity, and especially important to fish, native 26 210 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment plants, and wildlife. Create, and regularly update an Ecosystem Report. (Brenner) 21) p. 11-38; Policy 11L-2: Develop and adopt programs that protect habitats essential to the conservation of species that have been identified as endangered, threatened, or sensitive by the state or federal government as well as habitats identified as necessary in the Ecosystem Report.. These programs should maintain and encourage restoration of habitat conditions for listed species of concern, as well as habitats identified as having significant biodiversity, connectivity, and other important features and functions. (Brenner) 22) p. 11-38; Policy 11L-3: Develop and adopt PFOgFams that pFavide incentives for the protection of environmentally fragile areas or critical plant and wildlife habitats and eerrider3 as well as habitats that provide connectivity (corridors). (Brenner, Sidhu) 23) p. 11-39; Policy 11L-7: Promote voluntary fish and wildlife habitat enhancement projects through educational and incentive programs, such as purchase of development rights or habitat conservation easements. These projects, which can be done by individuals, organizations, and businesses, Shn--ld will buffer and expand fish,. Ip ant, and wildlife habitat. (Brenner) 24) p. 11-39; Policy 11L-8: Give careful consideration to the siting of industrial, commercial, residential, and other land use designations when located near important marine, terrestrial or other critical habitats. (Brenner) 25) p. 11-39; New Policy 11L-14: Continue to consider the value of wildlife populations, their associated habitats, and connectivity in land use decisions that may impact them. (Brenner) 26) p. 11-39; New Policy 11L-15: Mitigation to Habitat Conservation Areas should be tracked and monitored to ensure no net loss to natural area. (Weimer) 27) p. 11-39; New Policy 11L-16: Monitor Habitat Conservation Areas to obtain a baseline of current conditions and to ensure no net loss and avoidance of cumulative impacts. (Weimer) 29) p. 11-40; Goal 11M: Protect and enhance Arai —systems ecosystems that support native fish,. Ip ant, and wildlife populations and habitat. (Brenner) 30) p. 11-40; Policy 11M-2: Support protection and enhancement and enhance significant fish spawning and rearing habitat, food resources, refugia (shelter), and travel passages. (Sidhu) 27 211 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 31) p. 11-40; Policy 11M-10: Encourage landowners to voluntarily protect surface water quality with filter strips or other appropriate water cleansing mechanisms installed between lawns, landscaping, livestock pens, or agricultural fields and waterbodies. (Sidhu) 32) p. 11-41; Policy 11M-11: Formulate and implement a comprehensive,, landscape -based,, environmental management program to protect fish and wildlife. The program should include the following: 6. Formulate an administrative approach to the review of development and planning proposals that consider natural system policies:,- 7. Investigate and develop programs for acquisition and restoration of important fish, plant, and wildlife habitat areas. 8. Develop and enter into cooperative agreements with State and Federal agencies and neighboring jurisdictions to identify and protect natural systems-gc stems.L 9. Identify and map important habitat corridors and connectivity throughout the county:; and 10. Support the development of educational materials which lists, describes, and characterizes the appropriate use of native vegetation to enhance natural systems ecosystem functions in Whatcom County. (Brenner) 33) p. 11-41; Policy 11M-13: Diligently work to prevent and/or reduce the establishment and/or the spread of invasive species. (Brenner) 34) p. 11-41; New Policy 11M-15: Participate in protection and improvement of biodiversity. (Brenner) 35) p. 11-41; New Policy 11M-16: Consider establishing important habitat areas as sending areas after creating a voluntary, workable transfer of development rights (TDR) program. (Brenner) 36) p. 11-43; New Policy 11N-6 (renumber subsequent policies): Mitigation of wetlands should be reviewed and tracked over time to ensure no net loss of wetland function. (Donovan, Weimer) 37) p. 11-43; New Policy 11N-9: A baseline of wetland identification and function should be made to track and prevent net loss and avoid cumulative impacts. (Weimer) 38) p. 11-42; lines 6-10: Wetlands are crucial environmental features in Whatcom County. fight Wetlands provide invaluable functions in aquifer recharge, groundwater storage, floodwater detention, pollutant removal and purification of water supplies, as well as provision of fish and wildlife habitat. (Brenner) 39) p. 11-42; lines 10-12: Loss of wetlands has been due to many factors including urbanization, agricultural development, and drainage projects. (Brenner, Sidhu) 28 212 July 14, 2016 Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan Chapter 11- Environment 40) p. 11-44; Goal 110: Protect and enhance marine ecosystems and resources in Whatcom County. (Brenner) 41) p. 11-45; Policy 11P-2: Restore degraded waters within the drainage basins of shellfish growing areas to a level that allows/supports shellfish harvesting by work with the Department of Ecology, Tribes, Department of Health, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and affected property owners to improve water quality. (Brenner) 42) p. 11-7; Policy 11A-4: Manage designated Critical Areas (SCAB) as needed, as needed to ,minimize or. minimize or protect against environmental degradation and reduce the potential for losses to property and human life. (Brenner, Sidhu) 46) p. 11-12; Policy 11D-1: Whatcom County's natural resource -based economic sectors, natural systems, water resources, infrastructure, emergency management, and public health all face petentially neteweFthy climate change related risks in the future. The County should consider potential long-range climate change implications into its on -going functional planning and implementation actions. (Brenner, Sidhu) 47) p. 11-17; lines 1-6: Volcanos —A volcanic eruption or mudflow at Mount Baker could potentially 29 severely affect river flow on the Nooksack River or Baker River and cause severe property damage near the volcanoes or along lahar routes. A lahar is an extremely rare and unpredictable occurrence. Evacuation routes should be planned and made public. CFit*Gal Fens QFdi.,anee Development should be regulated according to the Critical Areas Ordinance. (Brenner, Sidhu) 213