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07/30/2008: "SJC Proposed As: Critical Aquifer Recharge Area"

( Representation of an aquifer system (Jones, 1999 )) A Public Hearing is scheduled to take testimony on a recommended

(Representation of an aquifer system (Jones, 1999))

A Public Hearing is scheduled to take testimony on a recommended proposal to make all of San Juan County a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), and may result in a number of new, and/or changes to, land use regulations, including “prohibited land uses”

On Friday, August 8, 2008 the Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed code changes that have been recommended to “improve the protection of groundwater in the County.”

The hearing is just one of a number of steps in the ongoing process of updating the controversial Critical Area Ordinance that the County is currently working on.

The proposed ordinance updates terminology to be consistent with the County Charter and current Critical Area laws and regulations; designates all of San Juan County a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA), and in so doing will:

• establishes prohibited land uses;
• regulates the handling of chemicals that could be a health hazard in drinking water;
• establishes plan review requirements for commercial, industrial, public and institutional facilities;
• establishes a requirement for periodic inspection of facilities that typically handle chemicals;
adds language regarding disposal of non-domestic wastewater to improve consistency with existing State regulations;
• updates the reference to the stormwater management manual currently in use;
clarifies that the 2005 Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound is an acceptable set of
alternatives for managing runoff; simplifies the procedures for extension of urban level facilities and services outside urban
growth areas when necessary to protect public health, safety and the environment;
• and modifies the requirements for essential public facilities, resource based activities, utility lines and SEPA implementation so
that special standards apply to all Critical Areas except CARAs. (This last set of amendments was necessary because the
proposed ordinance designates the entire County a CARA.)

Written comments received by 4:30 p.m. August 6 will be provided to the Planning Commission at the hearing. Those submitting written comments the day of the hearing should provide 13 copies for Planning Commissioners and staff.


For additional information, including copies of the proposal, contact Shireene Hale, Senior Planner, San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department (135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250)
Phone at 360.370.7569, and email at shireeneh@co.san-juan.wa.us