01/31/2011: "BAS Comment Deadline"

The deadline for submitting questions, comments, or recommendations on the draft synthesis for a public hearing to be held on February 8 and 9, is February 4, 2011

As part of ongoing efforts to evaluate and update San Juan County’s Critical Area regulations as required by the Washington Growth Management Act, the County has released a public review draft of San Juan County Best Available Science Synthesis.

The draft includes chapters summarizing scientific information associated with wetlands; upland and marine fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; frequently flooded and geologically hazardous areas; and alternatives for managing storm water to prevent adverse impacts to Critical Areas.

In addition, the County Council and Planning Commission will hold joint meetings on February 8 and 9, 2011, where they will hear presentations from the authors of the document and accept public testimony. The meetings will be held at the Mullis Senior Center, 589 Nash Street in Friday Harbor, beginning at 8:45 a.m. each day. Following the meetings, video recordings will be available from the Council web site at http://www.sanjuanco.com./council/video.aspx .

. This will allow the Council, Planning Commissioners, and authors time to consider each question or comment so that they can be addressed during the meetings. The County will also compile and post questions and answers on its web site. Please note that comments of a technical nature must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae outlining the author’s education and experience.

When completed, the County Council will approve the final document which will then be used to guide review and update of County regulations that protect the functions and values of Critical Areas.

Copies of the draft and associated maps are posted at http://www.sanjuanco.com./cao/documents.aspx. Comments and questions on the documents should be submitted to Janice Biletnikoff at janiceb@sanjuanco.com, 360-370-7572.