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Department of Ecology News Release - Aug. 7, 2000
00-154
YAKIMA - Four workshops designed to explain the concepts of "wetlands mitigation banking" are scheduled this month in central and eastern Washington.
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is developing a statewide set of rules for establishing mitigation banks in local areas. Mitigation banking provides a way for project proponents to earn credits by restoring, creating, enhancing or preserving wetlands. These credits can then be used or sold to another party to compensate for land-use activities that damage existing wetlands.
"Instead of compensating for unavoidable damage to wetlands in a piecemeal fashion, mitigation banking provides an incentive for creating larger and more ecologically valuable sites," explained Lauren Driscoll, of Ecology's Shorelands program.
Ecology has been working with a stakeholder advisory team to develop a program to certify wetland banks. The banks could be set up by local jurisdictions, such as city and county public works departments, transportation and utility departments, businesses and entrepreneurs.
"We want to be sure the proposed rule is appropriate for the east side of the state as well as the west side," Driscoll said. "These workshops will give people an opportunity to learn more about the program and give us feedback on the draft proposal."
Workshops are scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 at the Central Regional Office, Department of Ecology, 15 W. Yakima Ave., Suite 200, in Yakima, and on Aug. 24 at the Eastern Regional Office, Department of Ecology, N. 4601 Monroe St., in Spokane.
Formal hearings and a public comment period for the proposed rule are anticipated to occur in October.
Contact: Lauren Driscoll, wetland specialist, (360) 407-6861; mailto:ldri461@ecy.wa.gov
For more information:
Call (360) 407-6861 or visit the Web site at www.wa.gov/ecology/sea/wetmitig/index.html.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
