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Department of Ecology response to The Olympian editorial - March 19, 2007
That's why I was disappointed to read a recent editorial about Lacey's water situation.
The Department of Ecology and Lacey have long worked together on the city's application for a new water right. Both parties know the process of granting a water right is not simple or fast. There are many considerations that need to be thoroughly evaluated by Ecology before a water right is approved. And in complex cases such as Lacey's, the work can expand to include scientific modeling and mitigation plans as well as incorporating the feedback of others impacted by a water right decision.
Ecology is responsible for ensuring there is enough water for communities as well as a healthy environment without infringing on existing water rights. In a closed basin like ours, there is no more new water to allocate. So Lacey must demonstrate through a mitigation plan that it can and will offset any negative impacts of its proposed water withdrawal.
We continue to work with Lacey and other stakeholders to come to agreement on the city's proposed mitigation plan. Issuing a water right in a closed basin is never an easy process. But when the issues at hand involve important values - such as having enough water for each home to use or ensuring our local lakes and streams have ample water during the months we enjoy them most - the extra time makes sense.
Dick Wallace, regional director, Washington Department of Ecology
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
