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Department of Ecology News Release - September 2, 2008
08-241
YAKIMA – A new rule for managing underground water resources in northern Kittitas County will be the topic of two open houses planned this month.
The new rule would regulate how and when housing developments in upper Kittitas County may qualify under the state’s exempt well provision, which does not require a water permit.
The new rule would make permanent a temporary emergency rule now in place.
As part of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed on April 7, 2008, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Kittitas County agreed to rulemaking to address concerns about the proliferation of wells drilled for use by housing developments in the upper county.
The MOA calls for a study that will define the hydrogeology of upper Kittitas County. The study will provide information about water availability and the relationship between surface water and underground water. Information gathered from the study will be used to develop long-term water management strategies.
People may learn more about the proposed permanent rule and provide input during two open houses scheduled for 7 p.m. on:
Sept. 23 – Hal Holmes Center, 209 Ruby St., Ellensburg, Wash.
Sept. 24 – Walter Strom Middle School, 2694 State Route 903, Cle Elum, Wash.
More information at Ecology’s Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cro/kittitas_wp.html
Last year, a citizens group petitioned Ecology seeking a temporary moratorium on wells that are exempt from water right permits. Concerns were raised that some developers were drilling exempt wells for multi-home subdivisions when they may need a water right to do so. Multiple withdrawals from area aquifers also may jeopardize senior surface water users and stream flows in the Yakima River.
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Media Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, 509-575-2610
Ecology Water Resources program contact: Tom Tebb, (509) 574-3989
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
