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Department of Ecology News Release - November 17, 2008
08-299
OLYMPIA – The increasing demand for water in the Quilcene-Snow watershed has led the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) to take steps to develop a rule that will help balance the community’s water needs now and into the future. The process is supported by the legislatively mandated watershed planning process.
The major elements of what Ecology plans to propose in spring 2009 will be discussed during a public meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Fort Worden Commons. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will include a short Ecology presentation followed by an opportunity for questions and answers.
Research shows that low stream flows, endangered populations of fish, and anticipated demands for more water to support agriculture and new homes are some of the factors stressing local water supplies in the Quilcene-Snow watershed. The watershed, which encompasses eastern Jefferson County, is also known as Watershed Resource Inventory Area 17 – or WRIA 17.
The new rule will protect existing water users and apply only to new uses of groundwater and surface water. According to state law, the new regulations won’t apply to families, farms and businesses that already have legal wells or are serviced by a public water supply.
When a rule is eventually adopted, it will establish water rights for 13 stream systems in WRIA 17 that protect fish and other instream resources. An instream flow rule protects anyone with existing water rights.
The process of developing a rule comes after several years of field research, water studies and extensive work with the watershed planning unit, community members, tribes and local, state and federal agencies. Ecology plans to continue collaborating with local government well after a rule is adopted to help the community develop new water sources.
Next steps include considering the public’s feedback from this meeting and incorporating changes into a rule proposal. Ecology plans to have a draft rule ready for the public’s consideration in spring 2009.
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Media Contact: Kim Schmanke, media relations, 360-407-6239 Dan Partridge, media relations, 360-407-7139
For more information:
Quilcene-Snow rule process: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/instream-flows/quilsnowbasin.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
