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Department of Ecology News Release - January 12, 2009
09-010
YAKIMA – Comments are now being accepted on a permanent rule for managing underground water resources in northern Kittitas County.
The proposed rule would regulate how and when housing developments in upper Kittitas County may qualify to use well water without requiring a water permit. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2009.
The rule would replace an interim 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.
A public hearing on the proposed rule is scheduled for 7 p.m. on:
More information at Ecology’s Web site: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cro/kittitas_wp.html
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
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
