| County considers watershed testimony - No decision for at least two weeks by Leif Nesheim October 19, 2004 County commissioner Mike Doherty D, Port Angeles, recalled when he was a kid there was a big sign in Sequim proclaiming “water is wealth.” “It is the golden goose,” he said. Although the commissioner said he personally feels a plan is needed, to make sure water is protected for the future, he also feels there is a responsibility to address the concerns expressed in three hearings about a proposed watershed plan. Commissioners gave county staff two more weeks to compile the voluminous testimony---with more time allowed if needed---for analysis and revision. Chapman also pledged to contact other governments and agencies involved in the process---such as the City of Sequim, whose leaders expressed concern that the plan was being forced through---to get their input, especially in light of the testimony received at the county level. Seattle attorney, James Tupper, who appeared at the behest of the Sequim Realtors Association, cautioned commissioners that Skagit County is in the midst of lawsuits revolving around instream flow levels and the same could happen here if the watershed plan isn’t drafted carefully. The proposed watershed plan is an advisory document designed to guide future water policy. It encompasses the watersheds in Water Resource Inventory Area 18, stretching from the Elwha River to the Sequim Bay area. County commissioners are responsible for approving or rejecting the plan---crafted during the past four years in a public process attended by a wide variety of interested parties. According to state law, the county has two chances to approve the document. If the document is not approved, the State Department of Ecology is responsible for setting minimum water flow requirements in area rivers and streams. More information about the WRIA 18 plan may be found on the Clallam County web site at clallam.net/environment/html/wria_18_draft_watershed_ plan.htm. The Clallam County Board of Commissioners meets in worksessions every Monday (9 a.m.) and for regular meetings every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the county courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St. Port Angeles, Room 160. Agendas may be found online at www.clallam.net/Board/htm/board_links.htm. -
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