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HomeMy WebLinkAbout112717_ra03pe e ffehson Public HealA Regular Agenda 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 www.JeffersonCounfyPublicHealth.org November 20, 2017 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Philip Morley, County Administrator FROM: Stuart Whitford, Environmental Public Health Director Tami Pokorny, Environmental Health Specialist II DATE: November 27, 2017 SUBJECT: Agenda Request: Presentation: Draft Marine Spatial Plan for Washington's Pacific Coast STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Environmental Public Health requests an opportunity for Jennifer Hennessey, Ocean Policy Lead for the WA Department of Ecology Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program, to make a presentation on the Draft Marine Spatial Plan for Washington's Pacific Coast. ANALYSIS/STRATEGIC GOALS: Ecology is releasing the Draft Marine Spatial Plan for Washington's Pacific Coast for review and comment by interested parties, agencies, and tribes through December 12, 2017. The draft plan provides information on ocean uses and resources and a framework for evaluating proposed new ocean uses on Washington's Pacific Coast. Input was provided by the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council, the coast's Marine Resources Committees, local and tribal governments and federal agencies. The draft plan provides: - A consistent way of evaluating future ocean use proposals. - A new base of scientific information on coastal uses and resources. - A framework to coordinate decisions for new ocean uses. - Protections for sensitive ecological areas and fishing. Ecology is not proposing a rule-making and will use existing state and local authorities to implement the plan. Opportunities will exist to integrate the plan into local shoreline master programs. Ecology is specifically requesting comments on Chapter 4, Management Framework. A Draft Programmatic EIS evaluates the effects of the management actions contained in the draft plan and is also available for review and comment. This review process helps decision makers and the public understand the specific actions in the draft plan and how they would affect people and the environment. The Draft Marine Spatial Plan and Draft EIS documents are available online at: http://www.msp.wa.gov/leam/resources. Community Health Environmental Health Developmental Disabilities Water Quality 360-385-9400 360-385-9444 360-385-9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community (f) 360-379-4487 After the state adopts a final plan, Ecology will submit the plan as part of Washington's federally - approved Coastal Zone Management Program (https:Hcoast.noaa.gov/czm). FISCAL IMPACT/COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: The costs to hear the presentation are negligible. The Marine Spatial Plan for Washington's Pacific Coast will assist the state in reviewing new state and/or federal uses that may have adverse impacts on ocean resources or affect existing uses. RECOMMENDATION: Allow time for Ecology to present information about the Draft Marine Spatial Plan for Washington's Pacific Coast; ask questions and, as desired, provide comments. REVIEWED BY: l� Phi ip Morley, Co ty Administrator Date Community Health Developmental Disabilities 360-385-9400 360-385-9401 (f) Always working for a safer and healthier community Environmental Health Water Quality 360-385-9444 (f) 360-379-4487 wft� DEPARTMENT OF awma ECOLOGY State of Washington Draft Marine Spatial Plan Learn more Marine Spatial Plan for Washington's Pacific Coast http:/ /www.msp.wa. gov (Review draft documents under "Projects The public is invited to comment on the draft Marine Spatial Plan for and Resources') Washington's Pacific Ocean coast The draft plan provides: Public Meetings A consistent way of evaluating future ocean use proposals. All meetings start at 6 p.m.: A new base of scientific information on coastal uses and resources. • Nov. 1, Forks; Dept. of Natural A framework to coordinate decisions for new ocean uses. Resources, Olympic Region Confer- • Protections for sensitive ecological areas and fishing. ence room, 411 Tillicum Lane. • Nov. 7, Aberdeen; Grays Harbor Submit comments online by Dec. 12, 2017 College, Manspeaker Bldg., Room 2250,1620 Edward P. Smith Dr. Comment form: htW:-/-/ws.ecology.commentinput.com/?id=VRHj Q • Nov. 8, Long Beach; Cranberry Museum, 2907 Pioneer Road. Plan recommendations • Nov. 9, Tukwila; Tuwila Com- munity Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S. The draft MSP is an important tool to assist state agencies and others in Comment period evaluating and engaging in proposals for new ocean uses as well as guide Oct 10 to Dec. 12, 2017 potential applicants as they develop those proposals. CONTACT Draft plan elements: Jennifer Hennessey • Identify and protect ecologically -sensitive areas in state waters from jennifer.hennessey@ecy.wa.gov adverse effects of offshore development. 360-407-6595 • Protect fisheries to ensure adverse impacts are avoided and mini - Special accommodations mized, and help projects avoid long-term, significant adverse impacts. To request ADA accommodation for • Create a process for enhanced coordination with stakeholders and disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, call among local and tribal governments and state and federal agencies. Ecology at 360-407-6600 or visit • List the data, information, and plans needed for proposed projects. www.ecy.wa.gov/accessibility.html. Details the effects to people, communities, and the environment that Persons with impaired hearing may need to be evaluated, including state standards and policies that need call Washington Relay Service at to be met 711. Persons with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341. Publication # 17-06-007 October 2017 1 The MSP study area, outlined below, ex- tends to offshore to a water depth of 4,200 feet (700 fathoms) and covers areas in state waters (out to 3 nautical miles) and federal waters (from 3 to 200 nautical miles). It also includes coastal estuaries. ��sweui wa��eeW�m.v L" ., ntvw sway n.ea �,� Draft Programmatic EIS A separate, draft programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is also available for public comment It focuses on evaluat- ing the environmental impacts of creating a marine spatial plan versus not having a plan. It does not examine detailed impacts of a specific ocean use. Further examination would occur when an applicant seeks permits for a project. Aerial photo of Benson Beach near Cape Disappointment. DEPARTMENT OF amme ECOLOGY State of Washington Informing and influencing decisions in federal waters The plan also provides information to assist the state in reviewing and influencing federal activities that may affect Washington's ocean re- sources or uses, including in federal waters. After the state adopts a final plan, Ecology will submit the plan as part of Washington's federally - approved Coastal Zone Management Program. What's in the marine spatial plan? • An overview, including background and purpose. • A summary of current conditions and trends including ecology, socio -economics, archeological and historic resources, and existing and potential new ocean uses. • Details about spatial analyses including methods and outputs ex- amining ecology and human uses in the study area and comparing that information with areas of high renewable energy potential. • A marine spatial plan management framework that covers pro- cess and substantive requirements tied to existing state laws and poli- cies. This section also provides requirements and recommendations for new ocean uses, including spatial designations and recommenda- tions. • Policy recommendations from the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council. • Maps and appendices including maps of existing ocean uses, ocean resources, and more detailed information. Planning Process A team of state agencies including the Washington departments of Ecolo- gy, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources developed the state plan guided by state law. Funding from the Washington Legislature enabled state agencies to gather baseline information, carry out mapping, conduct research and analyses, develop a website and online tools, perform outreach and engagement, and produce the plan. Scientists and topical experts reviewed the data. Throughout the planning process, state agencies sought input from the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council, Marine Resource Commit- tees, local and tribal governments and federal agencies. In addition to doz- ens of advisory council meetings, the state involved the public in the plan- ning process that included conducting workshops, making presentations to groups, attending community events, and taking public comments. Publication # 17-06-007 October 2017 -t ��sweui wa��eeW�m.v L" ., ntvw sway n.ea �,� Draft Programmatic EIS A separate, draft programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is also available for public comment It focuses on evaluat- ing the environmental impacts of creating a marine spatial plan versus not having a plan. It does not examine detailed impacts of a specific ocean use. Further examination would occur when an applicant seeks permits for a project. Aerial photo of Benson Beach near Cape Disappointment. DEPARTMENT OF amme ECOLOGY State of Washington Informing and influencing decisions in federal waters The plan also provides information to assist the state in reviewing and influencing federal activities that may affect Washington's ocean re- sources or uses, including in federal waters. After the state adopts a final plan, Ecology will submit the plan as part of Washington's federally - approved Coastal Zone Management Program. What's in the marine spatial plan? • An overview, including background and purpose. • A summary of current conditions and trends including ecology, socio -economics, archeological and historic resources, and existing and potential new ocean uses. • Details about spatial analyses including methods and outputs ex- amining ecology and human uses in the study area and comparing that information with areas of high renewable energy potential. • A marine spatial plan management framework that covers pro- cess and substantive requirements tied to existing state laws and poli- cies. This section also provides requirements and recommendations for new ocean uses, including spatial designations and recommenda- tions. • Policy recommendations from the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council. • Maps and appendices including maps of existing ocean uses, ocean resources, and more detailed information. Planning Process A team of state agencies including the Washington departments of Ecolo- gy, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources developed the state plan guided by state law. Funding from the Washington Legislature enabled state agencies to gather baseline information, carry out mapping, conduct research and analyses, develop a website and online tools, perform outreach and engagement, and produce the plan. Scientists and topical experts reviewed the data. Throughout the planning process, state agencies sought input from the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council, Marine Resource Commit- tees, local and tribal governments and federal agencies. In addition to doz- ens of advisory council meetings, the state involved the public in the plan- ning process that included conducting workshops, making presentations to groups, attending community events, and taking public comments. Publication # 17-06-007 October 2017