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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStampedLog Item 13 Public CommentComments Related to Rocky Brook Hydroelectric Type III Shoreline Substantial Development Permit Submitted by Dennis Lloyd Kuklok PO Box 69 Brinnon, WA 98320 360-796-4849 JEFFERSON COUNTY DCD I own approximately 40 acres in two parcels that are adjacent to the Rocky Brook Hydroelectric property (see Figure A). A road right-of-way on the upland portion of parcel 1 is used by Rocky Brook Hydro for access and maintenance to its water storage tank and water intake system. The lower portion of parcel 1, along Dosewallips Road is used for parking by visitors to Rocky Brook Falls. Lot 5, from the bridge and east, to Rocky Brook Creek is where I currently live part-time and is where I am in the process of building a small cabin within the designated buildable area. I have owned the above described properties for nearly 20 years and provide the following observations regarding the impact of the Hydroelectric facility and viewing of Rocky Brook Falls on my properties, Rocky Brook Creek and Dosewallips Road. Hydroelectric Plant Operations The hydroelectric facility has minimal impact on my property: Plant operation noise levels are low. Existing security lighting does not shine beyond the road and bridge area. Rocky Brook falls attracts occasional night time visitors, resulting in some vandalism and graffiti on the power plant building and facilities; but such activity is infrequent. The plant typically operates from late October through mid May. During this period it often shuts down when water levels subside from lack of rain, and also when excessive rain increases sediment load to the extent that it could damage turbines. During late summer (August and early September) the plant operator flushes the water storage tank above the plant, releasing thousands of gallons of reddish, sediment, mineral heavy and organic material laden water into Rocky Brook creek. This process seems to take one to two hours and results in significant reduction in water clarity for four to six hours, until the natural flushing of water from upstream returns the water to earlier conditions. However, the sediment does cover streambed gravels and remains until fall seasonal rain activity flushes this material out. Public Access To Rocky Brook Falls Rocky Brook Falls is one of the more popular natural attractions in the area, especially during the summer months and weekends. On a July weekend there can be more than 40 vehicles parked along the road, with swimmers, sunbathers and picnickers occupying every available place from the hydro -plant up to the falls. My understanding is that, while the site and Rocky Brook Falls itself are private property, continued public access to the falls is part of the hydropower facility licensing agreement. Plant operations must take into account this public use, in particular ensuring that such public access is safe to users and does not adversely impact plant operations. The trail to the falls follows the underground outflow pipe (where a failure has resulted in unwanted water releases near the power plant, impacting pedestrian movement through the area). Public access to Rocky Brook Falls currently results in the following conditions: Parking occurs on both sides of Dosewallips Road, from the bridge, up valley, generally within the road right-of-way. During peak summer weekends, parking will overflow along the Road downriver from the bridge. There are three locked access gates in the area, with parking often blocking one or more of them. Due to the speed of vehicles approaching the bridge (coming down and steep grade), and the fact that a curve in the road reduces visibility of the area where people are crossing to go to the Falls, pedestrian safety is of concern. There are no trash receptacles. People typically keep area from the power plant to the Falls clean; however, garbage usually is strewn about in the parking area, in particular, below the slope on the south side of Dosewallips Road. Neighbors and concerned users periodically clean up trash when it becomes overly visible. There is no provision for visitor sanitation. The nearest public toilet facilities are three to four miles to the Community Center, Brinnon Store and Dosewallips State Park. There are no facilities upstream. As a result, the entire area is used as a restroom, with people seeking some privacy by following existing roads or walking up into forested areas. The problem is most acute in the area below the south parking area adjacent to Dosewallips Road, where on any summer day, clusters of toilet paper indicate such use. Virtually nobody makes an effort to cover/bury their feces and paper. Rocky Brook Hydro and myself have posted some signage regarding access, ownership and use in the parking area, on the power plant building and along the trail. There are no signs along the road alerting people to the presence of the Falls, directing them to the trail. As a consequence, people often wander about my property, following my maintenance roads in search of the Falls. Rocky Brook Hydro does include some information on the building and along the trail: operator name and phone number for emergencies, power output, and some trail use rules. Most visitors have little sense of how the plant works and rules regarding access to and use of the area. At the waterfall, visitors continue to ignore posted warnings near the power pla+climb the rocks and, occasionally require some form of rescue. While it has not occurred during the 20 years that I have known the area, I have been told of instances in the past were people have been killed at the Falls by climbing on the rocks and falling. Recommendations As a trained Landscape Architect with over 40 years experience in various aspects of the trade, including site planning and interpretative signage, and as owner of property adjacent to the hydroelectric plant, I have, over the years, thought of many ways that this facility might reduce its impact on Rocky Brook, make public access safer, and improve visitor understanding of the facility and adjacent environment. While the permit focuses on plant operations (new turbines, repair outflow pipe) I feel that this is a good time to look at the bigger picture, ways to improve the ancillary uses on the site, and think about the longer term, as recreational use increases and changes. The following recommendations should be considered as part of proposed plant improvements. Implementation may involve individual action (by Rocky Brook Hydroelectric) and in some cases cooperative actions amongst some or all of the six primary stakeholders: Rocky Brook Hydroelectric, Jefferson County, Brinnon Fire, Brinnon Parks and Recreation District, Dosewalli s State Park, and`local private landowners.�� `7 1. County Signage Along Dosewallips Road Signage along Dosewallips Road is needed to direct people to Rocky Brook Falls. It is understood that Rocky Brook Falls is on private land; however, as part of the hydroelectric permit, public access to the falls is to be maintained. Without such signage, visitors often tresspass on other property, unsure of where exactly the waterfalls is. Some even wander up RVcky Brook Road, about a mile east of the actual falls. The sign should be on the upland side of the road, just after crossing the bridge. The sign might say: One sign should be at the juncture of Highway 101 and Dosewallips Road. It should simply state: Rocky Brook Falls 3.0 mi. The existing pedestrian crossing sign should have a flashing light (solar or battery powered) to better control speed as vehicles approach the parking area. A sign should be on the upland side of Dosewallips Road, just after crossing the bridge, saying: Trail to Rocky Brook Falls .25 mi. (with arrow pointing upstream) (private property, public access allowed to observe waterfalls) 2. Parking Fencing along the south parking area west of the bridge would minimize trespass and reduce litter and garbage accumulation. 3. Improved Rocky Brook Falls Access Trail Signage. Rocky Brook Hydroelectric should provide an attractive new sign located near the existing gate with the following information. This is private land; stay on trail and within existing use areas. Access provided as a courtesy by Rocky Brook Hydroelectric Limited Partnership. Not responsible for injury or property damage; Enter At Your Own Risk. No climbing on rocks (you may be charged for rescue services). No fires, fireworks, or guns. Please keep pets on a leash. Day use only. Please keep area clean for others to enjoy, carry out your trash. Use monitored by 24 hour security cameras. Contact Numbers: Plant Operator: 911 Brinnon Fire and Rescue 4. Security Cameras Since the site has limited human presence, security cameras should be located near entrance gate and around building, with their presence noted by signage. 4. Trash Control A trash receptacle should be located near the entrance during the peak use months (May 15 through September 15). A local collection agent should be contracted to empty this receptacle regularly. New "Big Belly" style compacting trash receptacles might be considered, as they are attractive, and hold a greater volume than non -compacting receptacles. 5. Sanitation A "Port a Potty" type facility should be located near the entrance gate during summer months (May15 through Sept 15), with a contract for regular cleaning and emptying. A concrete pad may need to be poured to facilitate location and maintenance. Siting is important to both allow for some privacy while maintaining some visibility from the road to reduce vandalism and improper use. 6. Building Interpretive Mural The power plant building consists of unpainted cinder block walls with no windows. The large surface area provides a significant opportunity to add a wall mural or other graphics directed and increasing visitor understanding of the facility and its surrounding environment. See accompanying concept sketches. Suggested interpretive murals could be a cooperative effort involving Rocky Brook Hydroelectric, Brinnon Parks and Recreation District, Jefferson County, Dosewallips State Park, and interested individual property owners. Mural design would be done by Dennis Lloyd Kuklok as an in-kind contribution. 7. Storage Tank Flushing Timing, duration and outfall location of seasonal tank flushing should be re -assessed to reduce impact on fish in Rocky Brook. Options to consider might include earlier times, slower release, and possible filtering rather than release directly into Rocky Brook as is now done. Fish and Game should be consulted regarding the appropriate guidelines for this activity. 8. Longer Term Planning Dosewallips State Park's long term plans include trail development along the south side of the Dosewallips River, linking the State Park with Olympic National Park. They are in the process of securing ownership, leases and easements across key properties along the route. While Rocky Brook Falls is on the opposite side of the river, it could be an important attraction if a river crossing were developed nearby, considerably increasing the use and attractiveness of the new trail and Rocky Brook Falls. State Parks should continue securing access rights along the south side of the river and explore possible river crossings to access Rocky Brook Falls. Two sites hold the most promise: A bridge across the "Gorge", downriver from the junction of Rocky Brook and the Dosewallips River. Here the river narrows, making it the shortest crossing point. It would also be an opportunity to let people appreciate this unique and mostly hidden part of the river. While this is private land, it may be possible for State Parks to secure an easement with the property owner. A (pedestrian suspension) bridge across the Dosewallips due south of the Rocky Brook Falls. Here the river is wider, necessitating a longer bridge, but it offers a more direct route to the Falls. 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