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Home My WebLink About08 August JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES Thursday, August 16, 2001 Board Members: Dan Titterness, Member - County Commissioner District #1 Glen Huntingford, Member - County CommÙJ'ioner DÙtrid #2 Richard Wqjt, Member - County Commissioner District #3 Geoffrey Masci, Member - Port Townsend City Coundl jtll Buhler, Chairman - Hospital Commissioner District #2 Sheila Westerman, Vice Chairman - Citizen at Large (City) Roberta FrisseJI - Citizen at Large (County) Staff Members: Jean Baldwin, Nursing Sen;ices Director Larry Fqy, Environmental Health Diredor Thomas Locke, MD, Health qffìccr Chairman Buhler called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. All Board and Staff members were present with the exception of Commissioner Huntingford. Member Masci moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Member Masci moved to approve the minutes of July 19, 2001. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT Dale Wurtsmith spoke about the On-Site Sewage Ordinance adopted by the Board on May 17, 2001. He requested that the provisional licenses for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of conventional systems be expanded to include alternative systems. As a member of the Washington On-Site Sewage Association (WOSSA), he noted that most of his training relates to alternative systems. He has submitted an application to be licensed and understands that the permanent licensing test will likely be given at WOSSA and that it will be roughly six months to a year before a class is designed. He expressed concern that the PUD inspection does not include opening and inspecting the septic tank. He has heard that one third of alternative systems fail within the first five years and wonders if it is due to a lack of inspection. Testing for temperature, PH, and dissolved oxygen may be able to prevent a collapse or other expensive repairs. He also proposed that the language in the current ordinance be changed to allow for excavating. In his opinion people should have the option of choosing who they want to monitor their alternative system. If the PUD continues doing their light monitoring, he would suggest having another individual inspect the tank and give the citizens a credit for that portion of the field that was inspected. Chuck Molisky of Goodman Sanitation said that at the March 2001 Health Board meeting there was discussion about revising the Evaluation of Existing System Ordinance to allow anyone demonstrating a HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - August 16, 2001 Page: 2 certain level of competency to perform inspections. Those individuals would be required to become licensed once a test became available. Although, he has been providing monitoring services, he is no longer qualified to perform inspections under the ordinance because he is not a designer, installer, or a monitoring specialist and does not have a year of experience under a monitoring entity. He also questioned why he has to pay $200 to apply for a license when he is already in business in Jefferson County. Because the County has placed the PUD in a position of monitoring all alternative engineered systems, the consumer is under the impression that they do not have to do the operation and maintenance until periodically told to do so. He understood it was the Board's intent to open up the monitoring to qualified persons. An amendment to the ordinance's monitoring terminology would allow him to monitor conventional systems. To protect their investment, he believes his customers would like the opportunity to choose who provides their monitoring, maintenance and ongoing service. Vice Chair Westerman clarified that it was the Board's intent to create a way for other individuals to do the monitoring of both conventional and alternative systems. Board members concurred. Commissioner Wojt commented that whoever does the inspection, there has to be a clear understanding of the need for centralized record keeping. OLD BUSINESS Provisional Certification Onsite Sewal!e O&M Specialists: Discussion of Expedited Rule Chanl!es Adopted 5/17/01: Larry Fay reported that he and Dale Wurtsmith met and discussed the issues and concerns he raised today. The PUD has specific statutory authority to conduct maintenance and monitoring inspections of on-site sewage and community sewage systems. Because the PUD inspections are focused on the secondary treatment process involved with alternative systems, they have not included inspecting the septic tank. In those cases, the Health Department may need to go back and inspect the tanks. He believes it would be a disservice to discount the work the PUD has done over the last 15 years in monitoring alternative systems in Jefferson County. The inspections were not intended to be diagnostic, but to identify major system failures. If the PUD discovers a problem, homeowners would be notified and referred to an O&M specialist to perform a more detailed analysis. With respect to conventional systems, he noted that the Board worked on an ordinance for provisional licensing as a pathway to further testing and certification under development by WOSSA. While the full license would take the place of a provisional license and adopted Sections would no longer apply, the core O&M responsibilities would remain. Aside from minor changes made in May, no major changes were made from the original direction before Board adoption. Commissioner Titterness said he believes it was the Board's intent that a person with expertise in the field be allowed to receive a provisional license. Larry Fay said he understood that the Board and staff were looking for a mix of work experience and formal training for licensed installers, licensed pumpers, and licensed O&M people. To be a licensed O&M person, you have to have had some work experience either with a designer, installer, or an O&M person, plus training. While Chuck Molisky has been in the pumping business for years but has not worked with an installer or designer, the question for the Board is whether to amend the ordinance. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - August 16,2001 Page: 3 Historically, in Jefferson County, those who have done O&M are designers, installers and pumpers. The Board could choose to state that Mr. Molisky's years of experience as a pumper in Jefferson County constitutes the needed work experience. Chuck Molisky apologized for giving the impression that the PUD has not been doing their job. He believes that given their limited mandate they have been doing their job. His position is that others besides the PUD should be allowed to do the monitoring. The 15 years of data could be the basis for other monitoring entities if individual homeowners chose that path. He also believes the PUD standards should be updated to improve the database. Member Masci agreed that the Board's intent was to pass provisional licensing to conduct inspections for those people doing the work. However, before adoption the Board failed to realize that the new language in Section 8.15.150(6)c did not include all sewage systems. He believes the tapes of the previous meeting will show the Board was talking about all systems, both conventional and alternative. He was under the impression that Messrs. Molisky and Wurtsmith and possibly others in the County had extensive WOSSA training and had spent a lot of money on course training. He suggested that the Department review the PUD contract to ensure similar training of their inspectors. He proposed that newly adopted Sections 8.15.150(6)(c) and 8.15.140(4)(b) and (c) be modified with the suggested wording provided in the Health Board packet titled "Dear Honorable Geoff Masci." He believes these changes reflect the Board's original intent. He also suggested adding to the list of qualified inspectors, "installers and service provision companies." He does not believe anyone, including staff did anything egregious. Dr. Tom Locke reviewed the Board of Health's process of adopting this ordinance. To modify the rule, the Board would need to present new language and publish it for comment before adoption. Member Masci moved that Staff present to the Board amendatory language to Sections 8.15.150(6)(c) and 8.15.140(4)(b) and (c) as exists in Items 1 and 2 of the correspondence titled "Dear Honorable Geoff Masci" and bring it forth at the next meeting for discussion. Member Frissell seconded the motion. Commissioner Wojt commented that the County has contracted with the PUD which as a public entity will stay in business whether or not they make a profit for these services. As a public entity, the PUD also has the longevity to keep the records. Any inspectors would need to have a legal obligation to track inspections. Vice Chairman Westerman said she was unaware that this legal obligation was included in the ordinance. Larry Fay said that the contract with the PUD is to perform O&M tracking and records management to verify the recipient of the report, to verify inspection has occurred, and notify Environmental Health of any system problems. Although record keeping is important, it is more of an administrative than ordinance issue. Member Masci said the intent of the motion is to allow provisional monitoring certificates to be issued HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - August 16, 2001 Page: 4 so the work can be done. He expressed concern about additional delays. Larry Fay said typically a draft is reviewed by the Board to be followed by the advertisement, however, he may be able to expedite the process by making the suggested amendments and immediately placing the advertisement. Member Masci asked to revise his motion. Member Masci moved that Staff expedite revisions to the On-Site Sewage Ordinance Sections 8.15.150(6)(c) and 8.15.140(4)(b) and (c) consistent with the changes as suggested in Items 1 and 2 of the correspondence titled 'Dear Honorable Geoff Masci.'" Member Frissell seconded the motion. Larry Fay asked if the work qualifications should be modified to include one year's work experience with a licensed pumper? The concern is that pumping septic tanks is different than doing O&M of alternative systems and requires an additional training component. Commissioner Wojt asked where in the ordinance it states the requirements for record keeping? Larry Fay responded that he believes it is in two sections. Vice Chair Westerman expressed interest in the Board having a future discussion about record keeping by the PUD. The motion carried. Commissioner W ojt abstained. Member Masci moved that Staff present before the Board the qualifications of the Certified Monitoring Specialist to include "licensed pumper" to the possible O&M service providers currently listed as licensed designer, licensed installer, and licensed O&M specialist. Commissioner Titterness seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Member Masci moved that the Board discuss at an upcoming meeting not to exceed 60 days from today, the topic of "PUD record keeping, retention and custodianship." Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioner Titterness suggested the PUD be invited to attend this discussion. Staff agreed to follow- up. Larry Fay circulated the signature page for the Board's May 17,2001 On-site Sewage Code amendment, which the Board is now proposing to amend. NEW BUSINESS Joint Resolution - Seawater Intrusion Monitoring: Larry Fay reviewed the Joint Resolution which would establish a program to conduct systematic groundwater monitoring to assess whether seawater intrusion may be occurring in Jefferson County and affecting water quality. He provided background on HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - August 16, 2001 Page: 5 the appeals to the Unified Development Code last fall regarding whether or not the County provided adequate protection of aquifers near marine shorelines or, on Marrowstone Island, from over appropriation. Two ordinances which the City, Public Environmental Council, and the Shine Community Action Council have appealed have been discussed. The City and County reached an agreement that Jefferson County be the data managers for water quality information. The PUD was interested in positioning themselves to implement a long-term monitoring program. This resolution would formalize the roles of the County, PUD and Board of Health in developing a rational monitoring program, in cooperation with the State Departments of Ecology and Health, which the PUD would then implement. The role of the Department of Health would be to assist in developing the methodology. The financial responsibility for implementation would reside with the PUD. Member Masci moved that the Board accept the Joint Resolution for Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program between the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, the Jefferson County Board of Health, and the Jefferson County PUD No.1. Member Frissell seconded the motion. During discussion of the motion, Vice Chair Westerman said that, given the importance of this issue, she does not believe this is an area where the County should try to save money. She suggested eliminating the words "already strapped" from the second paragraph of the resolution. Dr. Locke noted that because this is a joint resolution already adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, it cannot be modified. Commissioner Wojt said in other counties saltwater intrusion is dealt with by public purveyors of water, as opposed to individual homeowners. The PUD, as the largest water purveyor in the County, has agreed to make its water system data available to others in the County. Member Masci explained that during UDC appeal settlement negotiations, the City became aware that the County's data collection was limited to public water systems. With the pending sale of the Tri-Area water system to the PUD, the PUD will become subject to more stringent State standards. Larry Fay said the PUD is contemplating not only monitoring the public water supply wells but, at least in some strategic areas, thinking about dedicated monitoring wells using proactive groundwater monitoring. Commissioner Tittemess said that given that there has been nothing inaccurate noted in the resolution, he proposed that the Board proceed with it. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - August 16, 2001 Page: 6 AGENDA CALENDAR/ ADJOURN The agenda item "Draft Policy Pertaining to Building Permit Repair" will be presented at the next meeting. Commissioner Titterness suggested that the topic of "Treatment and Prevention" be high on this year's Health Board agenda. Jean Baldwin agreed to provide a preliminary report in October. 2001 AGENDA ITEMS 1. CONTINUED STABLE FUNDING TO REPLACE MVET 2. ACCESS HEALTH CARE 3. PROGRAM MEASURES (Genetic Research and Public Health Implications) 4. METHAMPHETAMINE SUMMIT 5. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS & COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT 6. TOBACCO PREVENTION AND COALITION 7. FLUORIDE 8. TRANSIT AND PUBLIC HOUSING 9. BIOTERRORISM READINESS & PLAN 10. AGING POPULATION 11. WATER 12. MATERNAL CHILD PREVENTION GOALS (0-3) The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Health and Human Services Conference Room. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH 1 Buhler, Chairman ~ ~ ùJ 1h ·\liV'\4-0-. Sheila Westerman, Vice-Chairman (Excused Absence) Glen Huntingford, Member ., JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Thursday, August 16,2001 2:30 PM- 3:30 PM Jefferson General Hospital Auditorium AGENDA I. Approval of Agenda II. Approval of Minutes of Meeting of July 19,2001 Ill. Public Comments IV. Old Business and Informational Items 1. Provisional Certification Onsite Sewage o & M Specialists: Discussion of expedited rule changes adopted 5/17/01 2. Draft Policy Pertaining to Building Permit Repair Larry/Tom (15 min) Larry (15 min) V. New Business 1. Joint Resolution - Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Larry/Dave (15 min) VI. Agenda Planning 1. Future Agenda Topics VlI. Adjourn (Joint Board Meeting follows immediately after BOH meeting) Next Board of Health Meeting: September 20, 2001, 2:30 - 4:30 PM Jefferson County Health and Human Services Conference Room JOINT BOARD MEETING Jefferson General Hospital District Board of Commissioners Jefferson County Board of Health Thursday August 16, 2001 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Jefferson General Hospital Auditorium Draft Agenda I. Approval of Agenda II. "Next Steps" Options for the Joint Board re: Health Care Access in E. Jefferson County Vie/Tom III. Joint Board Discussion 1. Health Care Access Improvement Options 2. Summit II? V. Adjourn JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ~ MINUTES t)~~f \ Thursday,]uly 19,2001 Board AIembers: Dan TÙternes¡. AI:mber - Count;.' Commissioner District #1 Glen Huntin,gtõrd. AIember - Coun~v CommiJJioner DÙtri,'t #2 Richard W'qjt, ¡'v1emtJe" - Caun!)' CommÙsioner District #3 Geoffrv AJasci, -"!ember - Port Townsend Ciry Couná¿ Jil¡ Buh/er, Chairman - Hospital Commissioner District #2 Sheila W'esterman, T 'ice Chairman - Citizen at LzlJte (Ciry) Roberta FrÙseti' - Citizen at Lz~e (County) Staff.'vIembers: Jean Baldwin, ~'\;ursi~g Services Director Lz~/ Fq)', Environmental Health Dim'tor Thomas Locke, MD, Health Officer D~4¡:,. Chairman Buhler called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. All Board and Staff members were present. Member Masci moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Humingford seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Member Masci moved to approve the minutes of June 21, 2001. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. OLD BUSINESS Consumer Reports and WSMA Reports Articles on Vaccine Safetv: This information was provided as a prelude to a follow-up study the Department of Health will conduct in October on school immunization exemption rates. Jefferson County has one of the highest exemption rates in the state at 8.9%. While it is believed this percentage can be improved, it is not expected to reach the statewide average of 3%. Dr. Tom Locke noted that in addition to efforts in the schools, nurses from the Health Department have provided information on a case-by-case basis. He also noted that there is currently an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough). Member Frissell suggested that Dr. Locke rerun last year's Leader article on vaccinations before the school year begins. Commissioner Huntingford asked what recourse parents of vaccinated children have against those kids without vaccinations who are nonetheless attending school. Dr. Locke said there is no recourse. Although it is often after the fact, once an outbreak reaches the school, unvaccinated kids are sent home. He said there are states that do not have an exemption; if you are not vaccinated, you are not allowed in HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - July 19.200] Page: :; school. There is no vaccine that is 100% effective. His greatest concern is that parents make the decision to sign exemptions based on misinformation. When asked about communication with home schools and ho\\' their compliance is tracked. Jean Baldwin said several contacts are made with home school parents through several groups. There is a statewide tracking system - Child Health Tracking - not funded bv the legislature this year but will be funded by the Department of Health. While 50% of the records h~ve been entered into the database. none of those records are currently available. Vice Chairman \Vesterman asked if there is communication with alternative care providers. Jean Baldwin said there is a lot of contact and information through events such as the recent Fact Night on ~ ~ pertussis. Senator Maria Cantwell Visit: The Department learned yesterday that Senator Cantwell is interested in meeting with the Board and others about health access problems. She will be at the Health Department at 4:00 on Saturday NEW BUSINESS Adult Diphtheria-Tetanus Vaccine Shorta2e - .Jefferson County Response Plan: Dr. Locke reported that there will likely be a delay and shortage of flu vaccine again this year. The adolescent and adult form of diphtheria/tetanus vaccine is also in short supply nationwide. The routine vaccination, which is recommended for all adults every ten years, will be inadequate to cover the U.S. population. Only one of two suppliers remains and it has decided to prioritize available stores and distribute only to emergency rooms and county health departments (at a rate of 30 vaccinations per month). Among the four priority groups - those traveling to counties having diphtheria outbreaks, those needing to complete their three dose series, pregnant women to prevent tetanus of the newborn, and management of tetanus-prone wounds and injuries - it is the last that is the biggest challenge. Vaccinations will be sold to local practitioners at cost, with the request that they restrict use to the four priority categories. The local goal is to have minimal disruptions of care patterns while not wasting vaccine. Community Indicators Worlæroup Presentation: Jean Baldwin reported that the Data Steering Committee, working with Dr. Chris Hale, has been looking at Jefferson County health indicators. This group will idemify issues and provide guidance on a data decision-making mechanism. Because $25,000 of the funding for this project was provided by the City for the law and justice study, there will be deliverables due to the City in two years. With the data that has been delivered to date, Members Masci and Frissell outlined the following issues that are beginning to surface and that we should stress in our outlook: economic development/housing/poverty, seniors, law and justice, substance abuse, policy/prevention, and mental health. Member Frissell said she finds it interesting, from the data received so far, that some of the assumptions made by different agencies are not correct. While some fascinating preliminary data exists, it is still raw data. Member Masci stressed that since the data has yet to be processed it should be used cautiousl y. HEALTH BOARD MINl'TES - July 19.2001 Page: 3 Dr. Hale talked about the unique demographics of the County. While the population has doubled in 20 years. births have remained constant. Despite the fact that the number of women in their oldest childbearing years (40s) has doubled. Jefferson County's fertility rate has not reached 2.1 since the early to mid 1990s. The County is aging rapidly not only because the total fertility rate is low. but because of an immigration of people 65 and older. with the most rapidly growing segment being 85 Jnd older. She stressed that the 85+ group also consumes the largest share of healthcare resources. Dr. Hale then reviewed Jefferson County data compared to other area counties and to the State. Because Clallam and Jefferson have similar demographics and needs, they have agreed to share the staff resources of Hillary Whatcom for routine data analysis and updating. Regional issues that are surfacing are the rapid aging of the population and children born to older women are likely to be poor and suffer from a number of other disadvantages. She noted that this includes only civilian figures, not military data. Some 600 Jefferson County residents will complete the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey to help identify health risks of people who have been here a long-time versus those who have arrived in the past five years. She noted that because over half the births Jefferson County women are reimbursed out of the Medicaid Insurance system and many are on welfare. Jefferson County families are going to be disproportionately impacted by the implementation of welfare cuts. As this data is reviewed, the issues that remain on the table are persistent poverty, especially in families, and the large senior population. These two groups have very different demands for the use of public dollars. Substance abuse (tobacco and alcohol) and suicide data are also running above State averages. There was significant Board discussion about mental health, poverty, and employment as factors in suicide rates. Dr. Hale said while there may not be able to be much gain in the biological health indicators, there is room for improvement on quality of life issues. Because of the unique age distributions, there are rich opportunities for putting together programs that work across generations and communities. Final BRFSS data will be ready to analyze at the end of January. It was suggested that a BRFSS update be listed on the Board of Health's October agenda. Policv Discussion-Required Connection to Communitv Sewer Svstems: Larry Fay explained that this issue was triggered by an application for a subdivision in Port Ludlow. While the lots were large enough to support a septic system, the question is whether to require a connection to sewer service when it is available. When conditions were originally placed on these plats, the clear intention was that they would be connected to the sewer when service became available, but there was no formalized condition in the approval. Clear direction will be needed if these decisions come up in the future and he asked for input from the Board. He recognized that any time you consider a lot in isolation sewer service is expensive. However, every time a septic permit is issued, it creates one more obstacle to expanding sewer lines. The question is how to provide incentives for the community to pool its resources and develop the necessary infrastructure. He indicated that minimum land area requirements say that if sewer service is available, a waiver will not be issued. There is no utility policy that encourages people to make the extensions. Chairman Buhler asked \vho would determine the practical distance to the sewer line under which a HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - Jul\" 19.2001 Page: 4 connection would be required? Vice Chairman Westerman questioned the County's role in what seems to be the job of the developer. "Available" service could actually be 300 feet away. She believes the Board could pick a fixed number rather than stating a range (e.g. 200-500 feet). She asked why the City's policy on this matter is not clear to the Countv? Commissioner Huntingford said if the line is within 100 feet but there are five-acre tracts on an elevation, he does not believe it is the intention to put them on sewer. He suggested that a countywide sewer or septic plan that the County and PUD are discussing might be an appropriate place to address this problem. Larry Fay said he is interested in initiating this discussion and its ties to planning policies. He will be reviewing any existing models or policies that at a minimum do not interfere with the desire to extend sewer lines. He questions how the County, through the utility, can get into a community process to create utility districts that allow them to access funding to finance the sewer extensions? Vice Chairman Westerman believes this is more a planning than public health issue. The utility provider appears to be willing to spend the necessary money to run the sewer lines. Commissioner Titterness said he believes the Comprehensive Plan says if sewers are available you will connect. Commissioner Wojt said that, as a Urban Growth Area, Port Ludlow needs to provide the infrastructure to deal with sewer and water. The question for the Board of Health is whether they have the sewer available to them. The community itself has to answer questions about economic accessibility. Commissioner Huntingford believes it may be a land use issue. He agreed to take the issue back to the Port Ludlow Village Council to see if they want to seek a solution through the utility provider. Member Masci said the confusion with the City is that they are discussing the idea of a sewer levy to extend the lines. If enacted, people will be required to hook up because the City already has such an ordinance. Member Frissell said it is important for the Board of Health to make a commitment to sewers whenever possible. Perhaps a developer could be expected to bring the sewer distances greater than 200 feet from the existing line and factor the cost into the lots. In response to a question, Larry Fay explained that State law says that if a property within 200 feet of sewer service has a failed septic system it is required to connect to the line. Chairman Buhler said there are other factors involved in whether it is cost effective to put in a sewer outlet, such as elevation. She would not like to see an arbitrary 200-foot limit established without having an appellate process in place. HEALTH BO.ARD MINUTES - July 19.2001 Page: 5 Larr\' Fa\' said an\' time vou have existin¡:; lors. densities. and marginal soil conditions sewers are desi;able'. Our poÍicies should not create; disincentive. The County is getting increased pressure from people who want permission to build on lots that fall shon of septic size requirements because they cannot afford sewer extensions. Commissioner Titterness commented that while it is to some degree a disincentive to allow a septic system to go in. it is not as large a disincentive as one might think recognizing the value of a Step system. Larry Fay responded that as a utility, Port Ludlow is not interested in a Step system. He agreed to place this item on the agenda next month after there has been a chance to collect more information. He understands that the County's minimum land area policy stands. Policv Discussion - Building Permit Applications with Existim! On-Site Sewage Svstems: Larry Fay introduced this item to see if this approach is acceptable to the Board. If so, he will take more specific comments with respect to the language. The goal is to find some predictability for staff and the public when processing a building permit. He believes the general policy statement being made is that if you have an existing, permitted on-site sewage system, it is highly unlikely you are going to be denied a building permit over sewage issues. Furthermore, the decisions made with respect to compliance are based on critical features in the installation of systems that protect public health. He agreed with Commissioner Titterness that generally, a system does not exist that could not be enhanced to perform up to standard. Member Westerman suggested that "public health" be replaced with "public and environmental health." Member Masci asked about the Board's action to allow independent inspectors thereby eliminating delays in environmental health inspections? He believes the realty industry and homeowners continue to be confused about this issue. He suggested that a letter be sent immediately to the Realtors explaining the process and timeline. He also suggested that a sentence be added under the General Policv Statement specifying either Environmental Health, a licensed septic system designer or a registered professional engmeer. Larry Fay agreed to make this change. He will meet next week with several independent contractors interested in being licensed inspectors. The program and training criteria are being established. Starting in August, it is expected that there will be at least two people authorized to do the inspection. The uncertainty relates to what that statement in the regulations means and how extensive an evaluation is required. Commissioner Huntingford expressed his continued concern that there is little evidence of a threat to public health from systems that may not meet current code but which met the code when installed. Even though a renovation such as a new roof may not affect the septic system, it may entail an upgrade to their septic system, marking out a reserve area, and waiting ten weeks for approval. If an upgrade is unrelated to public health threat why should it be required? Member Masci said the County needs to get more information about Smart Coding. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - July 19.2001 Page: 6 AGENDACALENDAR/.~JOURN 2001 AGENDA ITEMS 1. CONTINUED STABLE FUNDING TO REPLACE MVET 2. ACCESS HEALTH CA.RE 3. PROGRAM MEASURES (Genetic Research and Public Health Implications) 4. METHAMPHETAMINE SUMMIT 5. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS & COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT 6. TOBACCO PREVENTION AND COALITION 7. FLUORIDE 8. TRANSIT AND PUBLIC HOUSING 9. BIOTERRORlSM READINESS & PLAN 10. AGING POPULATION 11. WATER 12. 1\1ATERN"AL CHILD PREVENTION GOALS (0-3) The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 16,2001 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jefferson General Hospital Conference Room. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH Jill Buhler, Chairman Geoffrey Masci, Member Sheila Westerman, Vice-Chairman Richard Wojt, Member Glen Huntingford, Member Roberta Frissell, Member Dan Titterness. Member Dear Honorable Geofftey Masci These are the initial changes that I feel are needed in the Jeffco Ord. 08-0921-00, 8.15 ON-SITE SEWAGE CODE, adopted September 21, 2000. I will list the changes and give a brief overview on fàcts and my opinion. 1- Section 8.15.150 (6)(c)- DELETE- "Existing Conventional" ADD- Owners ofaU"On-site Sewage Systems"(conventional and alternative systems), and proprietary systems after manufacturers training requirements (Glendon, Whitewater systems). This is really what h8d been proposed and passed at the June Health Board Meeting. Obviously Larry Fay changed the wording the mean "Conventional" systems only. So he needs to be told to do what he was originally told to do in the first place. This would not require any further discussion or vote. Better yet, look at the originally adopted ordinance and it included new OSS systems, including alternative systems. Larry took this as an opportunity to even delete this section. 2- Section 8.15.140 (4) (b)- ADD- (V) Excavate for purposes of affixing sweeping 45 degree angle lateral ends and removable end Caps on manifolds arid lateral lines, for purposes of maintenance, such as flushing, jetting and brushing. Section 8.15.140 (4)(c)(lV) ADD- Except as stated in 8.15.140 (4) (b)(V) Adding this language will allow O&M licenses to install "clean out" ends on laterals. This is done to clean the plastic pipe and orifices fèom plugging. Larry said he felt this was needed for maintenance purposes. Makes sense, if you can't get to it you can't maintain it. The question of affects on the functionality fèom design is not really a valid question because designers are now adding these ends to their systems for purposes of cleaning and maintaining the system. / JEFFERSON COUNTY~ BOARD OF HEALTH "I' MINUTES /:)I?AF OR~f , Thursday, May 17, 2001 "1 .,. Board _\[~mberf: Dal: Y¡;;ernes:. .\lember - COUnT)' Commissioner District :;:t.! e,er. fi.un::n!!for:;', .Hcmber - Coun£)' CommÙszoner DÙtru': #2 Riebard iF?r:. .~iember - ('oum}' Commi,rsioner D¡jtrict #3 Gco¡;¡-r:.',' ALud. .\1ember - Port TownJend City Cound! ]i!:' ButJÚ!r. C.?airman - Hospita! Commissioner D¡jtrict :;:t.2 S heiia rFesterman, Vice Chairman - Citizm at Lar:ge (Ci!J~ Roberta Frisse¡¡ - Citizen at LalJte (County) Staf(,v[embm: Jean Baldwin, Nursing Services Director Lan)' FC!y, Environmenta/ Hea¡jf¡ Dim'lor Thomas Locke. .vlD, Heal:b Ojjiær Chairman Buhler called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. All Board and Staff members were present, with the exception of Jean Baldwin. Member Frissell asked for an update on the Linda Sexton case. Larry Fay responded that there is no update on the Linda Sexton matter. Municipal Research Services continues to investigate the feasibility of a uniform compliance procedure that applies to all rules and regulations adopted in the County. Member Masci moved to approve the agenda. Vice Chairman Westerman seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. A.PPROVAL OF MINUTES Member Masci moved to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2001 meeting. Member Frissell seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Member .:Ylasci moved to approve the minutes of the Apri119, 2001 meeting. Member Frissell seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COlVIMENTS - None OLD BUSINESS On-site Sewage: As directed by the Board at the last meeting, Larry Fay reported that Staff amended Section 8.15.140(1:), changing "may" to "shall." Even though the meeting about the expedited rule process was published in the newspaper, no public comments were received. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - May 17. 2001 , \. '" .., ...... , . Page: Member Masci moved to approve new sections 8.15.140(12) and 8.15.150(6)c with an effective date l of May 26. 2001. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion. During discussion of the motion~ Chairman Buhler asked if Operation and Maintenance (O&M) is defined earlier in the Code and noted a typographical error in Section 8.15.150(6)c - the word "specialists" should be "specialist." The motion carried b)' a unanimous vote. Crawford Correspondence: Larry Fay reviewed the material included in the agenda packer regarding a Jefferson County resident's concerns about their neighbor's slow compliance to a septic system complaint. When asked whether there is a penalty for installing a system without a permit, Larry Fay said the systems often predate the permitting process. He noted that there are some contirmed violations that need to be corrected b)' this particular property owner and that a re-inspection for these should soon surface in the Department's tickler file. NEW BUSINESS Public Health Threats and Emer~encies Act of 2000: Dr. Tom Locke briefed the Board on Federal legislation initially driven by America's lack of preparedness for even a minor bio-terrorist incident. The Frist-Kennedy Bill, which began as the Public Health Threats and Emergencies Act of 2000, ended up being called The Public Health Improvement Act of 2000. The bilI would define and provide substantial federal funding to build a set of "reasonable capacities" in public health systems throughout the country. The bill acknowledges study findings that there are major deficiencies at the local level and that a Federal commitment to fund local systems to respond to significant public health threats is needed. He believes that planning and implementation will occur fairly rapidly. e- ~ ,,~ Chairman Buhler asked whether the Hospital Commission would collaborate on developing a local strategy and how the oversight of this legislation would occur? Dr. Locke responded that because the local responsibility will fall to agencies with the most capacity, oversight will vary among communities. Local jurisdictions may decide how best to spend available funds and he believes a minimum set of response capabilities will be defined. Also under development are airlift-ready container laboratories with which to distribute needed drugs and equipment. Member FrisselI suggested that this topic be discussed at the Statewide Local Board of Health workshop. Commissioner Wojt said he believes this issue relates to access to care; a disease or outbreak could occur and not be immediately recognized if spread among citizens who are not regularly seen by doctors. Dr. Locke agreed this could be a bioterrorist strategy. He referred to bioterrorist sc:narios played out in several cities to measure their response times. Vice Chairman Westerman asked for a better understanding of the distribution of funding. DRAFT L.J.....I"!".... j .12.. ~ lAt cl. 0 ~ ~ b S[Lljol New Section 8.15.1'+0(12) Provisional Monitoring Certificate Cntil such time as the Department has developed a valid Operations and Monitoring Examination, or equivalent examination options are available, the Department shall issue Provisional Monitoring Certificates. Individuals receiving Provisional Monitoring Certificates must meet all the requirements established for a Monitoring Specialist Certificate except that they need not have taken and passed a written examination. Holders of a Provisional Certificate are subject to all authorities and limitations of a Monitoring Specialist Certificate, including payment of fees, scope of practice, reporting, continuing education, bonding and insurance. A Provisional Certificate holder must take and pass the approved operations and monitoring written examination within 180 days of the exam becoming available. Provisional Certificate holders receiving a passing score on the examination will receive a Monitoring Specialist Certificate. Provisional Certificate holders not receiving a passing score on the examination will have their certificates revoked and no longer be authorized to conduct operations and monitoring inspections. Ne\v Section 8.l5.1S0(6)c Owners of existing conventional onsite sewage systems may obtain operations and monitoring inspections from a Certified Monitoring Specialists in lieu of the Health Division, Licensed Designer or licensed professional engineer for the following inspection: (Ì) Routine O&.M (ii¡ The sale or transfer of a property (iii) The application for a building pennit that is not classified as an expansion. (note: subsections c and d of the current rule become d and e) ....-;.s s O·A r , n '-'" '~<-<::J.. . ...) "'T""'¡ c..~. -14- L\-c..lo {~ t-Q d 4 ( 1.. t { 0 { (c) Multiple Requirements. If the manufacturer, patent holder, state, Health Division, and any other relevant body have differing recommendations or requirements for inspection and maintenance intervals for an ass or any component of the OSS, then the owner shall follow the most frequent service interval. ( (6) Operations and Monitoring Agreement and Contracts. (a) The owner of a conventional ass shall be subject to a permit condition requiring compliance with the inspection schedule specIfied in Table 1 beginning with ¡he earliest of the following events: (i) The installation of an ass. (ii) The repair of an ass. (iii) The alteration of an ass. (b) Owners of existing conventional systems shall obtain an initial inspection by the Health Division, Licensed Designer or licensed professional engineer and comply with the inspection schedule specified in TABLE 1 beginning with the earliest of the following events: (i) The sale of the property. Oi) The application for a building permit on the site. (iii) The use of an ass as a community ass. (¡v) Identification tha(an ass is in an Area of Special Concern as designated by the JCBOH. (v) Identification that a system has received a WaiverNariance from State or Local Code. (c) Owners of existing and new ass generating waste water of greater than residential strength, including food service establishments shall be inspected annually by an approved monitoring entity. (d) Owners of existing and new alternative systems shall enter into a contract with an agency or entity approved by the Health Division for Monitoring of the ass. Inspection frequency shall be completed consistent with Table 1. ¡(" t. (7) Operation and Monitoring Requirements. (a) On-site Sewage Systems in Jefferson County shall be inspected and maintained as set forth in TABLE 1 JCC 8.15 by an approved monitoring entity that meets the standards set forth in 8.15.140. (b) Access Required. The owner of the system shall provide access to the system for inspection and maintenance/monitoring as follows: (i) Septic tank. Septic tanks shall be fitted with a pumping access risers to the ground surface over both compartments and over the outlet baffle, EXCEPT, as set forth in 8.15.090 (4). The risers shall have a means to lock or secure the lid against tampering and accidental access. (ii) Pump Chamber. Pump chambers shall have a riser to ground surface over the pump. The riser shall have a means to lock or secure the lid against tampering and accidental access. (iii) Proprietary Devices and Disinfection Equipment. Access shall be provided as determined by the manufacturer or patent holder and shall include access to ground surface for effluent sample collection, observation and inspection of the unit. (c) Fees for inspections and contracts shall be set by the service provider. (8) Inspection Report. The inspection report shall be submitted to the Health Division on Jefferson County Health and Human Services forms. The inspection report form shall be completed in full for an inspection to be considered valid. JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION POLICY STATEMENT PROGRAM - On-site Sewage Disposal SUBJECT - Review of Building Permit Applications Effective this date the following procedure shall be adopted concerning review of building permit applications on properties where there is an existing onsite sewage system. PURPOSE Applications for building permits for properties served by on-site sewage systems shall be approved only when the on-site sewage system has adequate hydraulic and treatment capacity to accommodate the proposed construction and an adequate repair area is available. APPLICABILITY This policy applies to building permit applications for new structures that contain plumbing; alterations or remodels to existing structures that contain plumbing; and structures not containing plumbing when the placement of that structure may interfere with the performance of an existing onsite system or the ability to replace the existing system. GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT It is the policy of the Jefferson County Board of Health that all existing onsite sewage systems will be evaluated to determine whether the system has been installed with adequate vertical and horizontal separation, sufficient hydraulic capacity and reserve area to support the proposed development without compromising the public health or water quality standards before approval of building permits for new or replacement structures. Whenever feasible, the evaluation will be based on information obtained from permit records. However, when permit records provide insufficient information, field evaluation may be required. Field evaluations may be conducted by environmental health employees, Washinqton licensed professional enqineers, or licensed onsite sewaqe system desiqners. Determinations will balance the expectations and commitments implicit in the permit record with the degree to which use of a permitted system may compromise the public health. In all cases public health protection is the highest priority. Draft Policy Review of Building Permit Applications page 1 of 2 It is further policy of the Board that properties that have an installed onsite sewage system that was properly permitted by Jefferson County will not be denied a building permit based solely on the adequacy of the system. However, the Board reserves the right to require that the system be upgraded in order to meet the public health and water quality protection standards. The exception to this policy is the case where use of an onsite sewage system would violate state laws. SPECIFIC STANDARDS · Existing systems with more than 1 foot of vertical separation, adequate hydraulic capacity, horizontal separation and sufficient reserve area will be considered to be in compliance but will be placed on an annual inspection frequency. · Existing systems with more than one foot but less than two feet of vertical separation that do not meet horizontal separation to wells or surface water will be required to install pretreatment unit capable of meeting treatment standard 2. · Existing systems on marine shorelines will be required to meet standards specified in Table VI of the State Onsite Sewage System Regulations. · Existing systems on lots where there is not sufficient reserve area, but otherwise meet the vertical and horizontal separation requirements and have sufficient hydraulic capacity will be required to install pretreatment units capable of meeting treatment standard 2. EFFECTIVE DATE This policy shall become effective on the date of adoption and remain in effect until amended or repealed by action of the Jefferson County Board of Health. Health Officer Date Chairman of the Board of Health Date Draft Policy Review of Building Permit Applications page 2 of 2 JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION POLICY STATEMENT PROGRAM - On-site Sewage Disposal SUBJECT - Review of Building Permit Applications Effective this date the following procedure shall be adopted concerning review of building permit applications on properties where there is an existing onsite sewage system. PURPOSE Applications for building permits for properties served by on-site sewage systems shall be approved only when the on-site sewage system has adequate hydraulic and treatment capacity to accommodate the proposed construction and an adequate repair area is available. APPLICABILITY This policy applies to building permit applications for new structures that contain plumbing; alterations or remodels to existing structures that contain plumbing; and structures not containing plumbing when the placement of that structure may interfere with the performance of an existing onsite system or the ability to replace the existing system. GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT It is the policy of the Jefferson County Board of Health that all existing onsite sewage systems will be evaluated to determine whether the system has been installed with adequate vertical and horizontal separation, sufficient hydraulic capacity and reserve area to support the proposed development without compromising the public health or water quality standards before approval of building permits for new or replacement structures. Whenever feasible, the evaluation will be based on information obtained from permit records. However, when permit records provide insufficient information, field evaluation may be required. Determinations will balance the expectations and commitments implicit in the permit record with the degree to which use of a permitted system may compromise the public health. In all cases public health protection is the highest priority. It is further policy of the Board that properties that have an installed onsite sewage system that was properly permitted by Jefferson County will not be Draft Policy Review of Building Permit Applications page 1 of 2 denied a building permit based solely on the adequacy of the system. However, the Board reserves the right to require that the system be upgraded in order to meet the public health and water quality protection standards. The exception to this policy is the case where use of an onsite sewage system would violate state laws. SPECIFIC STANDARDS · Existing systems with more than 1 foot of vertical separation, adequate hydraulic capacity, horizontal separation and sufficient reserve area will be considered to be in compliance but will be placed on an annual inspection frequency. . Existing systems with more than one foot but less than two feet of vertical separation that do not meet horizontal separation to wells or surface water will be required to install pretreatment unit capable of meeting treatment standard 2. · Existing systems on marine shorelines will be required to meet standards specified in Table VI of the State Onsite Sewage System Regulations. . Existing systems on lots where there is not sufficient reserve area, but otherwise meet the vertical and horizontal separation requirements and have sufficient hydraulic capacity will be required to install pretreatment units capable of meeting treatment standard 2. EFFECTIVE DATE This policy shall become effective on the date of adoption and remain in effect until amended or repealed by action of the Jefferson County Board of Health. Health Officer Date Chairman of the Board of Health Date Draft Policy Review of Building Pennit Applications page 2 of 2 JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION POLICY STATEMENT PROGRAM - On-site Sewage Disposal SUBJECT - Review of Building Permit Applications Effective this date the following procedure shall be adopted concerning review of building permit applications on properties where there is an existing onsite sewage system. PURPOSE Applications for building permits for properties served by on-site sewage systems shall be approved only when the on-site sewage system has adequate hydraulic and treatment capacity to accommodate the proposed construction and an adequate repair area is available. APPLICABILITY This policy applies to building permit applications for new structures that contain plumbing; alterations or remodels to existing structures that contain plumbing; and structures not containing plumbing when the placement of that structure may interfere with the performance of an existing onsite system or the ability to replace the existing system. I. Building permit applications shall include an accurate, to scale, record of the site. The record shall show locations of existing and proposed buildings, driveways, wells, water lines, surface water, significant land features (steep slopes, drainage swales, rock outcrops) as well as the location of septic system components and reserve/repair area. When the onsite sewage system has not been installed, the locations of components shall be shown as portrayed on the approved design. II. Where there is sufficient information contained within the onsite sewage system permit file to verify.. . -hat the system has adequate hydraulic capacity-~ designated reserve, and _......dequate vertical separation,-,-- the building permit may be issued. Generally, this means any system that was permitted after July 1, 1983, and received approval from Environmental Health to cover or received a final inspection, will be considered to be valid, except, that Draft Policy Review of Building Permit Applications page 1 of - those sites that do not have a dedicated reserve area established will be required to identify a reserve area that complies with the onsite code in effect at the time of the building permit application before a building permit will be issued. III. Where there is a record of a permit having been issued and the system received final approval or was given approval to cover by Environmental Health, but there is insufficient information in the file to verify vertical separation or horizontal setbacks, an assessment of the onsite sewage system shall be required. System assessment may be performed by the Environmental Health Division, a licensed Designer or Professional Engineer licensed in Washington. A. All system assessments shall be submitted '',.0::': to Environmental Health, shall include the following information _ .' ____, be submitted on forms approved by Environmental Health and submit fees for review. 1. Location of the septic tank and pump chamber (if present). 2. Location of the distribution box or beginning of the drainfield/distribution system. 3. Length, width and depth of drainfield/distribution system. 4. Depth of usable soil to restrictive horizon (compaction or water table). 5. Soils information to assess a reserve/repair area. A minimum of two (2) soil logs shall be provided in the designated area. 6. Location and source of drinking water supply. 7. Location of structures, " surface waters and drainage ditches. B. Where the site inspection verifies _.______----'- "hat there is adequate hydraulic capacity-- _ -2:--Horizontal setbacks conform to those established in Table I, WAC 246- 272 and .__3. There is sufficient area and soil for a conforming reserve area ,~ 4. A minimum of three feet of vertical separation___-=-_-,--.. ---- the building permit may be issued. ~: ,-~: I. ¡ ., j .' -...., :.~,-,-,; l ,li ": ,....'~:; _.______conditioned upon an annual monitoring inspection schedule. - /'._ ", cr~~c=:::;,c ~. ,-.. , ....... ~:i ' ,,"..'''' The annual monitoring inspection shall include a winter water table determination Draft Policy Review of Building Permit Applications page 2 of - (during February) in addition to the standard monitoring schedule. Winter water table monitoring shall be conducted in the following manner: 1. Install two (2) monitoring ports on the contour and in the vicinity of the drainfield system to a depth of three (3) feet below the bottom of the drainfield. 2. The owner shall enter into a monitoring contract with an approved monitoring entity to monitor the vertical separation of ground water to the bottom of the system. 3. The system shall be monitored annually during the month of January or February (the wet season) 4. A minimum of 12" of vertical separation shall be required. If a system does not have 12" of vertical separation repair /upgrade to the system shall be required within 2 years unless surfacing sewage is present in which case repair is required within 90 days. . :".:--::. '. . ~ ... - .. IV. Non-residential structures that contain no plumbing shall be reviewed as follows: A. Lots of five acres or less -An accurate record shall be established of the site and the existing onsite sewage system components, and a reserve/repair area that complies with the code in effect at the time of the building permit application will be evaluated. Record of the site and existing system shall meet the standards of III.A. 1 - 7. B. Lots greater than 5 acres where there is a permit on record and no critical areas or surface waters exist within 200' of the onsite sewage system area shall receive an administrative/office review of the plot plan submitted. If the plan indicates no interference with the system and a reserve area can be designated on the plot plan the building permit may be approved. A field inspection may be required if it is determined to be necessary, based on best professional judgement, to protect public health. C. Lots greater than 5 acres where there is no permit record on file, or there is a permit record on file, and critical areas or surface waters exist within 200' of the onsite sewage system area, shall provide an accurate record of the following: 1. Location of the septic tank 2. Location and source of drinking water 3. Identify a reserve/repair area as described in III.A. 5. Draft Policy Review of Building Permit Applications page 3 of - IV. These procedures shall not be used to assess >,"'~~C"'-;¡::'-;,: systems that were installed since 1970 when an onsite sewage permit was required. These systems were installed in violation of state and local codes and shall meet all onsite sewage code requirements at the time of building permit application. V. Approval will not be granted for a building permit where a failure of the onsite sewage system is identified until an appropriate repair is permitted for the site. V. This policy shall become effective on the date of adoption and remain in effect until amended or repealed by action of the Jefferson County Board of Health. Health Officer Date Chairman of the Board of Health Date H:\env _health\linda\gd\onsiteord\building permit application review3 Draft Policy Review of Building Permit Applications page 4 of '- STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson In the Matter of Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program 66-01 } Jefferson County RESOLUTION NO. } } Jefferson County Board of Health RESOLUTION NO. 01-01 Jefferson County PUD No.1 RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, Jefferson County has an obligation with respect to preserving the quality and quantity of water available for its citizens; and, WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners is the land use authority in regulating land divisions, building of structures, and appurtenances, and has no specific taxing authority relating to water resource management other than reliance on its already-strapped general taxing powers; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Health has a regulatory role in assessing that water supplies are safe for protection of public health, and has limited authority to generate revenues related to water resource management and protection; and, WHEREAS, the Public Utility District has authority for developing and managing water systems, and has limited taxing authority for undertaking water resource management and protection; and WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, the Board of Health, or the Public Utility District (PUD) No.1 of Jefferson County, do not have the authority to issue water rights, condition water rights, or change State law or policy regarding water rights; and, WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, Board of Health, and the PUD No.1 of Jefferson County, all believe that a seawater intrusion policy requires technical advice from the State Department of Health, State Department of Ecology, and cooperation with public water systems; and, WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, Board of Health and the PUD No.1 of Jefferson County, along with the Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Health, and other interested governments and stakeholders are, pursuant to Chapter 90.82 RCW, participants in the WRIA 17 Planning Unit process which implements that State statute; and, WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, Board of Health, and PUD No.1 of Jefferson County realize that the water resource issues being addressed in the WRIA 17 Planning Unit should include seawater intrusion; and, WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, Board of Health, and PUD No.1 of Jefferson County do and will support inclusion of policies to address seawater intrusion in the final WRIA 17 Watershed Plan; and, Jefferson Co. Res. 66-01 BOH Resolution No. 01-01re: Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program Page ~ of 3 WHEREAS, until the WRIA 17 Watershed Plan is developed, there is a need for coordination among the various local and State agencies that can impact, directly or indirectly, water management issues. NOW; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOL VED, by the parties to this resolution that: 1. The PUD No.1 of Jefferson County will be the lead agency for the development of a seawater intrusion monitoring program of public water systems and for owners of other non-public water supplies that voluntarily participate in the program, provided that the Washington State Department of Ecology and Washington State Department of Health provide technical input for the appropriate policies, standards and protocols. The PUD will provide staff support to serve as the lead agency. 2. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Board of Health will assist the PUD by providing staff support to work cooperatively with the PUD for the development of a seawater intrusion monitoring program. Jefferson County Board of Commissioners will also utilize the data collected for inclusion of policy recommendations in the WRIA 16 and 17 Watershed Plans to implement RCW 90.82. 3. Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Board of Health will assist the PUD in working cooperatively with other local and State agencies, including Island County, Island County PUD, San Juan County, and other interested parties to assess the best available technical information and legal issues. BE IT FINALLY RESOL VED, that all signatories to this Joint Resolution acknowledge and confirm their awareness that one or all of these municipal corporations or statutorily mandated Boards have and will continue to have fiscal restraints on the scope and quantity of their contribution to this joint effort. '. . , II . "'c 0 . .~ \,\~ f , , .' ': 1(/ I APPROVED AND ADOPTED this , . ..J ..~ ;/IJ §): \~EAL~ '.c.~ . JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF 0 .., ~c ).1' ,. . " , \ A .". / ... :._. \ ' . ~})I : ~:. . (Excused Absence) ... f) \ ~ ¡ .~' Glen Huntingford, \:.:X' o-'ùH.&L Chair Lorna Delaney, CMC Clerk of the Board 13th day of August Dan Titterness, Member Richard Wojt, Member Jefferson Co. Res. 66-01 BOH Resolution No. 01-01 re: Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program Page 3 of 3 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ) b ~ day of ~&!.!J>t ,2001 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH CL1I6cJ-1JJ-- 4" Buhler, Chair PUD No.1 Resolution No. 0l-ü36 re: Ieveloping a CotIDtywide Seawater Intrusion ~nitoring Program APPROVED AND ADOPTED this .5th day of September 2001. SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY PUD NO.1 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: CDeclìned to sign) Richard Shipman, Secretary Ken McMillen, Chair Wayne King, Member Richard Shipman Member Public Utility District #1 Of Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Attn: Lorna Delaney 1820 Jefferson Street P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend Washington 98368 10 Septemb.er..20gJ . !o) Ie t ~ n l\íi I~. ÜlJ~'~bUWI£ SEP 12 2001 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Board of Commissioners ~ichard M. Shipman, District 1 ['Kenneth McMillen, District 2 Lj~Nayne G. King, District 3 James G. Parker, Manager Dear Lorna: The purpose of this letter is to reply to your August 20th letter which included a Joint Resolution for the Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program. At the 5 September 2001 PUD BOC meeting the Board of Commissioners reviewed your proposed Resolution 66-01. After a examination of all the whereas's, therefore's and finally resolved, the PUD BOC felt that such a voluminous resolution was confusing and unnecessary. If a resolution is really need they recommended that most of the original be dropped. Inclosed is a possible resolution that we, the PUD staff, is floating by our Commissioners for their review. We have also included an outline that was developed by Bill Graham. Weare looking forward to taking a leading role in this step to better protect the future of our water resources. Until we hear from you, we will continue to plan towards implementation of the monitoring plan. Your assistance is vital to the success of this program. As the County Government you are the conduit to cooperation with both DOE and DOH. Both ofthese agencies are essential, if our studies are to be more than just studies. Also your staff is well versed in the use of GIS, the joint PUD-County well log data base, GPS, water quality procedures, and existing county ordinances. .-\" We a wait your reply or comments. Enclosure 1. Sea Water Intrusion Monitoring Plan 2. Possible resolution 230 Chimacum Road / P.O. Box 929, Port Hadlock, WA 98339 (360) 385-5800 FAX (360) 385-5945 STATE OF WASHINGTON County of .Jefferson In the Matter of Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program } Jefferson County RESOLUTION NO. 66-01 } } Jefferson County Board of Hcalth RESOLUTION NO. 01-01 Jefferson County PUD No.1 RESOLUTION NO. lVlfER:EAS, Jdft;;l~UU CuuuLy l¡at. AÜ obligð.tion ".itft rC3pcct to þrcserviH!; thc quality and "quAntity of -....ater available Fer it£: ~itið€:R¡;romd, . HWERli:AS, th~ Bo¡rg of Cmu:¡ty CommissioRerg i¡; the laRd us~ authority iH regulating .hmd di\l'Ìsions, bllildiF1g of stractllFes, and app\:JrtSF1RACC&, BAd nB5-flO specifte-tftX-tng-fttlthority Jdating-tu ~S€HH=~.maRagemeRt other thílR reliaRC"e OR it£ alr~ady-strapp(;'d gPRe'ral ta~iQg pmX1~r5; a.nd, WHEREAS, the Board of Health has a regulatory role in assessing that water supplies are safe for protection of public health, and Has limitcd atltBorÜy to gcnerate rCVCHHC3 fclatcB to 'h ater -resoureemanagemêat-and prot8ctiøB; and, WHEREAS, the Public Utility District has authority fof-ds¥~iflg-a~ systems, aad has limited taxing authority for YRdertakiAg water resource management and protection; and WIIER£AS, the Jefferson Coumy Board of CommissioHgn;, the ßgard gf Health, or the Public Utility District crUD) Nø. 1 of Jgffgn;OH CouRty, do Bot have tne aythority to issye 'NateH:ights, Gaaåition '.vater rights, or ch;m.g€ ~tat€ }aH{ or policy regar4iBg 'Nat€f rights; and, WHEREAS,-the-kffer-soo-Gounty Board of Commissiontm;, Board of Health, am:l-the pOO-.Nn 1 ()f Tf>fff'r<:on County, all believ.e-.tàat a seawater intrusion policy requires tcchn~CdI aJvil.Ñ f~om the State Department of Health, State Department of Ecology, and cooperation with püblic.water $Y3tcms; aFl.d, .. Vt:IJ£R£AS, the Jcffcrson County Boars of Commissioners, Board of Health and the PUD No.1 of Jefferson County, along with-th&-W-ashingtoA State Departmcnt of-Eeölogy, 'NashingtonStèlte ··t>e-partfficflt-o.:f&altà,aBd other interested governmtmts and stakeholders are, pmsuant to Chapter 90:&2 RCVl, paflÌ€ipants iA the 'VPJþ~ 17 Planning Unit pmc{'~~ uq;¡ich implemeßt~ that State st:¡tlltf>; and, i¥1{EREAS,--the Jefferso~oard of Commis~jonf'r<:, Bo~ni of Hp:¡1th, ~nrl PlJD No.1 of Jefferson. COHHty fCf1lizc tfiat thc "v'Y"atcf rC30urce igsucs bcing addressed in the \\'RLA 17 PhUiHin!; Unit should iAchlde seavlatßr intru.sion; and, 'WHERE.1S, tbe J~fÜHsoR County Board of Commissioners, Board of Health, ancJ.-F.lJ.D No 1 of T~ffpr~on rOI1IJty r1n :md mil) ~l1ppor iIJd'1soiOJ:l of policieSò to address Sòeamater i~.Qn..in--th~ final WFI4 J 7 W~tpr<:hpr1 Pbn; ~nr1, Jefferson Co. Res. 66-01 )1-] Resolution No_ 01-01 rc: Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program Page:2 of 3 . 'fiþ'UEREAS, UllLillllt.: WR.IA 17 WdÜ;l~II¡;J Plall 1:> J¡;vdup¡;J, lh¡;lt,.; i:o. i.lï1eed"ior coordiflation amoag thE; ~:ariOHð loc;,¡l aRd ~tÄt€ agcRci€E that caR impact, directly Br iRdinlctly, 'Hat€r fflliflagemBRt issRes, NOR!; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOL VED, by the parties to this resolution that 1. The PUD No.1 of Jefferson County will be the lead agency for the development of a seawater intrusion monitoring program of public "'ater E)'Etem£ âRd for O'J1Atm; of other . nOR flHblic water SHppli8& tRat '.'oluRtarily participate in the program, pro'lid€d that the W¡~hington"State Departme"IH of EC"ology auð Wa~bir'gtolJ. State Department of Health 'pro"fide t80ßaiaal iapl:lt f-ør thß appropriatß policÜ~s, standards aRC; protocols~ Thg PlID- will pf9vige Etaff support to ~ìerve a~ tRe lead agency. 2. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Board of Health will assist the PUD by providing staff support to work cooperatively with the PUD for the development of a seawater intrusion monitoring program. Jcffer30fl COHHty Board of CBmmiEEioRer~ will alE 0 ytilizß tR€ data collßcted for inclusion of policy n~comm6ndatioIls in the 'WRIM6 . llnd 17 \VlI:tC.f3ßcå PleBs to implemøat RCW,-9Q...82. 3. Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Board of Health will assist the PUD in working cooperatively with other local and State agencies, including Island County, Island County PUD, San Juan County, and other interested parties to assess the best available technical information and legal issues. 'BE .7 J"IN/i.LLY R:ESOL FED, that all signatories to this Joint Resolutiœr -acknovv1cdgc. and eonfirm thcÏr awarefleS5 that one or all of thest; nU:lßicil"al corporations or stlit1:lt-orily mafldated Boards ha-'lS aAd will cOAtim-l@ to 1:lan~ fiE:cal mE:traiøtE: OF! the scope 'and 'quàh1Ïtý of their contrHmtiofl to this joint effort. /_~¿~~;¡i'{. c: D ~ '-. _ APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ~, ~. .., _. -, . '.J ~ . .. (~ ~ . Sl:' A- '''~.... _, ,l.· ~. "'.¡ '. '. . _.- - .:.:....,; . I . ."'./ .~.~~... ,-\ \ I : ~'- , .;t. ..- - - . 1'-:. . ST . . : ~.\::.~~ ,¡' . ~ ~\.: - .~. - I . "~., . '4.) t', ..... '-. Lorna Delaney, CMC Clerk of the Board 13th day of August ----- JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF ÇOMMISSIO /" / 2001. (Excused Absence) Glen Huntingford, Chair cJefferson Co. H.es. 66-01 BOB Resolutioll No. OJ -01 re: Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program Page 3 of 3 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this L 6 'to- day of ~ '}úlJf ,200] JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ()~u¿J(JL Ji~~ler, Chair APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 2001. SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY PUD NO.1 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: Richard Shipman, Secretary Ken McMillen, Chair Wayne King, Member Richard Shipman Member ".1" H" ~. Sea Water Intrusion Monitoring Plan Outline Prepared by Bill Graham 9/5/2001 Stage of completion U- Yet to start S- Started C- Completed Pre-planning -Information Gathering and Coordination S Gather existing studies on Marrowstone Island, Jefferson County and other related areas from USGS, Ecology and other sources. ¡, S Look to existing seawater intrusion monitoring programs in adjacent counties as models, particularly Island and San Juan. S Coordinate with county staff, State Dept of Ecology and Health for technical assistance, shared data management duties, etc. Scoping S Detennine geographic scope of study (ie distance from coastline to which study will extend). Proposed scope is for 1 mile from tidewater from Eagle Creek to Triton Cove including all of Marrowstone Island. S Detennine density of wells per square mile desired for study by comparing with pervious studies. Ie 400 wells recommended for Island County study, which has roughly equally linear feet of shoreline as Jefferson County. S Detennine which water quality parameters would be best used to monitor seawater intrusion. 't- f~~ ðf- "é~-a.:hï U Identify wells used in previous seawater intrusion monitoring studies within Jefferson County. Attempt to resurrect contacts with well owners. .Þ, U Identify wells NOT included in previous studies within scope are requesting their participation in study. U Identify wells where digital logging devices can be emplaced for short intervals of time (ie to determine tide effects, transmissivity of aquifer). Database Development S Develop/refine database. May be able to use existing PGG/PUD weUlog database. Input existing seawater intrusion data from past studies, samples U Locate using GPS, map where a radius of influence of ~ mile outlines wells with seawater intrusion history. Input into county GIS. S Detennine (after parameters for assessing sea water intrusion have been chosen) what methods, equipment and protocols need to be used/followed. - U _Issue press release calling for help fÌ"om local families to "volunteer" their wells for monitoring purposes. U Coordinate volunteers such as Watch Watchers to sound and sample wells. Wells to be sounded and sampled bi-annual1y. On-going o Data management o Annual Reporting (Press Release, Presentation to Commissions, Planning Unit) o Expansion of well monitoring network o Statistical and graphical analysis o Develop scientific basis for policy recommendation for waterhed plan d" September 5,2001 The regular meeting of the Public Utility District No.1 of Jefferson County was called to order at 5:10 P. M. by the Vice President of the Board of Commissioners at the district office, 230 Chimacum Road, Port Hadlock, Washington. Commissioners and staff present were: Wayne G. King, Vice President Richard M. Shipman, Secretary James G. Parker, Manager William A. Graham, Resource Manager Thomas C. Neal, District Auditor Ronajean M. McConnell, Recording Secretary Ø>~Ai7 ~tft Kenneth A. McMillen, President was absent AGENDA - The agendå was approved after adding 'public facilities sales tax committee' to discussion items and moving the Kitsap PUD presentation before action items. MINUTES MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 15,2001. The motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Shipman and King respectively. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner McMillen was absent. VOUCHERS MOTION: To approve warrants numbered 4656 through 4711 in the amount of $33,904.21. The motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Shipman and King respectively. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner McMillen was absent. ", ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR· NOT INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA Brad Kemp - Sprint Communications - asked if the Board felt they were under an artificial deadline to sign up with NoaNet for the K-20 network by October 20,2001. The Board answered no, they felt that the schools would be served by other entities if need be. Jay Levine - stated he was disappointed with the Board for not taking immediate action to collect the money owed the PUD by the City for the Kah Tai property. The Board decided to wait several weeks for the City'to respond. Guy Rudolph - asked if the PUD was getting test reports for the Tri-Area wells and will the PUD develop a water budget for the Tri-Area? The answers were yes and the PUD would hope to develop a water budget in the future provided the correct studies had been done to do so. Earl Gibson - asked when the PUD receives the money from the City for the Kah Tai property what can it be used for? The answer was to be put into the general fund; there are no encumbrances against it. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS The Board attended a telecommunications workshop with NoaNet representatives on August 28, 2001 - No decisions were made. Commissioner King attended a growth management steering committee meeting. He asked if the PUD would li~e to be a member of this steering committee? The decision was made not to become a member but ask to be notified when water issues were to be presented so a PUD representative could attend. DISCUSSION ITEM ~~, ~ /ß //~ A. Kitsap PUD Presentation - Telecommunications David Jones discussed Kitsap PUD's telecommunications network progress, goals, funding, learning process, and costs. David explained some of the differences between Kitsap and Jefferson County's economic bases and similarities of PUD operations including the possibility of developing LUD's for telecommunications. He invited the Board to attend a Kitsap EDC presentation on telecommunications October 20, 2001. ACTION ITEMS A. Ed Ulrich - Request to Waive Late Fees From J. C. Treasurer's Office -LUD #5 '". The Manager explained the history of Mr. Ulrich's segregation and assessment. Mr. Ulrich asked the Board to waive the. penalties on his assessment because he thought he was not to pay for the assessment until he began using the community drain field. MOTION: To waive the penalty for Mr. Ulrich's overdue assessment, after he pays the total now due the Treasurer. The motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Shipman and King respectively. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner McMillen was absent. B. Resolution No. 01- 036 Developing a Countywide Seawater Intrusion Monitoring Program After considerable discussion, the Board felt this resolution was premature and needed significant revision. TABLED: Resolution No. 01-036 tabled at this time. The Board asked William Graham to draft a substitute resolution. DISCUSSION ITEMS· Continued B. Public Facilities Sales Tax Committee MOTION: To authorize the Manager to write a letter requesting PUD participation in the Public Facilities Sales Tax Committee. The motion was made and seconded by Commissioners King and \: Shipman respectively. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner McMillen was absent. C. USGS Proposal to WRIA 17 William explained that the USGS proposal was different than the original scope-of-work, that it did not include the study of the deep aquifers. The Board asked that he continue to push for the proposal to include the study of the deep aquifers. D. Rate & Fee Changes (New Service Installation Requiring a Road Crossing) The Manager explained revisions to the proposed rates for 2002 - 1) increase charge for road crossings due to increased costs 2) including the proposed rate schedule for the Tri-Area Guy Rudolph - asked what the base fee charges would be for i.e. mobile home parks in the Tri- Area. The Manager explained that would have to be determined. OLD BUSINESS/MANAGER'S REPORT The Manager went over old business and upcoming events. STAFF REPORTS Auditor Report -None CORRESPONDENCE - None ADJOURNMENT- The time was 8:40p.m. r-:.-.:-;\~ ~1 ....-\ \ .. \ ¡ ~\")-I ~ W \i\1 ------------------- _leJferson County Health and Human Services JULY ~ AUGUST 2001 NEWS ARTICLES -----~-----" These issues and mOI"\: are brought to you e\ery month as a collection of ne\\ s stories regarding Jefferson County Health and Human Senices and its program for the public: I. "\Iental health providers near services pact" - Peninsula Daily \iews. July 13. 200 I ..., "Color blooms in Discovery Bay" - Peninsula Daily \iews. July I ì. 200 I 3. -..Jefferson survey sho,"\' 2 different populations" - Peninsula Daily Nè\VS. JLl1)- 22.. 2001 -J.. "Cantwell visits Port Townsend" - Peninsula Daily \iews. July 22.200 I .., "Two Worlds: Statistics show affluent retirees, young families at or near pover!) line" - P.T. LEADER. July 25. 2001 6. ",Jefferson mental health gets new contract, funding"- Peninsula Daily \iews. July 30.2001 7. "Congress may help local docs stay, says Cantwell" - P. T. LEADER. August I. 200] 8. "Cooking outside this summer'? Tips on avoiding bacteria" - P.T. LEADER. August 1.200] 9. "Home births doubled: yledicare reimbursements may boost numbers higher" - P.T. LL\DER. August I. 2001 PENINSULA DAll..Y NEWS Mental health providers near services pact Agreement seems imminent after talks in Jefferson By STUART ELLIOTI PENINSULA DAILY ~EWS PORT TOWNSEND After two mediation sessions, Jefferson Mental Health and the regional organization that contraëtš' its services appear to agree on a contract. On Wednesday, Peninsula Regional Support Network offered Jefferson Mental Health a contract through the end of June 2002. The board of the mental health organization will likely approve the contract at its meeting on Monday, board President Quentin Goodrich said. "We think we have an agree- ment," Goodrich said. "My understanding is if we sign it, it's a done deal for the next year." Dispute arises The dispute began in May over the extent of services Jef- ferson Mental Health Services could provide given its funding, leaving the future of mental health services in Jefferson County in limbo. County commissioners from throughout the Peninsula stepped in June 8 and stipu- lated a two-month interim con- ) - ( -,." /': I· I . ~..I._'.......' tract. Commissioners also ordered two mediation sessions. "There was a change in atti- tude on everyone's part," Goodrich said. "It was very useful to spend two days face to face and it's important to keep personal lines of communica- tions open." In the past, Support Net- work had cited the organiza- tion for several "quality and compliance issues" that needed to be resolved, Administrator Anders Edgerton has said. An on-site review in May by state Department of Social and Health Services called for the organization to resolve 19 issues, including providing around-the-clock crisis services and conducting more at-home visits. Complaints resolved The organization has since taken step to resolve the com- plaints. including adding a new crisis services worker, Jefferson ;\lental Health director Laurie Strong had said. 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E .~ __ .:;¡ ,::::: ; Z ?i"'?.3 ~ ;.'.' ~ ~ ~§--g::,~:tIc:: ,... ...;.;~- ~ -.J ~ ~ ~ .~ ~ ~ Q) - ~ ~ - ~ ~1";';:: 3.,CJ :: .ioª......~:,..__~ ,~ i~ ª= ~ Z ;; ,::.3 ~ ~.~ . .~ ~ ~ ~-: = ;:: - ~ ~,~ ,... ~ 'f1 ~:J) = :.. 15 _ ....... +-' :.; ;:; ~~:j~- ~--õ=~.::~::::,...-~-- . _ CJ ;:: Z ~ ,- 0 ~ - .- if:: "" :::. '"S: ::: 7. :: o~~ -"':::$...,...c::.~'" cn":;:::"--'i";-' .... ~:.::: ~ .3 ~ ~ ~:: .9d :: ..g -3 ..e 3: ..- - - êê ::-:; z ~ .-- PE:-;::::':,'L" DA:L,' \'EW.~ 7-2'¿-01 Jefferson survey shows 2 different populations Tenure of residents, money mark disparities among county residents By PHILIP L. WATNESS P¡';:-;INSUU DAlLY NEWS PORT TQ\,,'NSEND - Alcoholism, depression, sui- cide, poverty and unwed pregnancy. Those words apply to some Jefferson County resi- dents. Affluence, health, invest- ments and leisure. Those words apply :0 other Jeffer- son COUI1tv residents. Dr. Chris Hale, an epi- demiologist analyzing Jef- . ferson County health data, sees two distinct population groups emerging from an ongoing telephone survey. There's also a disparity between long-term residents and newer immigrants. 'Two worlds' "If I VvTote a book about it. I'd call it The Two Worlds of Jefferson County," Hale said. "One is the world of peo- ple who grew up here and stayed here. I "The other is the world ! of people who came from I the outside." ! Hale briefed the Jeffer- ! son COtlnty Board of Health I on Thursday about the raw data that are still being col- i lected. i I She said that although ,! more data nood to be gath- ered and that current data needs to be analyzed, some i clear patterns are already emerging. I Drugs and alcohol abuse I are as bad as people think I they are, she said. But more importantly, depression and mental health problems run concurrent with drug prob- lems. Unwed pregnancies Young, poor women are having babies out of wedlock at a rate greater than the statewide average ,- even when King County is taken out of the mix, Hale said. Approximately one-third of the children are born to unwed mothers in Jefferson County. More than half the chil- dren are born into house- holds that qualify for Medic- aid, she said.. "Women who are having children are likely to be poor," she said. Incidents of suicide and depression are also cause for concern, though seven other Western Washington com- munities show higher rates of suicide, depression, unwed pregnancies and alco- holism than the rest of the state, she said. "There's a group of nine counties characterized by similar indicators with large increases in childbearing by unwed women and suicides by males ages 20 to 34," she said. All of the nine counties once thrived on fish and lumber - including Clallam, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific and Jefferson coun- ties. The human costs "\Vhat we are looking at is the human costs of our environmental decisions" she said. ' She said North Olympic Peninsula counties also shared the same aging popu- lation trend caused by peo- ple moving into the country from other areas, many from Seattle and King County. "What's beginning to become clear is that this is a regional issue," she said. "Your county is rapidly aging because you have an immigration of seniors and declining fertility rates." Hale said that despite the doubling of the population during the past 20 years, the fertility rate - births per women ages 15 to 44 - has decreased to about half the statewide average. Jefferson County women gave birth to 220 children in 1999, five fewer than in 1980. However, the population jumped from 15,965 in 1980 to 27,738 in 1999. 'Poverty is an issue' . ., Poverty is an issue, par- tIcularly among young peo- pIe," Hale said. "But you will soon have one of every four people 65 years old and above. The needs of the young and old are very different." Hale said she has data from 211 people who answered intimate and det~led questions regarding their behavior including the use of drugs/alcohol, ciga- rettes, health histories and other information. ' The survey will eventu- ally contact 600 peopie from throughout Jefferson County to provide scientifi- cally supportable data on the health of its citizens. Hale said she hopes everyone called will patiently and honestly answer the questions. Cantwell visits Port Townsend Jefferson County asks for more medical funding BY STUART ElLIOTI PEN!."ISULA DAlLY NEWS PORT TO\VNSEND - Jef- ferson County health officials and physicians meeting with U.S. senator Maria Cantwell on Saturday sent her back to Washington, D.C., with requests for more medical fund- mg. Reimbursement of medical costs by Medicare was at the top of a list oî pressing needs mentioned by Jefferson County health care providers at the meeting, which attracted. about 25 people. The problem is especially acute, health care providers said. because of Jefferson County's large elderly popula- tion. Medicare reimbursements are also not uniform from state to state, they said. "We are well aware that rural areas have tremendous challenges," said Cantwell in her first visit to Jefferson County since defeating Slade Gûrton during last year's elec- tion. Gathering information Cantwell, D-Mountlake Ter- race, said her staff is gathering numbers on reimbursement rates and is looking at estab- lishing a pilot program to address the issue. Cantwell also addressed con- cerns about the high cost of pre- scription drugs, citing proposed legislation that would institute co-payment caps of up to $50' per month. Other issues Cantwell said' she plans to focus on include: women's health care issues and: legislation concerning identity: theft. The forum was part of a. slate of activities in Port· Townsend on Saturday for: Cantwell. . In addition to stopping by: the Low Tide Fest at the: Marine Science Center at Fort: Worden State Park, she' attended the Democratic' Party's "Fish Feast" after the' health care discussion. Earlier in the day, she visited' Island County as part of a schedule of visits that will take. her to all of Washington's 39, counties in the next year. "'- \) I N I",j \ ~ rIj ~ '- ~ ~ ~ ...., V) c: .~ ~ Q):= ..... ::JE= ~~è' ~ ~ ~ o c: 0 ..c::Jc.. ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ ca U V).... Q) ~ Q) c: .~ ~ ~ ~+:ï0 ""'Q)"'" V') ~ ('Q a C) ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ C'd ~ o .~ bJ) C) ~ . . Q. ~ ø ~ .~ ~ ~ J: ..,:t:: Q) :3 .... 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'- :':I: 1-0 -' 1) =ã-5cn:-.:s 1.) c -:-' 3:>'0""- :.I1~oc.."'O "'u3:o..~ ¿õ.. 0"" ~-E..èv~ -g ~ 0 .= t "" (/)..c:~~-o¿ "'.D"O",=, 25 ~ :;:: .~ ; -ö .D,-,::I-;:¡>.>, co-;;;o...c: _ ~ ~~ 0 § a c: c:: c:s ::: 0 u o .- ~ v () d) C"" u..c: ~~~è3-5E- ;.~¡:::c:: .... u~ u ~ ~ 'L:; u ~ ~ '" « :) ::J> ~ ~ ~ u.cCL ..c: .a.. ~ « e CJ 1) :) (f) -; .... ~ - 0 c...~ > o "" '" u "" ..c: :::"'~15 "'=' 0.. .... .:! 1) ~ :.J~-::: 1) . 0 v u CI) :I'; :.f.) :oj ::J >'.D -: "" ~ U ~ U _ C U :':1 ~ C .... o"'=' ..c: d) o..~ 1.) :I) ] ~ .... d) 3: 1) > .... d) - - Jefferson mental health gets new contract, funding By STUART ELLIOTT PENINSUlA DAlLY NEWS Peninsula Regional Sup- port Network, the organiza- tion that contracts out for mental health services in Clal- lam and Jefferson counties, has approved a new long-term contract with Jefferson Men- tal Health Services. The contract, which is set to run until June 30 of next year, puts an end to a dispute that began in May over the amount of services Jefferson :\lental Health could provide given its funding. The dispute left the future of mental health services in Jefferson County in limbo as a current contract between the two parties was set to expire. "This pretty much takes care of the problems we've had," said Quentin Goodrich, board president for Jefferson Mental Health. The new contract, approveè Friday at Peninsula Regional's board meeting in Chimacum, YÔ IJ 7-30 -Ci "They do recognize that some of the administrative requirements for smaller agencies cost as much as for a big agency." QUENTIN GOODRICH presldeOl of]efferson MeOlal Health would provide for more fund- ing than previous contracts, Goodrich said. Exact amount unknown The exact amount of the contract is not yet available because Peninsula Regional is in the process of negotiating a new agreement with the state Department of Social and Heal th Services. Goodrich said. Part of the increased fund- ing will go toward developing a "quality management plan", a new state requirement that calls for mental health organi- zations to demonstrate how they are providing delivery of thelr services. Goodrich says work on the plan, which is due in 90 days, will be a drain on the small mental health organization, a fact that Peninsula Regional has taken account of in the new contract. State-wide issue "They do recognize that some of the administrative requirements for smaller agencies cost as much as for a big agency," said Goodrich. . Goodrich said the dispute between Jefferson Mental Health and Peninsula Regional ties into a larger state-wide issue, with the Department of Mental Health setting forth more administra- tive requirements and asking for more services, like crisis care, to be provided, without providing an increase in fund- mg. Congress may help local docs stay, says Cantwell U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell told a room full of local healthcare providers that Con- gress may provide some relief for doctors whose federal reim- bursement level currently makes it hard to stay in busi- ness. Cantwell was in Port Townsend July 21, where she strolled through the Low Tide Fest and had a fish feast with Jefferson County Democrats. Jefferson County is one of only tìve counties that gave a major- Ity vote to Cantwell in last year's upset election against Sen. Slade Gorton. "The Sweet Five!" she said. All the others were urban, 1-5 corridor counties. In between more social events, she met with healthcare provlders and local officials in a crowded room at the Jeffer- son County Health Department offices. The newly elected Demo- crat from Mountlake Terrace spent most of her time listen- lng, as healthcare profession- als led by Dr. Melanie YfcGrory told her how hard it is for physicians who rely heavIly on federal reimburse- ment for Medicare and Medic- aid patients to survive economically in rural areas like Pan Townsend. "For 11 years I have been struggling to maintain a small private practice here in East Jefferson County," McGrory told ·Cantwell in written remarks. "\Vhile it has been rewarding, it has not been easy." McGrory said Medicare reimburses her care for senior citizens at 70 percent for the same charge for which her U.S. Sen. Marla Cantwell listened to the concerns of healthcare pro- fessionals while In Port Townsend July 21. Photo by Scott Wilson father's physician in Pennsylva- nia is reimbursed 84 percent. The disparity is making it harder and harder for committed physicians to maintain a viable practice in Jefferson COUnty, she said. Refonn of the nation's reim- bursement system should be at the top of Congress' agenda, said YfcGrory. Her thoughts '.vere echoed in the meeting by Dr. Claus Janssen and others. Janssen said he's see- ing an increasing percentage of patients whose medical reim- bursements won't even cover the overhead of operatmg a medical practice. He loves his patients, he said, but cannot sustain the prac- tice at these reimbursement lev- els forever. In response, Cl!1twell said that changing the federal reim- bursement levels for Medicaid and Medicare won't happen soon, because of the enonnous budget impact. However, she added that staffers have dis- cussed launching a pilot project in a rural area like the Olympic Peninsula that could demonstrate whether higher reimbursement rates made a difference in healthcare quality. "I hear that they [local physi- cians] love being here but it's hard to make ends meet/' she said . after the meeting. On a different issue, Cantwell recalled her early intentions as prime sponsor of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), which she drafted while a member of the state House of Representatives over a decade ago, Lawmakers made a deliber- ate effort to make it a "bottom~ up" approach that let local areas decide their own land use future, she said. "We basically said [to the counties], 'Send us a plan! Here's a framework, but we're not go- ing to tell you what your plan should say,'" she said. Critics of the law argue that the appellant- level heanngs boards have in- stead imposed rules that make the GMA process a "top-down" ap- proach. .... L(:-(.4- 0 E ~ .f-/- C f Cooking outside this summer? Tips on avoiding bacteria By Janet Huck Leader Staff Writer At a '1999 "pòtlu'ck át the' Chlmacum Fire Hall, a sneaky, little-known food-borne illness struck down 70 of the 110 pany-goers. "It helped the community learn about food-borne illnesses, though," said Dana Fickeisen, the environmental health specialist who handles the food program for the Jefferson County Department of Health and Human Services. During the hot summer months, people often need a re- minder about the dangers of mis- handling food. Fickeisen says the best basic rule is allowing a two- hour window. Once the potato salad is taken out of the refrigera- tor. it has two hours before it wanns up enough to allow the bac- teria to start growing and multi- plying. At the end of two hours, the cold food must be popped back into the refrigerator and cooled to 45 degrees or cooler. Cooked hamburgers and other meats have two hours too. They must be cooked at a high tempera- ture and are best maintained at temperatures of 140 degrees or higher. That keeps the meat out of the "food temperature danger zone" where bacteria can grow. "The clock starts ticking when you take something out of the re- frigerator or off the grill:' she cau- tioned. If foods are kept out longer than two hours, bacteria like sal- monella and bacillus cereus start growing, causing eaters abdomi- nal pains, diarrhea, nausea and /:) 0-1 L·,,:::::£L. i', ~ r¿ ,_ . .,-,r-' VI.--- , .f?-i~ol vomiting. The more deadly E. coli can appear too. Recent outbreaks of food poi- soning around the country are coming from new and unusual sources. "We are all worried about po- tato salad, but there are other dan- gers:' Ficheisen said. Cantaloupe has been contami- nated with salmonella. The cantaloupe's skin picks up salmo- nella-infested manure in the fields where it is grown. "wnen you cut the cantaloupe. you can introduce salmonella to the inside," cautioned Fickeisen, "so use a scrub brush on the out- side under running water and then refrigerate the cut cantaloupe to prevent the growth of salmonella." The food safety officer also rec- ommends rinsing vegetables,lettuce and sprouts under running water. Ice is another new culprit. \forwalk virus, which likely caused the outbreak at the Chimacum Fire Hall. can survive on ice. Fickeisen says one of her jobs is to check grocery and con- venience stores to make sure the bagged ice came from an ap- proved water source. Port Townsend city water is safe. \forwalk is carried on hands after using the toilet, and that is how it gets on the foods. Fickeisen suggests minimizing bare-hand contacts with ready-to- eat food. "At potlucks where food is served out of big containers. people can pick up contamination from somebody else who used their hands to serve themselves," she said. "Use serving utensils." Fickeisen also has some rec- ommendations for cooking on the barbecue. Chicken can't be properly cooked on a barbecue because the flames can't raise the internal temperature to the nec- essary 165 degrees. So Fickeisen suggests precooking the chicken in the kitchen and finishing it on the barbecue. Home births doubled Medicare reimbursements may boost numbers higher By Janet Huck Leader Staff Writer Home births in Jefferson County have soared. In 2000. the number of births at Peninsula Midwives doubled from 12 to 24. This year, Penin- sula Midwives' owner expects the number of home births to in- crease again, so she decided to take a partner after 15 years of solo practice. "~ow I can go on vacation sometime," said Kathy Luch. Home births may continue to increase. due to the decision by the Washington State De- partment of Social and Human ServIces !DSHS) to reimburse pregnant women for deliveries at home. As of Jan.!, 2001, DSHS began paying for home births. Seven of Luch's home births since January have been paId by Medicaid. "~ow it's financially fea- sible for low-income women," said Luch. "They can have their baby in the hospital for free or they can have their baby at home for free. It's fantastic." It took nearly a decade to convince DSHS officials to make the change. "The Mid- wives Association was watch- dogging them." said Luch, who. as president of the Mid- Wives Association in the mid- 1990s, worked on the issue. "We kept knocking on the door, asking when it was going tQ happen." A 1992 DSHS task force rec- ommended that the agency reim- burse home births, but Medicaid officials decided to deny the rec- ommendation because licensed midwives had no liability insur- ance, no quality assurance and an inadequate transportation plan to serid mothers in crisis to the hos- pital. Wi thin a year, these concerns were addressed. In 1993. the Washington State Legislature passed a law mandating liability coverage for birth centers and li- censed midwives. A quality as- surance program was developed. and the Midwives Association worked with primary care phy- sicians and obstetricians to de- velop guidelines for consultation. referral and transportation to a hospital. said Luch. "It Just sat there until 1996." said Luch. DSHS formed another task force in 1996 when Jane Beyer. assistant secretary of the Medi- cal Assistance Association. which administers Medicaid. wrote an enthusiastic letter about how many low-income women in Washington wanted a home birth but couldn't afford to payout of pocket. For a year and a half. the task force members studied the prob- lem and finally recommended reimbursement once again, said Luch. who participated. As presi- dent of the Midwives Associa- tion, Luch got a letter in November] 998 that Medicaid would begin reimbursements in 1999. "What happened was noth- ing," said Luch. It didn't happen in 1999 or in 2000 - but finally in 2001, it did. "~ow women don't have to payout of pocket to get the kind of birth they want at home," said Luch. 'Tì - Lr--A-J)'- (> (I. e-, t"1'-- S;-f-ol