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November 20, 2005
David W. Johnson
Jefferson County Community Development
621 Sheridan
Port Townsend, WA 98368
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Re: Permit # MLA 05-00276
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Marrowstone Island is beset by water potability problems, as are many other areas in Island, Skagit,
and San Juan Counties in "rainshadow" ecosystems. The current drought has worsened these
problems. Marrowstone residents have approved, via the local public utility district, a new water
system to correct these problems. These solutions are now being opposed by various parties.
As a landowner with a 120 year old adequate well, I am not personally impacted by the lack of a safe
public water supply - yet. But as a retired family practice physician, I am very concerned with the
health consequences of an inadequate water supply.
· High sodium water is a known risk factor for premature death due to heart attack and stroke,
. complications of hypertension starting in middle life.
· Cistern systems, a proposed alternative to public water, are highly susceptible to bacterial
contamination by birds, rodents, and humans. This contamination gives rise to serious enteric
diseases for which children and the elderly are at high risk. I have had considerable experience
with cistern systems while a public health officer on the Navajo reservation, and they require
vigilance and sophistication to maintain safely.
Currently, the water supply to Marrowstone has become a political football, or perhaps a circus. The
will of the majority has been expressed and the public utility system has proceeded in an orderly
manner with plans to provide water. Yet opposing parties, motivated by anti-growth sentiment, are
using legal and now political maneuvering to oppose this majority will.
It is not acceptable to risk people's lives and welfare to further political ends. No one has a moral right
to do so. If individuals or factions, privately or within government, feel they have a legal right, it will
haye to be addressed politically or legally. Other avenues to achieve growth regulation are available.
The endangering of public health and welfare has no place in that process.
Much is at stake for those of us who live here. I urge you to give these matters your closest attention.
Sincerely,
C~~
C. Richard Kirkwood, MD, ABFP (ret.)
PO Box 135
Nordland, W A 98358
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