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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 June Health & Human Services BOARD MEMBERS: STAFF MEMBERS CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND REPRESENTATIVE: Bob Sokol David Specter, Health Department Director Jean Baldwin, Director of Nursing Services Larry Fay, Director of Environmental Health J. Peter Geerlofs, M.D., Health Officer Chester Prudhomme, Director of Substance Abuse Robert Hinton, Chairman Richard Wojt, Member Glen Huntingford, Member The meeting was called to order by Chairman Robert Hinton. The following Board and staff members were present: Commissioner Glen Huntingford, Larry Fay, Jean Baldwin and Chester Prudhomme. Commissioner Wojt arrived shortly after the meeting began. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the minutes of May 24, 1994 as presented. Chairman Hinton seconded the motion. The motion carri ed. DIRECTOR'S REPORT FINANCIAL REPORT: In the absence of David Specter, Jean Baldwin reported that 41.8% of the budget was expended and 40.2% of budgeted revenues have been collected as of May 31, 1994. They are a little low on grants because it is the end of the fiscal year. There was a brief discussion about the cost of health care benefits for employees. COMMUNITY CLINIC LETTER: (Continued from May 24, 1994) Jean Baldwin stated that the Department's Management Team has recommended that the Board not approve Pastor Fosser's request to use Health Department facilities on Saturday mornings for free clinics. The Board Members said they also have concerns about this request and agreed with the Management Team's recommendation. Commissioner Huntingford moved to deny the request for Saturday use of the Health Department facilities. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote. The Board will send a letter to Pastor Fosser to inform him of their decision. HEALTH DEPARTMENT 206/385-9400 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 206/385-9444 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 206/385-9400 ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE CENTER 206/385-0650 FAX 206/385.9401 HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - JUNE 28, 1994 NURSING DIRECTOR'S REPORT Page 2 FAMILY PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD: The Women's Health Coalition has submitted a letter requesting the formation of a Family Planning Advisory Board. This Advisory Board would deal with public outreach, advocacy and fund raising. Jean Baldwin is in favor of the idea and she will have more information on the formation of such a Board at the July meeting. FACILITIES FOR CLINICS: The Health Department uses church facilities in Quilcene and Brinnon for Well Child and WIC clinics because the County facilities have limited space. Recently, there was a scheduling problem at the church in Brinnon. Jean Baldwin feels that it is important to make the Health Department's presence more permanent in both of these communities. She plans to make a request to the Brinnon Senior Association for use of the County facility for clinics. There was a brief discussion about the future remodel of the Quilcene Community Center and how the Health Department programs could fit in there. FAMILY POLICY INITIATIVE UPDATE: A recent survey showed the majority of people polled want Jefferson County to be the service area boundary. After the boundary is decided, early in July, the Board of County Commissioners will appoint three representatives to the Juvenile Services Community Network. There was a brief discussion about the selection process for these representatives. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIRECTOR'S REPORT PROVISIONAL FOOD SERVICE PERMIT: DISCOVERY BAY TAVERN: Larry Fay reported that the Discovery Bay Tavern has a failing septic system drainfield that drains into Discovery Bay. The owner of the tavern, James Zunick, is working with the Health Department to update the system to current standards. Larry Fay issued a provisional food service permit that will expire today. He is recommending that the Board approve a provisional food service permit, with the condition that the septic system drainfield is completed within sixty days. Prosecuting Attorney Mark Huth stated that the reason this is before the Health Board is to make it part of the public record. He asked Larry Fay if the failing system is currently a threat to public health? Larry Fay replied that as long as the new system is completed within sixty days, it is not. Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the provisional food service permit for the Discovery Bay Tavern with the condition that the new septic system drainfield will be completed within sixty days. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote. PROVISIONAL FOOD SERVICE PERMIT; GEODUCK TAVERN: This septic system was installed in 1990 when the tavern was rebuilt after a fire. Recently, there have been reports to the Health Department about odors from the drain field. They are analyzing the cause of the failure and when they have more information on the cause of the defect, the necessary repairs will be made. Larry Fay stated the Department policy on repairs to septic systems requires repairs to be made within ninety days. Commissioner Wojt asked if the beach below the drainfield is open for shellfish harvesting? Murray Perley, the owner of the tavern said the State recently opened the beach north of the river, but not to the south of the river where the tavern is located. Larry Fay added that any surfacing effluent would be more hazardous in the rainy season if there was a storm which caused a lot of run off. He recommended that the Board approve the HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - JUNE 28, 1994 Page 3 provisional food service permit, with the condition that the septic system be repaired within ninety days. Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the provisional food service permit for the Geoduck Tavern with the condition that repairs to the drainfield will be completed within ninety days. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote. REQUEST TO USE WATER FROM THE COUNTY WELL AT QUILCENE: Mark Huth explained that in order for the County to become a water purveyor, the process would require an amendment to the County's Comprehensive Plan. A committee including an elected official, local residents and a representative from the PUD would have to develop a water element to the Comprehensive Plan. A public hearing would then be held to amend the Plan. Larry Fay stated that he is not sure of the current capacity of the well. Tests will have to be done to evaluate if there is enough water for additional users. FINAL ONSITE SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION POLICY DISCUSSION: Larry Fay presented the final draft of this policy establishing procedures for random final inspections of onsite sewage systems. (See attached) This policy will streamline the process for installers when they call for a final inspection, because they may not have to wait for a technician to come out. In many cases, they may be able to submit an "asbuilt" drawing within ten days, instead of a final inspection. If they do not submit the drawing or the technicians do a random inspection and find that they did not install the system according to the plan, there will be mandatory inspections on their next five installations. There was a brief discussion of methods for making random choices of systems and installers to be inspected. Commissioner Wojt made a motion to approve Policy Statement Number 94-01 regarding final inspections of onsite sewage systems. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote. WAIVER WAC 248-96-100: MARSHALL ADDITION, LOT 34: ZAK FARID: (Continued from May 24, 1994) This waiver is to reduce a drainfield setback from a seasonal stream from 100 feet to 50 feet. At the May meeting, the Board directed Larry Fay to advise the applicant that they would like to see a higher level of treatment, with a sand filter system, before making a decision on the waiver. Larry Fay sent a letter to Zak Farid and he agreed to install an upgraded treatment system. Larry Fay reported that although the nearest distance from the drainfield to the stream is 50 feet, the main direction of the drainage pattern on the slope is parallel and away from the stream. He added that there is little chance of effluent draining into the stream. Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the waiver application to reduce the setback from the drain field to the stream to 50 feet, with the condition that an upgraded treatment system is installed. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote. Larry Fay added that he will send this information to the State Department of Health for their review and concurrence. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PUD #1: This memorandum of understanding is between the PUD, the Health and Human Services Department and the Planning and Building Department. It outlines the agreed upon procedures and responsibilities for the monitoring of alternative on-site septic systems within the County. The PUD has been the satellite system management agency for onsite sewage systems for several years, but there has never been a formal agreement. This MOU will be on the July agenda for discussion. HEALTH BOARD MINUTES - JUNE 28, 1994 Page 4 COUNTY APPROVED COMMUNITY WELLS: There was a brief discussion about processing water rights and water system approval at the County level. Larry Fay stated that there are several State and County plans that have water elements currently in the development stages. He added that Clallam County has been working with the State to take over the process in their County and there may be an option to regionalize the requirements and the service. Larry Fay will evaluate what the costs would be to establish a Group B water system program in Jefferson County. SOLE SOURCE AOUlFER DESIGNATION: MARROWSTONE ISLAND: Larry Fay reported that the EP A has done a sole source aquifer designation on Marrowstone Island. Chairman Hinton stated that this has been brought to the attention of the Board and they have agreed to note it in the Comprehensive Plan. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 1994 at 1:30 p.m. MEETING ADJOURNED J County Health & Human Services Pastor Howard A Fosser Grace Lutheran Church 1120 Walker Street Port Townsend, W A 98368 Dear Pastor Fosser: At our May Health Board meeting, we considered your request to use the Health Department facilities for a Saturday morning community free clinic. A number of concerns were raised in the discussion and we directed the Health Department Management Team to meet with representatives of your community group and attempt to resolve the outstanding issues. The Management Team reported at the June Health Board meeting that they met with you and had been able to resolve some of the issues, but most of the major concerns still remained. The specific problem that your proposal attempts to address is access to care. We feel that we must concur with the Management Team's recommendation that the proposed Saturday morning clinic is not an appropriate response when preferable options may be available in the near future. As you know, this is a significant transition time for public health and medical care in our State. There is a lot to be done on the local level to help with the transition to a new system. We feel that your community group is a valuable asset. We encourage you to continue to work with the Health Department to explore other long term solutions. Sincerely, ... JEfFERSON COUNTY BOAR- OF HEALTH .- . ard E. Wojt, Member BOH:jm cc: David Specter HEALTH DEPARTMENT 206/385-9400 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 206/385-9444 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 206/385-9400 ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE CENTER 206/385-0650 FAX 206/385-9401 rh. , - : ,',/": -j __. .~.._ . -' '., ~._.. '::::-"'J .' '(Olg94I'~ i 1..- I 24 ~~iflgton Port Townsend June 17, 1994 ,; _...Ji Cour' WA 98368 David Specter Jefferson County Health and Human Services 615 Sheridan Port Townsend WA 98368 Dear David: A Family Planning Advisory Board is not required when the services are provided by a pUblic health department. How- ever, the Women's Health Coalition thinks it would be ad- visable to have a group who could work on issues which are difficult for your agency or the county commissioners to handle, such as public outreach, advocacy and fund raising. Your agency could provide speakers or discussions of issues and new programs to keep the Board informed, in meetings to be held perhaps on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Enclosed is a list of possible board candidates for your consideration. There are many other people interested. If you would like us to make additional phone calls, we would be happy to do so. You may wish to advertise to open it up to the public. We envision a group of 15 to 20 to assure a sufficient number to attend meetings and handle designated tasks. If you have any questions, please contact any member of the coalition, listed below. Sincerely, Roberta Frissell (385-4394) ;&iuLiA/ ~i-i';Lf-L Clover Gowing (385-9704) ~Lb~ LJ)'0f. if ~A5C?'7 Jane Rogers (385-6302) Y':VYU/ tf:;~ B;rbara Ma~n (385-4918) av--kny 1t-~5~'7 P}f Scott (385-7972) fo1; &?ao({ - cc: Jefferson County Commissioners Jean Baldwin, JCH&HS People who have been contacted and would consider serving on a Family Planning Advisory Board: Mon;ca McGu;re Badame Sharon Black Dr. Gretchen Bla;r Dr. Gerald Bor;no Cammy Brown Anne Burns Betsy Carlson Dr. Adr;an Dronkert Donna and/or George Earl Beverly and/or Maurice Fleming Roberta Fr;ssell Joy Goodr;ch Clover Gowing Doris Hardyman Margaret Hillman Kathy Keys Barbara Ma;er Barbara Mason Sall y McDol e B.J. Miggs Jane Rogers Ell a Sandv; g Pat Scott Barry S;lverblatt Dolores Steward Mar;lou Sullivan Eric and/or Mary Toews Mar;anne Walters Lucille Watson Health & Human Services TO: Board of Health FROM: David A Specter Jean Baldwin Peter Geerlofs, MD SUBJECT: J.C. MASH. - Community Free Clinic At its May meeting, the Board of Health considered a request by Pastor Howard Fosser, representing an affiliation of churches and local residents, to use the Health Department facilities for a Saturday morning community free clinic. A number of significant concerns were raised in discussion of the proposal and the Board of Health directed Department management and the Health Officer to meet with the community group and attempt to resolve the outstanding issues. The Department management team had a lengthy meeting with representatives of the community group subsequent to the May Board of Health meeting. Although we were able to resolve some issues, most of our major concerns remain. Using a public health analytical approach, we more clearly defined the target population that would be served by the proposed clinic, and the specific problem to be addressed: access to care. Access to care is clearly an issue in our community. However, there are a number of problems around access to care and we do not believe that the proposed Saturday morning clinic is an appropriate response to these problems. There are a number of better solutions, such as enhancing the Community Action referral program. We would like to continue to work with the community group to explore some of these solutions. This has been a difficult decision to reach, and we appreciate the energy and sincerity of the community group's effort However, this is a time of tremendous transition in public health and medical care in Washington State. There is a lot that needs to be done to help us through this transition locally, to prepare health care providers to function in the new system, and to integrate the many unserved people into the system. This is not an appropriate time to be setting up a clinical program with ambiguous goals that does not represent a long-term solution to access problems It is our belief that such a program would only serve to confuse the public and providers alike at a time when clear direction is needed most DAS:rwk cc: Pastor Howard Fosser HEALTH DEPARTMENT 206/385-9400 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 206/385-9444 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 206/385-9400 ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE CENTER 206/385-9435 FAX 206/385-9401 JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPA ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION SI'jIH,d , n01(; /tJftL vO"\., - ~ - <-'..Cj// / _~ . '--I 1. '. , Policy Statement Number 94 - 01 Program - Onsite Sewage Subject - Final Inspection of installation of onsite sewage systems I. Effective this date the following policy and procedure shall be used for a final inspection of an onsite sewage system and specifies what information shall be submitted to the Health Department on an asbuilt of the onsite sewage system by the designer or installer. A. Conventional Systems 1) If any deviations from the approved design are proposed or necessary the installer shall contact the designer and/or Health Department prior to installation. 2) The installer shall contact the Permit Center upon completion of installation prior to covering the system and the installer will be notified at this time if the system will require an inspection by the Health Department or if the system can be covered. a. If inspection is rc'.rui.::-ed the Health Department will inspect within 3 working days and complete the asbuilt. b. If inspection is not required the system may be covered and the installer shall complete an asbuilt and submit to the Health Department within 10 working days. 4) In the case that the Health Department records a deficiency in an installation or asbuilts are not submitted as required inspection by the Health Department will be required on the next 5 installations (no part of the system shall be covered unless given prior approval by the Health Department) 5) The asbuilt shall be submitted on a form provided or approved by the Health Department. The following items must be shown and .recorded as follows: 1) Drainfield as installed including length of lines, width and depth. 2) Triangulation of septic tank and D-box to permanent features, i.e. house foundation, electric/phone box, etc. If no permanent markers are available metal fence posts shall . . ~ I Page 2 of 3, Final Inspection Policy be used to mark the inlet of the septic tank and the d-box. 3) Distance of drainfield to any nearby roadway, property lines, etc. 4) Distance of drainfie1d and/or septic tank to features with specific setbacks, i.e. wells, curtain drains, ditches, surface waters, banks and foundations. B. Alternative systems 1) If any deviations from the approved design are proposed or necessary the installer shall contact the designer prior to installation. 2) Permit Center and Health Department shall be notified 48 hours in advance to schedule for the pressure test. 3) Health Department shall notify Designer if staff will be present for the pressure test. 4) Designer shall inspect at the following times at a minimum. a. Pressure system - pressure test and final cover. b. Mound - plowing, pressure test and final cover. c. Sand Filter/ drainfield - pressure test of all components and final cover. Asbuilts and certification shall be submitted to Health Department within 30 days of system completion. 5) Asbuilts shall contain the same information as indicated for conventional systems and in addition the items listed on the Alternative System Asbuilt form and the location of the electric panel on the site. C. All home owner installations shall be inspected by the Health Department. A minimum of two inspections should be completed: 1) The trench bottoms only 2) When septic tank, distribution box, rock and pipe have been placed and before final cover is placed over the system. D. An installer may request Health Department inspection. Permit Center shall be notified upon completion of system and Health Department has 3 working days to complete the final inspection. If any deviations from the approved design are proposed or necessary the installer shall contact the designer and/or Health Department prior to installation. . Or".' . . Page 3 of 3, Final Inspection Policy II. The intent of this policy is to provide an adequate level of assurance to the owner of an onsite sewage system that construction of the onsite sewage system was completed as per State and local regulations and that an asbuilt of the system location is on permanent record with the Health Department, while improving efficiency and responding in a timely manner to the Licensed Installer and homeowner. This policy shall remain in effect until amended or repealed by action of e Jefferson County Board of Health. ct1/11- Date' ..\- Board of Health June 28, 1994 Date / REQUEST FORM FOR WAIVER FROM WAC 246-272 (Fonnerly 248-96) Items (1) through (8) must be completed to process waiver requests from WAC 246-272. The local health department must' approve the request and complete items (9) and (10) before the waiver is forwarcfed to tlieDepartIiiimt ofHealth fortlieir decisTon. preaseread and follow instructions rioted on the reverse side. The instructions correlate to the numbers in parentheses. INDMDUAL REQUESTING WAIVER: (1) Name: LAk P"A1f'.,1l Address: f'.:J 5J{"5 AJ,q,hf lid ~ Phone: (&~~~~~~1~2 LOCAL HEAL1H DEPARTMENT: (2) Name: ..JemedrJJ Address: ~.:w ,Y'i>Jr'f' ./.I'7I/''' 'Po 12 -r-tt.1uJ.J s.,c,,) 0 Phone: ( ):3 'R5- 901/11 'f Property id...,rifi.."tion: (3) #A,ef#An AIJ/J/'J L/Jr.YI .Q,PIj/ 97/-/on-3S5 ************************************************************************************ Please provide the following detail: WAC Number (4) I Reouirement in WAC (5) , Waiver Soul<ht (6) .;l4/?-9fp-/()(} : /O(/S?l7i/qc/< -n> >tU:l?ie-e uJA~ : REtlLtC7Z'O,);r;) 5o+reGr I i TECHNICAL JUSTIFICATION: (7) 7'1Ie rUJw F~~ 11I-G Pte?/A.J/JedJ 1f.e€4 tVlGC- 74vdcc. 7s--/oo>' re-er ~..eE 6..Ja:,lAJJ7Y!IA.Jr; 7JI-C 5~M 7SeC/fi.<Sc or mE Xo,R50,I!Ve/V71'/720J tJf" 7rfe Sl-7e. ?,ee:>$ U-elletJ )1 SW/SI.LYlO.J P,eoVIQ8/fA) I!!'J<-T;&; t..eVCL, ~ -r~I"-tCNI APPUCANTS _--I:;:::> SIGNATURE:(~~. tI' i,j,/!-.L., R'.s: TITLE: }<,,q/MA.)cR ElATE: "I'llJ/7'<I ******************************************************************************7***** LOCAL HEAL1H DEPARTMENT COMPLETES Local Health Department Action: (9) Date Received: ( ) APPROVED. Submit with justification ro DOH office nored on reverse side. ( ) DISAPPROVED. Rerum to applicant. COMMENTS (especially concerning teasons for action): ,..******* . J~~ CDuni-V) **~****************~;*~~~~l*~~;:.~.I;:.~~~ PARTMENT OF HEALTIf COMPLETES ':"parrnem of Health Action: 1) Date Received: ( ) CONCUR. Return co Local health Depamnem for granting of waiver request. ( ) DO NOT CONCUR. Rerum to Local Health Depamnenr for denial of waiver requesr. COMMENTS (especially concerning reasons fot action): SIGNATURE: (12) TInE ::.'.T::: INSTRUcnONS FOR ITEM ENTRIES FOR REQUEST FORM FOR WAIVER. FROM WAC 246-272 '~ ~ @ ~ U W ~ ri"', D IW:1 I u , 191994 JEFFERSON COUNl'I PERMIT CENTER (1) Individual requesting waiver: Indicate the propenyowner or authorized representative. Be sure and include mailing address and phone number. (2) Local Health Department: Indicare the local health depamnenr. districr. or office that has jurisdicqon in the area in which the subject property is located. (3) Ptoperty identification: Provide the address, parcel number. permit 'applicanon :l1:mber. or other identifying description of the property for which a waiver is being requesred. A full legal description is not required. (4) WAC Number: Specify the particular WAC number from WAC 246-272 for which a waiver is being sought, such as "WAC 246-272.140 (1)." (5) Requirement in WAC: State the requirement in the referenced WAC for wnich a waiver is being- soughr, such as "lOa foot setback from SSAS to weil." (6) Waiver Sought: Briefly describe the waiver or variance you :rre seeking, ,,:ch os "P.eduction or setback to 70 feet." (7) Technical Justification: Provide technical justification for the waiver requesr. Whar site conditions, system design characreristics, etc. mitigare the concerns that resulted in th~tequiremenr in the WAC? Technical justification should include supporting dara, plot plans,device or treaonenr methodology proposed, possible mitigating site characteristics, gross land area, other options ex. plored, and any other pertinent data. For example, "The well is newly constructed, adequarely sealed, draws from ISO feet, and is topographically higher that the SSAS site. Further treaonent will be provided by an intermittent sand filter." Attach additional pages, if necessary. Please attach a copy of the permit, site application, or other explanatory documents thar relate to technical' justification for the waiver requesr. (8) Signarure of applicant (9) Local Health Depamnenr Action: Indicate the decision by the Local Health Department, Board or Health, Appeals Board, etc. and the technical reasons for the decision. Comments can be provided in a sep.u-ate letter, be copies of Board minutes, etc. After this decision has been made. send this form, together with any pe~en~ documenting information, such as permits, site applications. ete. \., ,...., to: ,., " '.. " . ""-..-, Counties East of the Cascades: George Schlender Departmenr of Health West 924 Sinro Spokane, WA 99201 Counties West or :he Cascades: Deparnnenr of Health. Wasrewater ~/lan<:~e!:l€::''.: S:=c'.:io:l P.O. Box 47826 Olympia. \VA 98504,7325 (10) Signature of local health departmenr represenranve. lllj Deparnnenr of i-iealth Action: Indicate me aeC1Slon by DOh ...i..na ;:e<=.sons ~,-r :;-~e G.1:...:1S10 n. Commenrs can be provided in a separate lerrer or a policy sraremenL (12) Signature of srate Depamnenr of Healrb. represenrative. 'J'., . - '. , ~ GREATER QUlLCENE/BEJNNON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 774 Quilcene, Washington 98376 June 15, 1994 Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 nq 3-~-I 1m U" "\.0; JUi'~ 2 0 1994 jC ;;... ~ 'J r." ..... "_1'" '. .'."',-". n- h:"" ,i",-,;,. ' i."=:: ,,~; __ ~ -~ n .;1 iI'il ~-~~} Re: County Approved Community Wells jEFfERS(Hl CCUNTY 80,~RD OF COrviMlSS10NERS Dear Sirs: The Commissioners of Jefferson county can be of great service to the entire county by directing the Health Dept. to process applications for community wells with 6 or less hookups, which use less than 5000 gallons of water per day. Water systems requiring 5000 gallons of water per day, or more, must have Washington State Water Rights, processed by the Dept. of Ecology (DOE). According to the enclosed letter from DOE, any growth in Jefferson County, dependent upon Water Rights, will be stopped or greatly delayed, DOE will only be processing 300 Water Rights applications per year, even though they have 1800 current applications. The state has given the counties the right to process any community water systems using less than 5000 gallons per day, based upon the average household using 800 gallons per day. Currently, the Jefferson County Health Dept. is only willing to process wells serving one or two families. The economy of Jefferson County will be hurt by lack of approved water, plus it will encourage many more individual wells and holes into the aquifer. It would appear fewer wells, with regulation, would protect the aquifer, rather than causing many more holes in the ground, with increased chance of pollution of the aquifer. If there are any questions we can help with, please call vice- president, Jim Olson, on 765-3450 or myself on 765-4447. The members of the Greater QuilcenejBrinnon Chamber of Commerce hope the Commissioners can take fast action on this matter. 1::-~'J c Anne Ricker President -. '1 ~. " '." .f~/ ..... .<~......~ O'~. 1. ~:.. STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY P.O. Box 47600 . Olympia, Wa5hington 98504-7600 . May 18, 1994 Dear Water Right Applicant: As you may recall, the 1993 Washington State Legislature passed legislation intended to enhance ' the Depamnent of Ecology's program for water right decisions. The bill created a Water Rights Fees Task Force to examine the process for making water right decisions, recommend efficiency measures, and develop a new water right fee structure to support 50 percent of the activities and services surrounding water right decisions. Half of the program's funding for water right decisions during the second portion of the biennium was expected to be generated from new fees. Unfortunately, the task force recommendations on increased fees did not pass the 1994 legislature and Ecology has been forced to cut 35 staff. With help from my staff and representatives of the many water interests, I have """mined priorities for our program. Rendering water right decisions is listed among our new priorities. However, due to specific language in the budget, staffing devoted to this activity has been cut significantly. Effective May I, 1994, we will give priority to water right applications needed for emergencies concerning public health or safety. Priority also will be given to requests for water right changes and transfers and short-term authorizations for public projects, such as road- building. Decisions on other water right applications will be delayed, ptobably for several years. This means that the majority of new water right applications and many applications for change will continue to await decisions. You will be notified when we are ready to work on your ' application. Your priority date will be maintained during this waiting period. Please review the attached Focus Sheet for other priorities and more details. If you still have questions, please call the person listed on the attached sheet. To better manage the use of staff time, I have set office hours as follows: Teleohone Calls Mondays and Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.D!. Walk-ins Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to noon Our limited staff will respond to your questions and concerns as soon as possible. Special appointments can be arranged as necessary. Sincerely, c~ ;t.d~ Carol Fleskes, Manager Water Resources Program Enclosure <11.....27 o FQCUS m.~nw'.'n\n Nev/Wate, Reso'u'rce'Emphasis-' E C 0 L 0:& Y . ~",,:,,_.':"::;";-,'.'G.;" , , --<t--- -- - -" - ,~. .... ~ '"...... .....t " - C'> - - ~ ApriIl994 ....; ...' . ~~ ~~- . - .;;.~~t:... ~ .~ .. . . .- Responding 'to a cutback in funding, the Washington Department of .Ecology's Water '. . ::;,', Resources Program is going to focus its limited resources on protecting and making wise use of the state's water supplies. The funding shortfall required reducing staff who issue new' rights to pump or divert water and setting clear priorities so that the people we serve will know what to expect from us. Ecology is committed to making this program as effective as possible and providing the best service we can, although we have fewer resources. Back~ound The 1993 Washington Legislature's budget and previous cuts ordered by the governor provided for a two-thirds cutback in Ecology funding devoted to new water rights appli- cations beginning July 1, 1994. The 1994 Legislature did not pass a proposed water rights fee bill which would have restored the funding. Responding to the resulting $2.4 million budget reduction, Ecology has been required to cut 31 staff and four vacant positions. Most of the positions were involved in making decisions on water rights applications or supporting such decision-making. What to Expect Ecology's emphasis will be on activities that have a clear and immediate impact on protecting the state's water supply - for instream uses and ground water protection. (A recent state Supreme Court decision prohibits Ecology from reSolving conflicts among water right holders.) These activities will be integrated within watersheds for such projects as evaluating supply problems, protecting instream flows and working with local communities. Water rights decisions: As a result of staff reductions, about 300 water rights decisions are . expected to be made next year. About 1,500 water rights decisions were made last year and 1,800 applications are pending. Top priority will.be given to applications concerning public health or safety emergencies. Ecology will work with the State Department of Health to determine which applications will be given emergency priority. Priority also will be given to applications for changes and transfers of existing water rights and to applications for short-term uses for public projects such as road building. All water rights applicants will be notified of these priorities and how this affects their application. Basin Assessments: Ecology will compile existing information to determine how much water is available in different basins in the state. This will include identifying existing water rights and claims, fisheries and other instream needs, and specific water related problems. Initially, four basins will be selected for assessment. This information will be essential to assisting local governments in making growth planning decisions, to protect people who have existing water rights, and to tell the public about water availability and specific basin problems. The information also will support enforcement, regional planning, and future permitting. Enforcement: Streams will be targeted where fisheries are threatened. Ground water areas will be targeted where well levels are dropping. The emphasis will be to make sure instrearn flows are protected and unauthorized diversions are curtailed and prevented. Existing legal Ecolesy is = Equal Opportunity 411d Affumati"e Action employer. F-WR-94-104 o printed on ruyc/ed paper J _ I- ,... (. ~" ..... . ........ "-~'"<,..;~~_<,:,').L, '../,~',-,:.c,t.:,.~ .>~_.~~_:;,.~...-">"....."".,,... wells will be protected from being dried up by new UI1Authorized wells. The goal will not ! ~~=;o~~~;~~;~;e~~=:Sj~6d:~:J~' ~ bTh is effothrt isrizednecessatry to .makethdrasurea!s,}'e9It .aIsoP!e:~~t~reaktect'fish~"t~~ ::=~*~~~,Y.... 11 H~H' '''~,U.orf, KU y UI1AU 0 wa er W1 W. ~V11L pro ....... IllS fI!$Ources uw.;n:-;ir.~ r..~....t;~ groWld water resources. 'fa II' J It J J Regional Planning/Growth Management: A new style of cooperative, 10caI water resources ~. planning is being tested in the Methow Valley of North Central Washington and the Dungeness-Quilcene rivers areas on the Olympic Peninsula. These plans will be implemented and evaluated. Information on water aVliiIability will be shared with local governments to help them with growth planning Wlder the State Growth Management Act. , " Planning will be emphasized to prevent problems and establish a more firm basis for growth management, water use planning, permitting and enforcement. Public Education and Service: The basin assessments, eruorcement and regional planning are all ways to bring better service to citizens as the state's water supply faces major challenges. Shortages in water supplies and increased demands affect fish and wildlife but also our state's economy. The education effort will involve working with others to help each state resident and business understand actions we all can take through conservation and better uses of existing water supplies. .' Yakima Adjudication: This ongoing effort is intended to validate and quantify legal rights', , for water in the Yakima Basin. Ecology will continue working toward completion of this court process. ",.r::."'" 1"--"'- :. ,;.: ,.,\GIf. ,~.~... .:: ",;:.,:......:;..... L' ~ ~~\;:,~-.' - -.. - - - --~ -.-,'-- ..- > - "::.~ '.' ,,' : For More Information To better manage the uSe 'of staff time, we have.set C!ffice h9.urs ~ f~llows: ._ _ . .._-. .N, .." _. ~.:. _~_...-~~_....~ ~ __";, .~__.; "'""": ~O>4....'-"'__"__" _ ",'_ ;._.. .~..- .~. ..__ Telephone CaIIS:' Mondays mdWedDeSdays, 8:0() a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Walk-Ins: Tuesdays and Th~ys, 8.-00 a.m. o noon ' Special appointments can ~ arranged as~. .. Contact these Ecology staff in your region: Brad Petrovich Bellevue Carol Mortensen Yakima CindJ' Christian Spokane Sheri Fox Lacey , . . ~~ ?11f:{:"1 -:~} ~s '!:.; :.; '.,: ."-:-:~..{":~:-:'.i (206) 649-7038 (509) 575-2597 (509) 456-2926 (206) 407-6300 - '~":",' -'::<. :.. . .-., . ~..-".---~- . .,' _ ~'. ,.J"._ .. :.;:-~ Washington State Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47600 Olympia W A 98504-7600 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID WuhingtDn StaIB ~oI Printing s_21 .... .-' *~*****************3-DIGIT , , 549 1475 3 JIM OLSON YOIGMUF:I MDJI 1~657 RAINIER AVE S SEATTLE WA 98178-2738 981 3DG 'V~ - .~i"2,:.l. I'~" . . ..' GREATER QUILCENE/BRINNON CHAMBER OF COMl\tlERCE P.O. Box 774 Quilcene, Washington 98376 June 23, 1994 ~\E~\E~~LE\ill \.r~ JUN 27 1994 Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, W A 98368 . ('>.' . '~iTV ,....r;-~DCrJ.,\~ ':.JUu \'i I . ,. '" .,,) . 'E"S .J'-\ \r-;~ r....l\"lt~'j\~qO~1 t". BOR.RD jr ....IJHl.'11"........ Re: County Approved Comrnunity Wells Dear Sirs: This is a follow-up to our letter of June 15, 1994, requesting the County Health Dept. process applications for comrnunity wells with 6 or less hookups. I have enclosed a copy of a response from the Dept, of Ecology showing they will not process a request for water rights. The request has been pending for over two years, and about 6 months ago Mr. Moji was contacted by DOE to advise the water rights inspection was to occur in July of 1994. Now he receives the status report showing the inspection is no longer even scheduled. Assisting with Jefferson County water development would not only be of great service to the to our citizens, but it could greatly increase the land value and County tax base. If there are any questions we can help with, please call vice-president, Jim Olson, on 765- 3450 or myself on 765-4447. Thank you for your continuing consideration of this matter. Sincerely, k~-cL Anne Ricker President enc , " .... . ....~ .- 'j WATER RIGHTS REQUEST FORM ri /'J (PART A) (PART B) ~'STATUS OF PENDI~G APPLICATION '. 0 RESEARCH WATER RIGHTS Please use this form to request water rights research or status of water rights. We will try to provide response within one to two weeks. Your Name: Phone Number: Addiess: Mail the request form to: Department of Ecology Water Resources PO Box 47775 Olympia, Washington 98504-7775 :It. YY) OfS0y\... =f:;U; [) - 34 6.) r ('"') /?-ox") y 7co ':::h"lr.;,-.,Io. (A.')cc '-1''637(., ,0'100 (PART A) Requesting status of pending application. Water Right Number: ~2-2 <f,~0J f Applicant Name: "\1< I yY\ (' i ~'Yl() ~ 1 . Specify other questions/requests iegarding your water right: (transfers, extensions, protests, etc.) (BE~O;';;~'U~EFO~';coLOO;'O;~~E'WO~~;j"''''''''''RES'EARCH''CONDUCTED'BY'5hoA~"~ RESPONSE TO (PART A) 1.0 (t519cf The following is a status report of your pending application: AFFIDAVIT RECEIVED PROTESTS/CONCERNS INSPECTION SCHEDULED '_.-i/LO+- ~ CU-,--Q.e & REPORT OF EXAM WRITTEN PERMIT ISSUED CERTIFICATE ISSUED FEES REQUESTED OTHER Yl./ a1locC1 (d