HomeMy WebLinkAbout2961-694
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To:
Reference:
Jefferson County Planning Commissioners
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I have heard that there are some on this planning commission who say, "The damage to our shoreline
is already done, so why make painful adjustments?"
All across the nation communities are struggling with the same shoreline problems. Yet, for the most
part, these communities haven't given up. To the contrary, they are active in restoring estuaries and
waterways that have been officially declared "dead." It's a painful and expensive process, but they are
looking to a better life after restoration.
Jefferson County is lucky. Our estuaries are sick but not yet dead. But, wherever we have allowed
buildings to be constructed within 50 feet of the ordinary high water mark, pollution sickness is there.
The building process pollutes the water, then human activity adds to that pollution. The volume of
toxins and environmentally damaging bacteria accumulates constantly. True, we don't always know by
how much, but we know that human activity on the shoreline always increases the pollution levels in
the water. As evidenced in the Lynch Cove area of Hood Canal, pollution in our waterways is on the
rise.
Additionally, we are now aware that Quilcene Harbor and Estuary are both sick. How sick we haven't
yet been able to determine. But the signs are there. Indications of decrease in aquatic life tell us that
the Quilcene Estuary could actually be very sick. It might even be dying. If it dies, the famous
Quilcene Oyster will be no more. Clamming in the estuary will be forbidden. Salmon runs up the big
and little Quilcene rivers will exist only by accelerated hatchery activity. Then the pollutants now
accumulating in Quilcene Bay will spread to Dabob Bay and the Tarboo Estuary. We know it will
happen because history tells us when we build houses close to the shoreline, we will suffer the fate of
estuaries across the nation.
The Environmental Protection Agency tells us that 75 to 90 percent of aquatic life depend on
estuaries to prosper. Shellfish, animals, birds, and humans depend on estuaries to prosper. If we, as
responsible citizens of Jefferson County, say that we should be able to build our homes and
businesses 50 feet from our waterways, then we will be complicit in the death of our estuaries and all
of Hood Canal within our lifetime.
But we can save Hood Canal and its estuaries by restricting building to within 150 feet of the ordinary
high water mark and reducing the environmental impact by mandating stringent controls on all
structures now existing within the established buffer. If we do not make these painful adjustments
now, Hood Canal is undoubtedly doomed.
Gallant
PO Box 490
Quilcene WA 98376