The "non-partisan" position overwhelmed by "partisan" commissioners running the progressive handbook play by play.
Not leaders of any type. Just another person who can't explain how a fire can burn timber up to the edge of a river and it can be "beneficial" but when it is harvested for timber it cannot. These people are so full of shit and themselves, they need to wear masks.
I think I am not "any person" therefore I am. Good luck trying to enforce state laws in this state, I am strictly doing federal grant compliance and federal equal rights cases from now on. I have no property and only have so many cars to sell.
Thanks, again, Jeff. You put things in clear language that we can digest. You often put words to the niggling feelings in the back of my brain - things that set off alarm bells, that I can’t quite put my finger on.
The one item in the survey that I have issues with is the Ranked Choice Voting. I don’t like the idea, probably because I don’t trust our current election system. It’s too easy to manipulate. I might feel differently if we go back to in-person voting with I.d.
As always Jeff thank you for the information. The information is written that people can understand, short, sweet, and to the point, no hidden wording. There are many points that are greatly concerning to me. These policies need to be noticed by the people. We all need to stand up and fight for our county. Thank you for keeping us all informed and helping fight for a good cause
Chris I agree. People come week after week, stand up and speak, write letters but the many who have done this week after week have not been heard or recognized. It’s the few who show up one time who receive the recognition. Water Steward is a perfect example. The CRC is so obviously political with their agenda brought to the forefront. There is no non-partisanship. Non-partisanship is a cover-up that holds no teeth. As the chair, Fisch, said as she turned her head away, “I’m not trying to silence you”, when infact that is exactly what she has tried to do…..like rioting and destruction is exactly what happened please stop with the lies & double talk. French said what he said…..to further dig his hole he says something to the fact that what he tells friends is different than what he tells everyone else. Typical! I look forward to more and more exposure of the foxes guarding the hen house. Chickens don’t see well in the dark as their attackers sneak up and attack until it’s too late so please keep the lights shining brightly.
Jeff, EXCELLENT! You are giving the public the information that we have been seeking for a long time. Manipulation is the correct word. Who likes being told one thing, only to have it applied to the opposite? The continued and cumulative antics of the CRC Executive Board and their allies are wearing on the public to the point of a complete collapse of faith in the CRC. Thank you for your hope that the CRC will survive, but it's fraying on its last thread.
Really appreciate the potential list Jeff understanding that it's a proposal. I have been most frustrated with the control being exerted on what the CRC dictates the citizens might be allowed to see. Going back to OPMA concepts, the citizens inform the elected, not the other way around.
I can see room to condense a few items because I think they're all part of the same ball of wax. There are two entries for Conflicts of Interest that could be one, recusal and restrictions on outside interests. I think that the most we can reasonably expect is that if there's an issue where a Commissioner, based on yearly disclosure of outside interests, needs to recuse themselves of then 1) it is known so that 2) they can recuse themselves.
Additionally, there are multiple entries related to public engagement and public access to meetings. Again using the OPMA concept, I can see these fall under a single heading related to an informed public informing the elected.
Thank you for the transparency you're trying to bring to the CRC.
MK, I went through the list and I agree, it can be condensed, and why would we need to vote on things covered under the Open Public Meeting Act? It already has guidelines that have to be adhered to. It blows my mind that some of the items included aren't in place already. Even the most basic fiduciary contracts (such as HOA's Boards) address conflict of interest, recusals, restrictions, fair bidding etc. are placed in upon inception... I guess it's never too late, but still...IT HAS TAKEN THIS LONG?
Although many are important, and we can only vote on a few, my top ones would be (1) Fair bidding process (2) Transparency in public funds to NGO's Tax increases by voter approval (3) not on list, but as you said, condense the multiple entries (4) Add "American governments" to Intergovernmental Relations.
yes, ethics can deal with the conflicts of interest -- since that is prohibited in the Sunshine Laws, but there is zero enforcement at the county/local level. So, we need to have a way for people to initiate a citizen complaint -- and a board of ethics to review, and decide.
Thanks for the list below. I hope all readers respond and send their priorities to the board today so they will have to defend their actions in response to the public interest.
NO WONDER OUR STATE, COUNTY & CITIES are dysfunctional! Largest tax hikes in State history! Opposition from public HIGH, they refused to listen to the people….deny deny deny & keep denying even when presented with the evidence & facts, deny……FAFO……
Yep, Washington State voters overwhelmingly supported $30 license tabs who many years ago, yet I just paid $97 for tabs on a 2003 Chevy S-!0? Governor Inslee and the AG at the time, now governor, Rob Ferguson said that we voters were confused, pretending as though we hadn't voted at all. One of our County Commisioners supports violent activities and property damage to carry out an agenda, so I surmise that he will not have a problem if his own property is damaged during said activities which he supports via his narrative.
I often see, hear and read the question, "How the hell can they justify their terrible behavior, and then hold their political opposition accountable for the same?"
So I wrote a blog post about it.
It's just one more example. Their "repressive tolerance" pushes leftist chaos by selectively silencing traditional views, all the while pretending to champion fairness.
Thank you for this article. I am having a discussion with Mike French on this very subject and am going to send the link. I don't expect him to alter his marxist thinking, but have to try.
I don't think people believe who exhibit that type of thinking recognize that's what they've been duped into doing. Describing the actions has more impact than labeling the actions, in my experience. Best of luck.
French thinks mail in ballots and elections are secure too. I keep sending the arrests and convictions of voter fraud but he will never admit the system is compromised & cheating is and has been going on. He’s all about double talk.
Very well written and constructed Jason. For anyone who wants to talk to me about politics I'll require they read your article first, and then we can discuss it before I'll be interested in furthering the discussions.
The link is to The WA Office of Drinking Water , "The Consolidation Feasibility Study Grant Application Program Description and Goals" start with pg 1.
"We seek to promotes consolidation of small water systems into larger entities and reduce the number of small water systems that serve fewer than 10,000 people.
We also support the consolidation of Group B systems..and properties served by private wells into a new or an Existing Group A Community water system.
Consolidation is either: 1. physically joining two or more separate water systems or a group of properties served by private wells into an existing Group A water system OR 2. CHANGING OWNERSHIP OF A WATER SYSTEM WHERE THE PROSPECTIVE NEW OWNER IS A PUBLIC ENTITY."
The water committee discussion on May 1st revealed one charter commissioners concern for citizens in the west end who would be paying for the east end of the county. This charter amendment is a vote for county to seize control of all water, its systems and private wells, to increase and implement staggering costs to meet the ODW's regulations.
Thank you, Maureen. This is exactly why the CRC activists are pushing so hard on the water Steward issue. Complete control of the water without the paying public's consent.
Funny thing is that most people paid 10,000 or more for their wells and they expect people to pay monthly fees on those wells. Well I didn’t see them paying for these peoples wells and who’s going to pay for if anything happens to these wells aka pump goes out etc
The reason they have to lie about whether there is someone in charge of the water is because SERN makes all the decisions as the "local integrating agency." As a local and federal agency, they would have to do both a NEPA and SEPA study on their final positions or decisions. This allows them to avoid the shipping emissions and GMA requirements to "centralize economic activity." So to the public "there is no one person deciding water issues," but in reality the LIO (SERN) has decided all of our GMA and land use, water quality, watershed, salmon , floodplain, estuary restoration, shoreline management. I have printed their whole decision making chain.
WATER / WASTE WATER / STORM WATER –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Desired Outcome:
Resilient, efficient, and affordable safe water, wastewater and stormwater services that support
sustainable growth and are equipped for climate change.
Strategies:
1. Coordinate as a region to access funding, such as working with the legislature to increase
the availability of funding, or pooling resources for a shared grant writer, and to invest limited resources strategically.
2. Invest in maintenance, repair, and expansion to meet basic needs and increase resilience to climate change and natural disasters.
3. Invest in increased infrastructure capacity to densify larger communities to prevent sprawl and accommodate a growing population while supporting rural areas with more remote, localized systems.
Key Partners: Local government, county Economic Development Councils, NODC, Department of
Ecology, Public Works Trust Fund
Metrics:
• $ grant funding
• $ low-cost long-term financing
• $ invested in infrastructure and green infrastructure
• # of projects completed and # served by those project
The wa odw website has a link to the water system manual with the requirements for multiple A system classifications. Hundreds of pages and requirements for system planning. Having paid ten grand for your well is a teardrop in the bucket. Cc PUD has advised the CI Comms repeatedly a system they think might cost a million will cost millions. That's just one system. Co control puts us all at risk if we cannot afford to pay for the multiple systems.
Are you listening to the work session this morning? Why aren't we offering hope? Businesses bring jobs, jobs increase citizen productivity which increase self-worth, reducing drug use, reducing mental illness, remove bureaucratic barriers that increase the cost to build housing, reduced costs to build housing reduces cost for citizens to be housed
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:26:39
(Randy Johnson) No, this is really difficult to show you, but… you keep track, I'm sure you do, about successes and success ratio.
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:26:49
(Peninsula Behavioral Health)What do you mean by success, Randy? Well, I mean, so, you know.
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:26:55
(Randy Johnson) Are they able to function in society without using basically whatever that may be. Are they married and have a job you know etc etc i mean you can major a lot of different ways but um Well, let's talk for a minute about what success means. It depends, right?
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:27:17
(Peninsula Behavioral Health) Is success the same thing for Mark as it is for me?
Success would be graduating people to become productive members of society, wouldn’t it? There is nothing in Peninsula Housing Authority about an end game.
The "non-partisan" position overwhelmed by "partisan" commissioners running the progressive handbook play by play.
Not leaders of any type. Just another person who can't explain how a fire can burn timber up to the edge of a river and it can be "beneficial" but when it is harvested for timber it cannot. These people are so full of shit and themselves, they need to wear masks.
John. What do you think of RCW 42.30.060 being applicable to claw back the behind-the-scenes shenanigans? The ballot, water steward, what else?
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=42.30.060
I think I am not "any person" therefore I am. Good luck trying to enforce state laws in this state, I am strictly doing federal grant compliance and federal equal rights cases from now on. I have no property and only have so many cars to sell.
Thanks, again, Jeff. You put things in clear language that we can digest. You often put words to the niggling feelings in the back of my brain - things that set off alarm bells, that I can’t quite put my finger on.
The one item in the survey that I have issues with is the Ranked Choice Voting. I don’t like the idea, probably because I don’t trust our current election system. It’s too easy to manipulate. I might feel differently if we go back to in-person voting with I.d.
You're welcome!
Jeff: Keep barking and don't back up !
Yes sir!
As always Jeff thank you for the information. The information is written that people can understand, short, sweet, and to the point, no hidden wording. There are many points that are greatly concerning to me. These policies need to be noticed by the people. We all need to stand up and fight for our county. Thank you for keeping us all informed and helping fight for a good cause
You're very welcome, Chris.
Chris I agree. People come week after week, stand up and speak, write letters but the many who have done this week after week have not been heard or recognized. It’s the few who show up one time who receive the recognition. Water Steward is a perfect example. The CRC is so obviously political with their agenda brought to the forefront. There is no non-partisanship. Non-partisanship is a cover-up that holds no teeth. As the chair, Fisch, said as she turned her head away, “I’m not trying to silence you”, when infact that is exactly what she has tried to do…..like rioting and destruction is exactly what happened please stop with the lies & double talk. French said what he said…..to further dig his hole he says something to the fact that what he tells friends is different than what he tells everyone else. Typical! I look forward to more and more exposure of the foxes guarding the hen house. Chickens don’t see well in the dark as their attackers sneak up and attack until it’s too late so please keep the lights shining brightly.
I agree completely
I’ve been to some of meetings and have heard you on the audio. To bad more people don’t see what’s happening
Mostly peaceful rioting and destruction though!😎
Jeff, EXCELLENT! You are giving the public the information that we have been seeking for a long time. Manipulation is the correct word. Who likes being told one thing, only to have it applied to the opposite? The continued and cumulative antics of the CRC Executive Board and their allies are wearing on the public to the point of a complete collapse of faith in the CRC. Thank you for your hope that the CRC will survive, but it's fraying on its last thread.
You're welcome!
Really appreciate the potential list Jeff understanding that it's a proposal. I have been most frustrated with the control being exerted on what the CRC dictates the citizens might be allowed to see. Going back to OPMA concepts, the citizens inform the elected, not the other way around.
I can see room to condense a few items because I think they're all part of the same ball of wax. There are two entries for Conflicts of Interest that could be one, recusal and restrictions on outside interests. I think that the most we can reasonably expect is that if there's an issue where a Commissioner, based on yearly disclosure of outside interests, needs to recuse themselves of then 1) it is known so that 2) they can recuse themselves.
Additionally, there are multiple entries related to public engagement and public access to meetings. Again using the OPMA concept, I can see these fall under a single heading related to an informed public informing the elected.
Thank you for the transparency you're trying to bring to the CRC.
You're welcome. Thank you for contributing to a year of a very engaged public.
MK, I went through the list and I agree, it can be condensed, and why would we need to vote on things covered under the Open Public Meeting Act? It already has guidelines that have to be adhered to. It blows my mind that some of the items included aren't in place already. Even the most basic fiduciary contracts (such as HOA's Boards) address conflict of interest, recusals, restrictions, fair bidding etc. are placed in upon inception... I guess it's never too late, but still...IT HAS TAKEN THIS LONG?
Although many are important, and we can only vote on a few, my top ones would be (1) Fair bidding process (2) Transparency in public funds to NGO's Tax increases by voter approval (3) not on list, but as you said, condense the multiple entries (4) Add "American governments" to Intergovernmental Relations.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it ; )
except this state neutered it's OPMA act when they limited it to STATE elected officials.
yes, ethics can deal with the conflicts of interest -- since that is prohibited in the Sunshine Laws, but there is zero enforcement at the county/local level. So, we need to have a way for people to initiate a citizen complaint -- and a board of ethics to review, and decide.
Thanks for the list below. I hope all readers respond and send their priorities to the board today so they will have to defend their actions in response to the public interest.
Here is the email to send your list of priorities:
Loni.Gores@clallamcountywa.gov
Thank you Eric for the link
Sarmiento in her face diaper outside... Really says it all...
NO WONDER OUR STATE, COUNTY & CITIES are dysfunctional! Largest tax hikes in State history! Opposition from public HIGH, they refused to listen to the people….deny deny deny & keep denying even when presented with the evidence & facts, deny……FAFO……
Yep, Washington State voters overwhelmingly supported $30 license tabs who many years ago, yet I just paid $97 for tabs on a 2003 Chevy S-!0? Governor Inslee and the AG at the time, now governor, Rob Ferguson said that we voters were confused, pretending as though we hadn't voted at all. One of our County Commisioners supports violent activities and property damage to carry out an agenda, so I surmise that he will not have a problem if his own property is damaged during said activities which he supports via his narrative.
I often see, hear and read the question, "How the hell can they justify their terrible behavior, and then hold their political opposition accountable for the same?"
So I wrote a blog post about it.
It's just one more example. Their "repressive tolerance" pushes leftist chaos by selectively silencing traditional views, all the while pretending to champion fairness.
Read more if you like: https://followthemath.wordpress.com/2025/05/12/marcuses-marxist-manifesto-how-repressive-tolerance-fuels-leftist-chaos-and-crumbles-societys-core/
Jeff, if it's uncool to post a link, please remove. I just don't want to write it all here in the comments. lol.
It's cool and appreciated!
That was eye-opening, thanks.
Thank you for this article. I am having a discussion with Mike French on this very subject and am going to send the link. I don't expect him to alter his marxist thinking, but have to try.
You're welcome, Eric.
I don't think people believe who exhibit that type of thinking recognize that's what they've been duped into doing. Describing the actions has more impact than labeling the actions, in my experience. Best of luck.
Thanks, I’ll try until I can’t.
French thinks mail in ballots and elections are secure too. I keep sending the arrests and convictions of voter fraud but he will never admit the system is compromised & cheating is and has been going on. He’s all about double talk.
Very well written and constructed Jason. For anyone who wants to talk to me about politics I'll require they read your article first, and then we can discuss it before I'll be interested in furthering the discussions.
That's high praise. Thank you.
I read it and passed it on to Mike French as we are having this discussion now.
I strongly believe the purpose of the water steward can be found at the following link. https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/331-726.pdf
The link is to The WA Office of Drinking Water , "The Consolidation Feasibility Study Grant Application Program Description and Goals" start with pg 1.
"We seek to promotes consolidation of small water systems into larger entities and reduce the number of small water systems that serve fewer than 10,000 people.
We also support the consolidation of Group B systems..and properties served by private wells into a new or an Existing Group A Community water system.
Consolidation is either: 1. physically joining two or more separate water systems or a group of properties served by private wells into an existing Group A water system OR 2. CHANGING OWNERSHIP OF A WATER SYSTEM WHERE THE PROSPECTIVE NEW OWNER IS A PUBLIC ENTITY."
The water committee discussion on May 1st revealed one charter commissioners concern for citizens in the west end who would be paying for the east end of the county. This charter amendment is a vote for county to seize control of all water, its systems and private wells, to increase and implement staggering costs to meet the ODW's regulations.
Thank you, Maureen. This is exactly why the CRC activists are pushing so hard on the water Steward issue. Complete control of the water without the paying public's consent.
It's a good thing my outside voice isn't coming through with what I think of this.
Funny thing is that most people paid 10,000 or more for their wells and they expect people to pay monthly fees on those wells. Well I didn’t see them paying for these peoples wells and who’s going to pay for if anything happens to these wells aka pump goes out etc
Ja, vee vill control you! You vill pay more! Resist and vee arrest you!
Joo vill eat zee bugs und joo vill be hoppy! Orrrr... vee vill keel joo!
W.E.F., etc.🥸
they will first foreclose and seize your personal property if you do not pay.
I agree, but the DOH works with SERN and has worked in a 25 agency "consortium" that includes international players and Tribes.
https://www.straitern.org/aboutus
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60e5d93e4df1565db15c10be/t/66ec66cef9c7f6664afbc72c/1726768846625/Sept+2024+Strait+ERN+Quarterly+Meeting+Agenda_FINAL.docx.pdf
Assisting Local Governments Protect and Improve
Water Quality and Salmon Recovery through Smart
Growth Planning (Opens April 8, 2024
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60e5d93e4df1565db15c10be/t/66198ad5e72a86450c094660/1712949974447/APRIL+2024+Strait+ERN+Quarterly+Meeting+Agenda+DRAFT.docx+%283%29.pdf
Joel Green, Streamkeepers in Clallam County: Wrapped
up winter quarterly monitoring and supporting water
quality for the Dungeness offshore reservoir project.
Monitoring flow at Lower Dungeness project. Ediz Hook
Planting event on March 6, in partnership with Clallam
MRC and Conservation District.
Kim Williams, Clallam Conservation District: Currently
have a robust onsite septic repair system program going
on, and seeing a lot of need for this. In 2024, replaced 9
systems that were total failures leaking into streams and
sound. This is a huge need to support this and find more
funding. CCD water quality and water quantity programs,
continue irrigation efficiency upgrades, converting them
from open ditch to pipe. Buffers for salmon habitat
program and planting season is upon us! 48 acres with
almost 24,000 plants, working with WCC for noxious weed
prep and plantings.
Michael Dawson, Jefferson County: Water quality team
continues its stream and shoreline monitoring for
Discovery Bay and Snow Creek.
Janine Reed, Clallam County: Updating onsite regulations
to coincide with the state WAC. Public Hearing coming up.
No major changes, main things are RV parks and splitting
flows. Hired a water quality specialist, yay! Appreciate
working with Conservation Districts. Been able to disperse
more funds for repairs than ever before, and always
looking for more funding for this (Thanks to Sandra
White!
Susannah Spock, Futurewise: Valley Creek stormwater
park and daylight project, securing stakeholder buy-in
with Port and property owners, and broader Port Angeles
community. Will be doing some water quality testing at
the mouth of Valley Creek in coordination with Surfrider
Foundation. Reach out to Susannah if you’d like to be
involved!
Kim Williams, Clallam Conservation District
- 3 year grant from Ecology Water Quality combined grants
- OSS replacement program - in the middle of replacing 9
total failures that are leaking directly into salmon-bearing
streams, lots of progress and impact with this work for
local water quality!
Michael Dawson, Jefferson County
- Water quality program finishing dry-season sampling and
getting ready for wet-season sampling
- Couple of hot spots in Discovery Bay that we are following
up on
Janine Reed, Clallam County
- Septic Smart Week!
- Rough summer, many staff have had to step up to fill in
gaps
- Process of updating to a new database
- Riverfest September 27!
- Clean Water Herald going out to local homeowners, with
funding from Strait ERN
- Scheduled some septic 101 and 201 coming up
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60e5d93e4df1565db15c10be/t/66f726c45acb6671fa770c48/1727473350087/Sept+2024+Strait+ERN+Quarterly+Meeting_Notes%26NextSteps.docx.pdf
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60e5d93e4df1565db15c10be/t/67b92177c0fd971e3f8c1a04/1740185982728/Jan+2025+Strait+ERN+Quarterly+Meeting+Notes+%26+Resources.docx.pdf
Water water water water...water.
Kim Williams, Clallam Conservation District
- 3 year grant from Ecology Water Quality combined grants
- OSS replacement program - in the middle of replacing 9
total failures that are leaking directly into salmon-bearing
streams, lots of progress and impact with this work for
local water quality!
Water water water water...water.
Water Quantity (surface and groundwater)
● Groundwater (Quantity) Resources – Back in the 1990’s and into the 2000’s we had far more
ambient monitoring of the static water levels and wells of our aquifers by state and federal agencies
than we do today. A couple of examples were noted, including:
5
- Dungeness River Watershed - Clallam County was involved in that effort within the
Dungeness watershed where 15-20 private wells were monitored monthly then later
quarterly and later only 10 wells were sampled. The last report from this effort was
published in 2009. Public wells, like Sequim’s, are still monitored regularly. Also,
whenever a new well is drilled, data is collected in the well logs. WDOEs groundwater
monitoring is minimal. The City of Sequim paid the Pacific Groundwater Group to assess
groundwater supplies and trends for housing and irrigated areas within the Dungeness
Valley, producing a report in 2001. We need ambient groundwater monitoring to
understand what has happened since 2008.
- Elwha River Watershed – Around 2016 or so, the City of Port Angeles became very
concerned about the Elwha as a water source for the city, prompted by so very low water
years to the point that it became physically difficult to withdraw water from the river.
The city hired a consultant to conduct a survey to determine whether other water
sources might be feasible. Due to the geology of the area, the results were not very
encouraging; however, they did not do any drilling to determine groundwater resources
as part of this study. It’s unclear if a report from that work was ever published. Once the
rains seemed to come back in 2017, there seemed to be less concern about water
availability. Right now, the Elwha is the only source of drinking water for the city.
- Chimacum Creek Groundwater Model – In 2013, the USGS Washington Water Science
Center completed a study of projected increases in population and development in
northeastern Jefferson County, Washington, that are expected to lead to increased
groundwater withdrawals in the Chimacum Creek Basin.
● Private Wells – All new wells are now required to be metered (Dungeness watershed?) and you
must purchase a mitigation certificate for outdoor use. Grandfathered wells without meters
could, however, be using a lot of water. Private wells are those that could use less than 5,000
gallons per day to water a half-acre of lawn or garden, but these wells are not monitored, so we
really don’t know actual water usage. The wintertime(?) average usage is estimated to be about
50(?) gallons per day that includes some outside usage. Summer usage might go up to about
100(?) or 120(?) gallons per day. (Note: These estimates need to be confirmed at a later date.)
Washington Water Trust may have a better handle on these estimates.
● Public Water System Planning – What are the population growth projections for our cities, like
Port Angeles, and its implications on water demand? These projections would be a part of our
public water system planning documents, which for Port Angeles, is updated every 10 years (or 6
years?). In the recent past the population of the city has grown less than 1% per year. It’s
unlikely that historical population growth patterns will be a good predictor for the future; we’re
no longer in a steady state. Cities have a pretty good handle on water usage through metering,
which is less than 150 (need to confirm this estimate) gallons per household per day, on average,
for indoor used water.
● Groundwater for Agriculture – Within the Dungeness River watershed there are very few
groundwater rights for agriculture. Some of those groundwater rights are now likely used for
watering more lawns, than gardens, which is not per se “agriculture”.
● Summer Stream Flows – WDOE runs the stream flow monitoring program using USGS stream
gauging stations as their data source. We do need more stream flow monitoring, particularly in
smaller drainages like Chimacum Creek, an important agricultural area, as we do not have a good
picture of these flows. Here, people are trying to farm in what is essentially a cedar bog or
6
wetland. Flooding is also an issue. This watershed would really benefit from a detailed
hydrological study to inform a scientifically informed approach for water needs of and usage by
the community. While in the Dungeness this picture is much clearer, however, we do need to
know how well the future water conservation projects will fill the needs gap within the
watershed, particularly when you compare early September with late September usage by
irrigators. NOSC, Streamkeepers, and the Jefferson Conservation District might also have stream
flow information. So, what we seem to have are isolated pockets of stream flow information that
are not “speaking to each other” and nowhere near the comprehensive and well-integrated body
of information, with all the interests taken into account, that we need to have to plan for climate
change. These water issues, as we know, can become politically charged very quickly.
● Water Rights – WRIA 17, for example, is a closed basin as per the Watershed Plan. With that in
mind, one big data gap, at least in Chimacum Creek, is a lack of understanding of who has water
rights and who doesn’t. We also need to understand who is irrigating and diverting water. USGS
may have conducted a groundwater study for the Chimacum Creek drainage. NOSC and the
Jefferson CD have good working relationships with farmers in the Chimacum and Salmon/Snow
drainages, which might help inform science-based answers to these questions.
● Smaller Drainages – There seems to be a general lack of information, or data gap, around water
quantity issues associated with smaller rain-fed streams on the North Olympic Peninsula.
● Water Storage – To plan for future climate change scenarios (altered hydrology including less
snow and more rain), we need to be able to capture and store water when it’s more abundant for
use during the hotter summer months. It’s important to remember however that water storage
includes both surface water storage as well as aquifer recharge. While we may have water
quantity data gaps, as well as water quality data gaps as discussed below, we do already have a
lot of science behind the storage and other solutions we’re trying to implement in this regard.
What we do need is to better understand what the priorities are for each watershed and
specifically where to do those interventions.
Major Data Gaps or Barriers:
o Comprehensive streamflow and groundwater monitoring, within each drainage basin
regardless of size
o Comprehensive understanding of existing water rights within each drainage basin regardless
of size
o Interjurisdictional population growth projections, preferably by drainage basin or at a
minimum by Watershed Resource Inventory Area (WRIA), that includes climate-migrant
estimates to help understand the implications for future water demand
Water Quality (surface and groundwater)
● Groundwater Quality – Years ago, Clallam County was also involved in water quality testing of
groundwater and found high nitrates in some areas within the Dungeness watershed. This may still
be a concern within the Dungeness watershed and perhaps other areas like around Port Angeles
and Port Townsend where potable water comes from groundwater. Nitrate samples are still taken
as part of the building permit requirements and the results are retained within a database at
Clallam County to watch for hotspots. This work was far more active in years past (1990s), than it is
7
today due to grant funding limitations. After that work the attention shifted more toward
groundwater quantity issues.
● Saltwater Intrusion– With sea level rise and storm surge predictions in mind, what’s known and not
known about saltwater intrusion of drinking water wells for parcels along the marine shoreline?
One way to collect baseline information is to require chloride testing of all new wells, along with
already required nitrate testing. Often however, new wells are drilled deeper to avoid possible
saltwater inundation, which may make it appear like there isn’t a problem. Such testing could,
however, also be conducted on existing shallower wells. While the State does not currently require
chloride testing for saltwater intrusion, counties may be able to require such testing. The last time
this issue was studied was in the 1990s. Sea level rise and storm surges apply pressure to shallow
aquifers leading to possible saltwater intrusion, as well as pollutants from septic systems, entering
drinking water wells.
Water water water water...water.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60e5d93e4df1565db15c10be/t/612fb08013bb5557d377518a/1630515426900/Straits_LIO_Plan_2017-07-11_Final.pdf
Check out "strategy G." looks like water to me..
Non stop liars , grifters and alleged money launderers.
let me add a NEW or existing group a water system, the most stringent of all regulated systems.
The reason they have to lie about whether there is someone in charge of the water is because SERN makes all the decisions as the "local integrating agency." As a local and federal agency, they would have to do both a NEPA and SEPA study on their final positions or decisions. This allows them to avoid the shipping emissions and GMA requirements to "centralize economic activity." So to the public "there is no one person deciding water issues," but in reality the LIO (SERN) has decided all of our GMA and land use, water quality, watershed, salmon , floodplain, estuary restoration, shoreline management. I have printed their whole decision making chain.
WATER / WASTE WATER / STORM WATER –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Desired Outcome:
Resilient, efficient, and affordable safe water, wastewater and stormwater services that support
sustainable growth and are equipped for climate change.
Strategies:
1. Coordinate as a region to access funding, such as working with the legislature to increase
the availability of funding, or pooling resources for a shared grant writer, and to invest limited resources strategically.
2. Invest in maintenance, repair, and expansion to meet basic needs and increase resilience to climate change and natural disasters.
3. Invest in increased infrastructure capacity to densify larger communities to prevent sprawl and accommodate a growing population while supporting rural areas with more remote, localized systems.
Key Partners: Local government, county Economic Development Councils, NODC, Department of
Ecology, Public Works Trust Fund
Metrics:
• $ grant funding
• $ low-cost long-term financing
• $ invested in infrastructure and green infrastructure
• # of projects completed and # served by those project
https://irp.cdnwebsite.com/6c85e905/files/uploaded/North%20Olympic%20Peninsula%20CEDS%202021-25%2010.28.21.pdf
The SEPA and NEPA bypass.
The wa odw website has a link to the water system manual with the requirements for multiple A system classifications. Hundreds of pages and requirements for system planning. Having paid ten grand for your well is a teardrop in the bucket. Cc PUD has advised the CI Comms repeatedly a system they think might cost a million will cost millions. That's just one system. Co control puts us all at risk if we cannot afford to pay for the multiple systems.
Are you listening to the work session this morning? Why aren't we offering hope? Businesses bring jobs, jobs increase citizen productivity which increase self-worth, reducing drug use, reducing mental illness, remove bureaucratic barriers that increase the cost to build housing, reduced costs to build housing reduces cost for citizens to be housed
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:26:39
(Randy Johnson) No, this is really difficult to show you, but… you keep track, I'm sure you do, about successes and success ratio.
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:26:49
(Peninsula Behavioral Health)What do you mean by success, Randy? Well, I mean, so, you know.
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:26:55
(Randy Johnson) Are they able to function in society without using basically whatever that may be. Are they married and have a job you know etc etc i mean you can major a lot of different ways but um Well, let's talk for a minute about what success means. It depends, right?
[BOCC Conference Room] 09:27:17
(Peninsula Behavioral Health) Is success the same thing for Mark as it is for me?
Video Replay
https://clallamcowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3277/media
Success would be graduating people to become productive members of society, wouldn’t it? There is nothing in Peninsula Housing Authority about an end game.
Thanks. I'll listen to the replay for the deets.
More excellent research and writing, thank you, Jeff!
You're welcome :)