HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994/11/21 - Lower Hood Canal CWD LOWER HOOD CANAL CLEAN WATER DISTRICT
NOVEMBER 21, 1994
ATTENDANCE: Mary L. Faughender, Commissioner
Laura E. Porter, Commissioner
The Lower Hood Canal Clean Water District meeting was called to order at 1:32 p.m. by Cmmr. M. L.
Faughender. Chairperson William O. Hunter had an excused absence.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL: Cmmr. Porter/Faughender moved and seconded to approve the October 17,
1994 minutes as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. F-aye; H-absent; P-aye.
CORRESPONDENCE
None
COUNTY COMMISSIONER ACTION CONCURRENCE
None
SURVEY STATUS REPORT
Mark Tompkins, Program Manager, presented a graph on the planned and actual survey work progression
through the month of October,1994. Completed surveys total 1121. To date there have been 100 failures found.
Repairs completed are 38. There were 306 inspections in October; 22 failures reported; and 14 repairs
completed. They will begin dye testing in November 1994.
A question was raised as to what order are inspections taking place.
Mr.Tompkins noted the watershed is split up into 11 different sections. They are currently performing surveys
in 8 of the 11 sections. The dye testing is being completed along Hood Canal in the Lynch Cove in both North
and South Shore. They will start up Mission Creek into Union River. There will be dye tests for summer
residences along the Canal.
The question was raised as to when they anticipate getting to the plateau.
Mr. Tompkins asked for clarification on the term plateau, whether reference is being made to the uplands.
It was noted they were referring to Belfair Tahuya uplands.
Mr. Tompkins responded they have addressed some upland areas in following up on complaints in the Tiger&
Collins Lake area.
The question was raised specifically about the Maggie Lake and Tee Lake area activity.
A man asked how they will determine when the shellfish ban will be lifted.
Mr. Tompkins replied Washington State Department of Health Shellfish Division will address this. He spoke
with Don Melvin from the state and was advised when there is a prohibited zone the state doesn't perform any
ongoing monitoring until the County has completed enough clean up work in the area where it is prohibited.
The state will then go out and complete three months of sampling. If there are no improvements they won't
continue on with sampling to recertify the shellfish beds.
LOWER HOOD CANAL CLEAN WATER DISTRICT
NOVEMBER 21, 1994 - PAGE 2
The question was raised as to when the state would be asked to begin testing.
Mr. Tompkins noted it would depend on how many systems are being looked at in the prohibitive zone. There
are a lot of summer residents. They anticipate there will be a number failing and they will need to be corrected
before they see any increase. Also, the soils could be contaminated for a while and it isn't determined when the
state will be asked to check the area again.
A question from the floor was raised if the private homeowner decides who will fix the systems that are to be
fixed.
Mr.Tompkins explained Kim Lincoln is on staff and follows up on repairs in the clean water district. A list of
certified contractors are sent and the private homeowner selects their choice. Ms.Lincoln is present to facilitate
repairs.
READERBOARD SIGN
Harry Martin reported the sign is on the County Belfair Annex. It shows the latest figures as of October. The
staff from Maintenance has,done an excellent job.
Cmmr. Faughender asked if it is visible at dark.
Mr. Martin stated it doesn't show too much in the dark.
ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBERS/BYLAWS
Mr. Martin inquired about the status of the appointment of alternate board members and also the by-laws. He
commented there were six applicants and it was understood the Board would select four.
The Board commented they are proceeding to review it. They are intending to pick four out of the six.
Cmmr.Porter believed the Board had resolved the by-laws issue,however, Cmmr. Hunter had asked for a little
more time before the appointments are made.
Gary Day questioned if there is a plan to continue testing beyond the three year period.
Cmmr. Faughender responded it is the intent that all the systems are to be tested by the end of the period.
Cmmr. Porter interjected there is state law which indicates all septic systems must have maintenance and
operation by 2000. It is well recognized throughout the state that without maintenance and operation a
percentage of systems failed. Over time if they are not caught that percentage rises. The result of too high
percentage is the pollution of ground water and surface water. There is anticipation the County will have to
continue some kind of maintenance operation whether through the County staff or whether it is spun off to the
private sector. She personally recommended the County continue some type of maintenance operation to prevent
any future problems.
Mr. Martin commented in the mission statement it notes; a) it must meet the appropriate water quality
standards and b) stable short and long term funding necessary to support these actions.
It would be maintained either by some resolution or ordinance that inspections will be made or some sort of
septic sewer system put in.
LOWER HOOD CANAL CLEAN WATER DISTRICT
l NOVEMBER 21, 1994 - PAGE 3
Cmmr. Porter reiterated the district was formed due to the downgrade because of state law. She added once
there is an upgrade there could be an opportunity for a vote. Also, by the year 2000 there must be some type
of maintenance and operation program for all septic systems in the County.
There is no easy answer in the state and it costs money to monitor the septic systems so the failures are caught
as they are occurring.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:04 p.m. due to no further business.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rebecca S. Rogers
LOWER HOOD CANAL 1EAN WATER DISTRICT
Abser# 1 / 1Y94
William O. Hunter, Chairperson
&4401-
hcnda, Commissioner
Laura E. Porter, Commi1ss'oner