HomeMy WebLinkAbout62-99 - Ord. Amending County Resource Ordinance ORDINANCE NUMBER 62-99
AMENDMENTS TO THE MASON COUNTY RESOURCEO CE
AN ORDINANCE amending the following sections of the Mason County Resource Ordinance ,
Ordinance 77-93 , as amended : Section 17 . 01 . 080 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas , and Section
17 . 01 . 240 Definitions , under the authority of Chapters 36 . 70 and 36 . 70A RCW .
WHEREAS , the Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on June 8 , 1999 , to
consider the recommendations of the Planning Commission , the Mason County Department of
Community Development and citizens on the proposed amendments ;
WHEREAS , the Mason County Planning Commission formulated its recommendations after a
public hearing on July 14 , 1998 and approved findings of fact ;
WHEREAS , these hearings were duly advertised public hearings ;
WHEREAS , these amendments are intended to comply with the Orders of the Western
Washington Growth Management Hearings Board , Case No . 96-02 -0073 ;
WHEREAS , the Mason County Board of County Commissioners formulated its decision after the
public hearing and has approved findings of fact to support its decision as ATTACHMENT B ;
NOW , THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED , that the Board of County Commissioners
of Mason County hereby approves and ADOPTS the amendments to the Mason County Resource
Ordinance , #77- 93 , as amended , as described by ATTACHMENT A .
DATED this day of , 19990
Board of County Commissioners
Mason County , Washington
ATTEST :
A
nthi D . Olsen , Chair Clerk of the Board
Mary Jo lady , g70mmissiolyt APPROVED AS TO FORM :
6 tM7
7 14
John A . Bolender , Commissioner rr 4Prosing Attorney
ORDINANCE NUMBER = 9
ATTACHMENT A
A new Section 17 . 01 . 080 CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS , which will replace
the existing section :
Section 17 . 01 . 080 CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS
In order to protect the public health and safety, prevent the degradation of ground water aquifers
used for potable water, and to provide for regulations that prevent and control risks to the
degradation of ground water aquifers, the following standards for Mason County are described in
Section 17 . 01 . 080 . Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas are those areas which are determined to
have an important recharging effect on aquifers used as a source for potable water and vulnerable
to contamination from recharge . Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas are areas of special concern and
are subject to the Mason County Health Codes ,
Contents .
A . Classification of Aquifer Recharge Areas
B . Designation
C . Pre- existing Uses
D . Prohibited Uses and Activities
E . Uses Requiring an Environmental Permit
F . Subdivision Standards
G. On- site Septic System Standards
H . Well Head Protection Area - Notice
1 . Standards for an Environmental Permit for the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area
J . BMP Monitoring and Inspection
K . Map Amendments
L . Reclassification of Specific Land Use Activity
M . Reports
N . Public Education/Notice
O . Protection of Private Wells
P . Secondary Containment and Recycling of Hazardous Materials
A . Classification of Aquifer Recharge Areas
1 . Classes . Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas are classified as either Class I (Extremely
Susceptible) , Class II (Highly Susceptible) , Class III (Moderately Susceptible ) or
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 1
Class IV (Low Susceptibility) , as described below .
2 . Methodology. The aquifer classification system and maps were developed by a
qualified geologist in consultation with the Washington Department of Natural
Resources and considering data from the following sources ;
a . Mineral Resources of the Southern Hood Canal Area, Washington; Mackey Smith
and R . J . Carson ; Department of Geology and Earth Resources - Geologic Map
GM-214 1976 .
b . Geology and Related Water Occurrence, Southeastern Mason County,
Washington ; Dee Molenaar and John B . Noble ; Water Supply Bulletin No . 29 ,
Department of Water Resources, State of Washington; 1970 .
c . Geologic Map of the South Half of the Shelton and South Half of the Copalis
Beach Quadrangles Washington; Robert L . Logan ; Washington Division of
Geology an Earth Resources ; Open file Report 87- 9 ; 1987 .
d . Geologic Map of North Central Mason County; R. J . Carson; Department of
Geology and Earth Resources ; Open File Report 76 -2 ; 1976 .
e . Soil Conservation Maps for Mason County Washington; various .
f. Topographic maps for Mason County; various .
g . Water Well records .
Interpretation of these data sources was performed by Geologist Gordon Adams . An
explanation of that interpretation is included in a letter from Gordon Adams dated March
29 , 1999 ,
3 . Standards of Classification .
a. Class I (Extremely Susceptible) . Areas designated as Class I demonstrate
hydrogeologic characteristics that allow for an extremely high susceptibility of an
underground source of drinking water . These areas are identified as recessional
outwash of thickness ' greater than 25 feet . Recessional outwashes are a geological
formation predominantly composed of underground source of drinking water
unconsolidated sands and gravels . These formations exhibit horizontal permeabilities
greater than 30 feet per day (horizontal permeabilities are generally 10 times less
than vertical permeabilities) . Potential contaminants entering an underground source
of drinking water can be expected to travel one mile in six months or less .
b . Class II (Highly Susceptible) . Areas designated as Class II demonstrate hydrogeologic
characteristics that allow for a high susceptibility of an underground source of drinking
water . These areas are identified as recessional outwash and alluvium 25 feet or less in
thickness . These geologic formations are composed of unconsolidated sands and
gravels interlain with discontinuous layers of hardpan and silty clays . Depth to water is
generally 25 to 125 feet below land surface . These formations exhibit horizontal
permeabilities in the range of 30 to 15 feet per day . Potential contaminants entering an
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
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underground source of drinking water can be expected to travel one mile in a time
frame greater than six months and up to one year .
c . Class III (Moderately Susceptible) . Areas designated as Class III demonstrate
hydrogeologic characteristics that allow for a moderate susceptibility of an
underground source of drinking water . These areas are identified as advance outwash .
The geologic formations consist of discontinuous layers of clayey gravel and sand and
layers of silt and clay, which are more continuous and have been compacted into
hardpan . Depth to water is greater than 125 feet below land surface . These formations
exhibit horizontal permeabilities in the range of 15 to 3 feet per day . Potential
contaminants entering an underground source of drinking water can be expect to travel
one mile in a time frame greater than one year and up to five years . Class III areas
include those well head protection areas, not otherwise designated as a Class I, II, or
III critical recharge area, and recorded with the Mason County Department of
Community Development .
d . Class IV (Low Susceptibility) . Areas designated as Class IV demonstrate
hydrogeologic characteristics that allow for a low susceptibility of an underground
source of drinking water . These areas are identified as advance outwash found in the
southwest part of Mason County along the Satsop drainage .
Be Designation
The lands and fresh waters of Mason County meeting the Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
Classification, plus 300 feet beyond the mapped boundary of all Class I, II or III areas, are
hereby designated under RCW Chapter 36 . 70A as Critical Area Protection Zones
requiring protection for public health .
C . Pre- existing Uses
Uses legally existing as of the date of adoption of this ordinance and which are listed under
Sections D . (Prohibited Uses and Activities) or E . (Uses Requiring an Environmental Permit) are
defined to be pre- existing uses . Pre- existing uses may continue operation pursuant to the
following provisions and procedures . The purpose of these provisions is to assure that pre-
existing uses that represent a threat to the aquifer are brought into compliance with the provisions
of this chapter over time and to the highest degree possible . These provisions shall not be
construed to mean that a pre- existing business must cease operations even if the type of business
operates as a prohibited use per section D . below . The following procedures and requirements are
hereby established ;
Upon identification of a legal pre- existing use, the county shall contact the operator and/or owner
in order to develop a compliance plan and time line for bringing the pre- existing use into
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
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compliance to the highest degree practicable and which provides an acceptable low level of risk to
the aquifer .
1 . The County will negotiate with the owner/operator to identify a reasonable time frame
and necessary steps to bring the use into compliance with this chapter .
2 . Technical assistance will be offered the owner/operator by state and\or local personnel
to enable the owner/operator to bring the operation into compliance .
3 . The County will require that a written compliance plan be developed and agreed to by
the owner/operator setting forth the compliance steps that will be taken and the agreed
time frame under which these steps will be completed .
4 . The compliance plan shall be agreed to in a reasonable time as defined by the Director
on a case-by- case basis .
5 . Such compliance plan will take the form of a contract between the County and the
owner/operator .
6 . No expansion of any non- conforming aspect of the use or business activity will be
permitted .
7 . Failure to meet the terms of the contract, including time frames agreed to , shall
constitute a breach of contract subject to all applicable law . If legal action on the part
of the County becomes necessary to enforce the contract, the owner/operator shall be
liable for all legal expenses .
D . Prohibited Uses
The following uses or activities are considered high impact uses due to the probability
and/or potential magnitude of their adverse effects on groundwater and shall be prohibited
in Class I, Class II and Class III Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas .
1 . Landfill
2 . Wood preserving, not fully contained operations
3 . Electroplating
4 . Dry cleaners excluding drop - off only operations
5 . Class V injection wells, but limited to subclasses 5F01 , 5D03 , 51304 , 5W09 ,
5W10 , 5W11 , 5W311 5X13 ; 5X141 5X15 , 5W20 , 5X28 , and 5N24 .
6 . Surface mining operations within designated urban growth areas, or within Class I,
II, or III areas contiguous with the urban growth areas .
7 . Radioactive disposal sites
8 . Outdoor auto wrecking operations
9 . Hazardous waste transfer and treatment
10 . Land spreading disposal sites where disposal is above agronomic rates (as defined
in WAC 173 -304)
11 , Feedlots
12 . Dumping of chemicals into a on- site septic system of a type or quantity that
exceeds the systems designed capacity to treat .
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
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13 . Hazardous waste storage facilities unless accessory to an otherwise permitted use
and approved under State hazardous waste permit .
Eo Uses Requiring an Environmental Permit
The following activities are allowed in Class I, Class II and Class III Aquifer Recharge
Areas after issuance of a Permit per subsection I . below . This requirement is not intended
to apply to schools, colleges, hospitals and other public institutions where the activities are
incidental or accessory to the principal activity . This requirement is not intended to apply
to a home occupation or cottage industry, where the amounts of hazardous materials use
are below the thresholds established and regulated in the Uniform Fire Code . Permit
review shall be by the Administrative Review process specified in section 17 . 01 . 120 ,
l . Chemical Manufacturing
2 . Chemical mixing and remanufacture
3 . Above and below ground storage tanks ad pipes used to contain regulated substances
(see section 17 . 01 . 240)
4 . Facilities that conduct biological research
5 . Boat repair shops
6 . Chemical research facilities
7 . Gasoline service stations
8 . Pipelines (petroleum and chemical transfer)
9 . Printing and publishing operations that use printing liquids
10 . Below ground transformers and capacitors
11 . Sawmills producing over 10 , 000 board feet per day
12 . Solid Waste handling and processing facilities
13 . Vehicle repair, recycling, and auto wrecking activities
14 . Mortuary
15 . Furniture stripping
16 . Motor vehicle service garages
17 . Chemical processing of photographic film
18 . Creosote and asphalt manufacturing and treatment facilities
19 . Golf courses or ranges
20 . Medium quantity generators (of dangerous, acutely hazardous, an toxic extremely
hazardous waste)
21 . Large quantity generators (of dangerous, acutely hazardous, and toxic extremely
hazardous waste)
22 . Activities reclassified as eligible for a Permit after County approval of a request to
reclassify per subsection L .
23 . Fully contained wood preserving operations .
24 . Surface mining operations permitted under general permit by the Washington State
Department of Ecology and not otherwise prohibited per Subsection D .
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
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Fo Subdivision Standards and Evaluation Requirements .
1 . Subdivision, short subdivisions and other divisions of land in areas of special concern
shall be evaluated for their impact on groundwater quality as follows :
a. In urban growth areas, land divisions may be allowed which create lots less than
one acre in size which rely on individual on- site septic systems . Such approvals
shall be conditioned so that the total development allowed within the area to be
divided shall not exceed an average density of one dwelling unit per acre, or an
equivalent waste-water volume, until such development is served by public sewer.
b . In urban growth areas, land divisions may be allowed which create lots less than
one acre in size which rely on a community on- site septic systems . Such approvals
shall be conditioned so that the total development allowed within the area to be
divided shall not exceed an average density of one dwelling unit per acre, or an
equivalent waste-water volume, until such development is served by public sewer .
In addition, said system shall be evaluated to assure that it does not have localized
effects that might have a significant adverse impact on wells or surface water
bodies . Information for the evaluation shall be provided by the applicant in the
form of a Site Evaluation Report as specified in subsection M. 2 .
c . Outside of urban growth areas, subdivisions which provide for clusters of
residential development where the density of the cluster of residential lots exceed
one lot per acre, or where development will rely on a community on- site septic
system, shall be evaluated to assure that they do not have localized effects that
might have a significant adverse impact on wells or surface water bodies .
Information for the evaluation shall be provided by the applicant in the form of a
Site Evaluation Report as specified in subsection M . 2 .
2 . Approval of a permit for 1 . b . or c . above shall be based on a review of the report and
a determination that there are no probable significant adverse impacts to wells,
springs, surface water bodies, or off- site ground water quality .
G. On- site Septic System Standards
1 . The proper operation and maintenance of community or on- site septic systems is
required in the critical aquifer recharge areas . The standards and procedures to be
met to assure this are as set forth in the "Mason County On- Site Sewage Operation
and Maintenance Program" and any subsequent implementing regulations .
Participation in this program is mandatory for existing and new septic systems in the
critical aquifer recharge areas .
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
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2 . New construction
a. New construction which relies on on- site septic systems shall not be allowed to
exceed a density of one dwelling unit per acre, or an equivalent waste-water
volume, except for the development of one dwelling on lots existing or vested by
December 5 , 1996 , where the on- site septic system can comply with all
Environmental Health Department standards . For the purposes of this section, the
sewage flow of one single family dwelling equals one unit volume of sewage
equals 450 gallons per day . An exception to this may be made where a sewage
treatment system or plant is used that processes the effluent so that the total of
contaminants is equivalent to or less than that which would be produced by one
dwelling unit per acre in suitable soils using individual on- site septic systems . The
intensity of non-residential development that is allowed in compliance with this
standard shall be calculated from Table 1 . Alternative calculations for activities
not included in Table 1 may be proposed, but the calculation method and
conclusions must be approved by the County Environmental Health Department .
b . Where such development relies on a new on- site sewage treatment plant or other
new on- site community septic system, said plant or system shall not have
localized affects that might have a significant adverse impact on wells or surface
water bodies . Information for the evaluation shall be provided by the applicant in
the form of a Site Evaluation Report as specified in subsection M . 2 . Approval of
a permit shall be based on a review of the report and a determination that there
are no probable significant adverse impacts to wells, springs, surface water
bodies, or off- site ground water quality .
3 . All new development within the designated urban growth areas, except for single-
family residences built prior to the opportunity to connect to a public sewer system,
shall be required to connect to existing public sewer systems, or to proposed public
sewer systems as soon as connection is available .
H. Well Head Protection Area - Notice
Within well head protection areas, in addition to any other notice requirements, notice
shall be provided to the manager of said area for any applications for an Environmental
Permit for the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area or for any long subdivisions .
L Standards for an Environmental Permit for the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area
To receive an Environmental Permit to operate in the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area an
applicant must;
1 . Implement Best Management Practices (BMP) , implement the Washington State
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 7
Department of Ecology ' s Storm Water, Water Quality, Hazardous Waste, Wetland,
and Solid Waste Program BMP and BMP from the Departments of Health,
Agriculture, Transportation, and State Conservation District Office, or
2 . Demonstrate through a Best Management Practices Report pursuant to subsection
M. 1 . below, how they will integrate other necessary and appropriate mitigating
measures in the design, installation, and management of the proposed facility or use,
and
3 . Provide a written agreement to the County providing that all employees at the site
will be notified that the operation lies above an aquifer recharge area and providing
annual training regarding all measures set forth by the BMP established in subsection
I . 1 or 2 above .
J. BMP Monitoring and Inspection .
To assure that Best Management Practices are implemented and maintained over time, the
following procedures and requirements are hereby established :
1 . The county will maintain a data-base identifying all pre- existing prohibited uses or
uses requiring a permit under the provisions of this section . Information for this
purpose will be gathered from applicants for development permits and by consultation
with appropriate state agencies . During pre-application meetings or on application,
the county will require applicants to identify if they are required to have a hazardous
waste identification number by the Washington State Department of Ecology and
whether they generate any hazardous waste as defined under WAC 173 -303 .
2 . Inspection and monitoring procedures .
As a condition of approval, regular inspections for compliance will be required as
appropriate to the activity, but not less than once in two years . The first inspection
shall be made within 3 months of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the
project .
K. Map Amendments
Applicants may seek to have the Aquifer Recharge Map amended as it pertains to the
parcel or parcels for which they are applying . The application will be for a conditional
environmental permit . This may be granted after the applicant demonstrates to the
satisfaction of the county that site conditions meet the standards of classification per
subsection C . for the Aquifer Area Class sought .
Such demonstration shall be accomplished by providing a Map Amendment Report per
subsection M . 2 . to the county . The County shall evaluate the Report and make a written
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 8
determination as to whether the map will be amended . Approval of the map amendment
requires that, based on the best available science, the site does not qualify as a critical
aquifer recharge area, or qualifies as a different class designation from its current
designation, as applied by the County pursuant to the Growth Management Act .
The report shall be reviewed by the County in conjunction with the underlying permit
process, if any exists . The review process shall be a public review as specified in
subsection 17 . 01 . 120 E . 2 . b . The County may consult with the Mason County Health
Department, State of Washington Department of Health, independent reviewer, or any
other parties it sees fit . The County will review the report with consideration of the level
of science that currently exists and was employed to make the map designation being
challenged . The applicant will not be required to provide information and/or analysis in
excess of that required to convince the County that a map change is warranted .
In addition, the County will re- assess all Map Amendment Reports and all other pertinent
information received on a periodic basis and consider other appropriate map amendments
on the basis of this increased information .
Le Reclassification of Specific Land Use Activity
Applicants may seek to have the use for which they are applying able to receive a Aquifer
Areas Protection Permit per subsection E . This may be granted after the applicant
demonstrates to the satisfaction of the County, that the use proposed applies new
technologies and/or procedures, not traditional to the industry, that reduce the threat to
the aquifer beyond that posed by the traditional technologies and/or procedures to a
degree that the County determines will justify the reclassification .
Such demonstration shall be accomplished by providing an Activity Reclassification
Report per subsection M . 3 . to the County . The County shall evaluate the Report and
make a written determination as to whether the individual proposed land use will be
recategorized . Review of the application shall be a public review as provided in section
17 , 01 , 120 2 . b .
Reclassification of a land use shall apply only to the particular use for which the
reclassification is sought and shall not be applied to all or any similar uses .
In addition, the County will re- assess all Reports received pursuant to this chapter and all
other pertinent information received on a periodic basis and consider the other changes in
the categorization of land uses in this chapter on the basis of this increased information .
me Reports
1 . Best Management Practices (BMP) Report - criteria. The following criteria shall
apply when preparing a Best Management Practices (BMP) report :
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 9
a . The report shall be prepared by, or done under the direction of and designed by, a
qualified person with demonstrated expertise in the industry or field as
demonstrated by a statement of qualifications and at least three references from
parties familiar with common business practices in the subject field or known
expertise in the field .
b . The report will identify appropriate Best Management Practices by specifying all
known and available reasonable technologies and how they will be employed to
prevent degradation of groundwater . All necessary technical data, drawings,
calculations, and other information to describe application of the BMP must be
supplied .
c . The report will identify how the applicant will satisfy the requirements of the
Dangerous Waste Regulations, chapter 173 - 303 WAC in the event that hazardous
material is released into the ground or ground water .
d . The report will be reviewed by the Department of Community Development or a
consultant hired by the County, at the applicant ' s expense, for this review . The
County may consult with the Mason County Environmental Health Department;
State of Washington Departments of Health or Ecology, independent reviewer, or
any other parties it sees fit .
2 . Map Amendment Report/ Site Evaluation Report - criteria . the following criteria
shall apply when preparing a Map Amendment Report/ Site Evaluation Report :
a . A qualified groundwater professional will make a determination whether the
proposed map amendment or project application will have adverse impacts on
groundwater based on the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the
Wellhead Protection Program, pursuant to Public Water Supplies, Chapter 246 -
290 WAC ; Water Quality Standards for ground waters of the state of
Washington, Chapter 173 -200 WAC ; and Dangerous Waste regulations , Chapter
173 -303 WAC . Those chapters of Washington Administrative Code are hereby
adopted , as written or hereafter amended, as part of this chapter by reference .
They are available at County offices .
b . Map Amendment Report/ Site Evaluation Reports shall include the following :
i . Identification of features of the proposed development plan (e . g . , on- site
septic systems and other on- site activities) that may adversely impact ground
water quality underlying or down gradient of the project or project area .
ii . Drawing in an appropriate scale showing location of abandoned and active
wells, springs, and surface water bodies within 1 , 000 feet of the project
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 10
limits .
iii . A description of the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the subject
property sufficient to justify the map amendment sought . This information
may include any or all of the following :
(a) Lithologic characteristics and stratigraphic relationships ;
(b) Aquifer characteristics including recharge and discharge areas, depth
to ground water, static water flow patterns, and estimated
groundwater flow velocity;
(c) Contaminant rate and transport including probable migration pathways
and travel time of a potential contaminant release from a site through
the unsaturated zone to the aquifer( s) and through the aquifers(s) , and
how contaminants) may be attenuated within the unsaturated zone
and the aquifer(s) ;
(d) Appropriate hydro geologic cross sections which depict lithology,
stratigraphy, aquifer, units, potential or probable contaminant
pathways from a chemical release, and rate of groundwater flow; and
(e) Existing groundwater quality, proposal for a groundwater monitoring
plan to detect changes and indicate the corrective actions that will be
taken if monitoring results indicate contaminants from the site have
entered the underlying aquifer( s) .
(f) Existing soils types and characteristics
(g) A discussion of the probable geologic history of the site and its impact
on aquifer formation, soils conditions, and aquifer susceptibility .
3 . Activity Reclassification Report - preparation and review criteria . The following
criteria shall apply when preparing an Activity Reclassification Report :
a . The report shall be prepared by, or done under the direction of and signed by, a
qualified person with demonstrated expertise in the industry or field as
demonstrated by a statement of qualifications and at least three references from
parties familiar with common business practices in the subject field or known
expertise in the field .
b . The report shall contain a complete description of the activity for which
reclassification is being sought . This description shall include all necessary
technical data for the County to assess potential threat to the aquifer from an
unmitigated operation; including chemicals and substances used, byproducts
produced, etc .
c . The report shall present Best Management Practices and/or mitigation techniques
adequate to insure, to the satisfaction of the County, that the activity or land use
for which reclassification is sought will present no greater threat to groundwater
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 11
quality than other uses listed in this ordinance in the category being sought . The
burden is on the applicant to make this showing sufficient in the eyes of the
County to reclassify the use . The report will include all technical data necessary,
design drawings, specifications for equipment used, performance data on
equipment or structures, and any evidence or testimony of successful operation of
same or similar facilities and practices in other locations .
d . The report will demonstrate to the satisfaction of the County that reclassification
of a land use will have no adverse impacts on groundwater based on the
requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Wellhead Protection
Program, pursuant to Public Water Supplies, Chapter 246 -290 WAC ; Water
Quality Standards for Ground Waters of the State of Washington, Chapter 173 -
200 WAC : and Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173 - 303 WAC . Those
chapters of Washington Administrative Code are hereby adopted, as written or
hereafter amended, as part of this chapter by reference . They are available at
Department of Community Development offices .
e . The report will be reviewed by the Department of Community Development . The
County may consult with the Mason County Health Department; State of
Washington Departments of Health or Ecology, independent reviewer, or any
other parties it sees fit .
N. Public Education/Notice
I . The household or commercial use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers not in
conformance with the manufacturers instructions/label directions is a violation of
state and/or federal regulation. Improper disposal of oil based paints, paint thinners
and other hazardous materials is a violation of the Mason County Solid Waste
Regulation and of state and/or federal regulation . The county encourages proper use
of such materials and shall provide educational information to the public through its
sponsorship of the Washington State Cooperative Extension Service, the Mason
Conservation District, or through the provision of informational materials in its
offices .
2 . Notification :
a . Title Notification
The owner of any site within a designated Critical Aquifer Recharge Area as
identified in the Mason County Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas Map , on which a
development proposal is submitted, shall record a notice with the Mason County
Auditor . The notice shall indicate in the public record the presence of a critical
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 12
aquifer recharge area, the application of this Chapter to the site, and that
limitations on regulated activities may exist . Only one such notice is required to
be made on any individual property or lot . The notice shall be as set forth below .
"Notice : This site lies within a critical aquifer recharge area as defined by Chapter
8 , Mason County Code . The site was the subject of a development proposal for
application number filed on
(date) . Restrictions on use or alteration of the site may exist due to
natural conditions of the site and resulting regulation . Review of such application
provides information on the location of a critical aquifer recharge area and the
restrictions on the site . A copy of the plan showing the aquifer recharge area is
attached hereto .
b . Plat Notification
For all proposed short subdivision and subdivision proposals within Critical
Aquifer Recharge Areas, the applicant shall include a note on the face of the plat .
The note shall be as set forth below :
"Notice : This site lies within a critical aquifer recharge area as defined by Chapter
8 , Mason County Code . The site was the subject of a development proposal for
application number Filed on
(date) . Restrictions on use or alteration of the site may exist due to
natural conditions of the site and resulting regulation .
The note shall be recorded as part of final plat approval of any short subdivision
or subdivision .
c . Evidence of recording of these notices must be provided to the County.
O . Protection of Private Wells
Generators of hazardous materials are hereby defined as a known or suspected source of
contamination per state law . No small, medium, or large quantity generators of hazardous
materials shall be permitted to locate within 100 feet of any water well per the provisions of WAC
173 - 160 - 171 or its successors . This requirement applies to all portions of the County.
P . Secondary Containment of Recycling of Hazardous Materials
The following practices and procedures shall be observed throughout the County :
1 . Moderate risk waste and petroleum products, including but not limited to oil and
grease, shall be disposed of by recycling or use of a hazardous waste management
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 13
facility operating under interim status or with a permit issued by EPA or an
authorized state . No person shall intentionally or negligently dump or deposit or
permit the dumping or depositing of any such waste in any other manner, including
onto the surface of the ground, into surface water, or into ground water .
2 . Moderate risk waste, petroleum products, and hazardous materials shall be kept in
containers and shall be stored in such a manner and location that if a container is
ruptured, the contents will not discharge, flow, be washed or fall into surface water or
ground water . This is not intended to supersede any regulations as stated in the Fire
Code .
The following are proposed amendments to Section 17 . 01 . 240 Definitions :
(revised definition)
Aquifer : a groundwater-bearing geologic formation or formations that contain enough saturated
permeable material to yield significant quantities of water to wells or springs (source : Chapter
173400 WAC) .
(revised definition)
Best Management Practices : those physical , structural , and managerial practices, and
prohibitions of practices, that when used singly, or in combination, can prevent pollution to
groundwater and surface water. (source : Stormwater Program Guidance Manual for the Puget
Sound Basin, Volumes I and 2, # 92 -32 and 92 - 33, WDEO, 1992) .
(new definition)
Class V Injection Well : a drywell used for collection of stormwater (source : Federal register,
Monday, August 28, 1995, Volume 60, No. 166, Part IV, Environmental Protection Agency .40
CFR, Part 144 and 146, Table 1, Categories of Class V Injection Wells, page 44653) . A Class I
injection well is a well used for injection of industrial, commercial, or municipal waste fluids . A
Class II injection well is a well used in natural gas and oil exploration or production . A Class III
injection well is a well used for extraction of minerals . A Class IV injection well is a well used for
injection of dangerous waste or radioactive waste fluids . Class V wells are commonly known as
drywells .
(new definition)
Dangerous Waste : solid waste designated in Chapter 173 -303 -070 through 130 WAC as
dangerous or extremely hazardous waste . . . the word " dangerous waste" will refer to the full
universe of wastes regulated by Chapter 173 - 303 (including dangerous and extremely hazardous
waste) .
(revised definition)
Feedlot : an outdoor enclosure where livestock is confined or fed for the purpose of fattening for
market for more than 45 days a year and where no crops, forage, or post-harvest residues are
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 14
sustained during the normal growth season . This definition is not intended to apply where fewer
than five ( 5 ) livestock are kept on the site .
(neiv definition)
Groundwater : water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the surface of the land or below a
surface water body (source : Chapter 173-200- 020 WAC) .
(revised definition)
Hazardous Materials or hazardous substance(s) : such materials as flammable solids ; corrosive
liquids ; radioactive material ; oxidizing material ; highly toxic material ; poisonous gases ; reactive
material , unstable material ; hyperbolic material ; pyrophoric material as defined in Article 2 of the
Uniform Fire Code; and substances, or mixtures of substances, that are an irritant or strong
sensitizer or which generate pressure through exposure to heat, decomposition, or other means .
Hazardous substances shall also mean Hazardous waste as designated in Chapter 173 -303 WAC
as dangerous or extremely hazardous waste . Hazardous substances also means any dangerous
waste or extremely dangerous waste as defined in chapter 70 . 105 . 010 ( 5 ) and (6) RCW, or any
dangerous or extremely dangerous waste as designated by rule under 70 . 105 RCW; and
hazardous substance as defined in Chapter 70 . 105 . 010 ( 14) RCW or any hazardous substance as
defined by rules under chapter 70 . 105 RCW ; and substance that, on the effective date of this
ordinance, is a hazardous substance under section 101 ( 14) of the Federal Cleanup Law, 42
U . S . C . , Section 9601 ( 14) ; petroleum products ; and any substance or category of substances
including solid waste decomposition products, determined by WDOE ' s director to present a
threat to human health or the environment if released into the environment . The term hazardous
substances does not include crude oil or any fraction thereof or petroleum provided that such are
contained in an underground storage tank from which there is no release of material and provided
that the tank is in compliance with all applicable Federal , State, and local law .
(revised definition)
Landfill : a disposal facility or part of a disposal facility at which solid and demolition waste is
permanently placed in or on the land that is not a land spreading disposal facility (source : Chapter
173 - 304 WAC) . In addition, landfills means all continuous land and structures and other
improvements on the land used for the disposal of solid waste, pursuant to Chapter 173 -3 51
WAC .
(new definition)
Large Quantity Generators : those businesses which generate more than 2 , 200 pounds of
dangerous waste per month . They accumulate more than 2 , 200 pounds of dangerous waste at
any time . They generate and accumulate ore than 2 . 2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste or toxic
extremely hazardous waste .
(new definition)
Medium Quantity Generators : those businesses that generate more than 220 pounds, but less
than 2 , 200 pounds of dangerous waste per month . They are limited to the accumulation of less
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 15
than 2 , 200 pounds of waste at any time . They are limited to the generation of, and accumulation
of, less than 2 . 2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste or toxic extremely hazardous waste .
(new definition)
Moderate Risk Waste : means those two types of hazardous wastes : 1 ) Hazardous waste
generated by households, called household hazardous waste; and 2) hazardous wast generated by
businesses in amounts less than the quantity exclusion limit established in chapter 173 - 303 - 071
through 173 - 303 - 103 WAC , which is most commonly 220 pounds per month or batch, called
small quantity generator waste .
(new definition)
Qualified Groundwater Professional : a hydrologist, geologist, engineer, or other scientist
whom meets all of the following criteria :
A . Has received a baccalaureate degree or post graduate degree in the natural sciences
or engineering; and
B . Has sufficient training and experience in groundwater hydrology and related fields as
may be demonstrated by state registration, professional certifications, or completion
of accredited university programs that enable that individual to make sound
professional judgements regarding groundwater vulnerability .
(new definition)
Small Quantity Generators : means those businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of
dangerous waste per month . They are limited to the accumulation of less than 2 , 200 pounds of
waste at any time . They are limited to that accumulation of less than 2 . 2 pounds of acutely
hazardous waste or toxic extremely hazardous waste . (see WAC 173 -303 - 070 ( 8 ))
(new definition)
Solid waste : all putrescrible and non-putrescrible solid or semi- solid wastes including, but not
limited to , garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial waste, swill, demolition and construction waste,
abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, and discarded commodities . This includes all liquid, solid,
and semi - solid, materials that are not the primary products of public, private, industrial,
commercial, mining, and agricultural operations . Solid waste includes, but is not limited to ,
sludge from waste water treatment plants and seepage, septic tanks, wood waste, dangerous
waste, and problem wastes (source : Chapter 173 -304-100 WAC) .
(revision of "Surface Mining ")
Surface Mining Operations : the mining of rock, stone, gravel, sand, earth and minerals, as
regulated by the Washington Department of Natural Resources pursuant to Chapter 78 . 44 , RCW .
(new definition)
Underground storage tanks (UST) : or "Below ground storage tanks" are underground storage
tanks and connecting underground piping as defined in the rules adopted under Chapter 90 . 76
RCW, or any one or combination of tanks (including underground pipes connected thereto) that is
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 16
used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances, the volume of which (including the
volume of underground pipes connected thereto) is ten percent or more beneath the surface of the
ground . This term does not include any exempt UST systems specified in WAC 173 - 360 - 110 (2) .
(b) Exemptions . The following UST systems , including any piping connected thereto , are
exempt from the definition :
(i) Any UST system holding hazardous waste subject to Subtitle c of the Federal
Solid Waste Disposal Act, or a mixture of such hazardous waste and other regulated substances .
(ii) Any wastewater treatment tank system that is part of a wastewater treatment
facility regulated under Section 402 or 307 (b) of the Clean Water Act,
(iii) Equipment or machinery that contains regulated substances for operational
purposes such as hydraulic lift tanks, and electrical equipment tanks .
(iv) Any UST system whose capacity is one hundred gallons or less .
(v) Any UST system that contains a de minimus concentration of regulated
substances .
(vi) Any emergency spill or overflow containment UST system that is expeditiously
emptied after use .
(vii) Farm or residential UST systems of one thousand one hundred ( 1 , 100) gallons
or less capacity used for storing motor fuel for noncommercial purposes (i . e . not for resale) .
(viii) UST systems used for storage of heating oil for consumptive use on the
premises where stored ; except that such systems which store in excess of one thousand one
hundred ( 1 , 100) gallons are subject to release reporting requirements of WAC 173 -360 -372 .
(ix) Septic tanks .
(x) Any pipeline facility (including gathering lines) regulated under :
(A) The Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U . S . C . App . 1671 , et seq . ) ; or
(B ) The Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 (49 U. S . C . App 2001 , et Seq . ) ; or
(C) Which is an intrastate pipeline facility regulated under state laws comparable to the provision
of the law referred to in (x) (A) or (B ) of this subsection .
(xi) Surface impoundments, pits, ponds, and lagoons .
(xii) Storm water or wastewater collection systems .
(xiii) Flow-through processing tanks .
(xiv) Liquid traps or associated gathering lines directly related to oil or gas
production and gathering operations .
(xv) Storage tanks situated in an underground area ( such as a basement, cellar, vault,
mineworking drift, shaft, or tunnel) if the storage tank is situated upon or above the surface of the
floor .
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 17
MASON COUNTY RESOURCE ORDINANCE
CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE
, SECTION 17a ®
TABLE 080
TYPE OF FACILITY DESIGN UNITS FLOW ( PD)
Airports per employee, add 10
per passenger 400
Banquet rooms per seat 5
Barber and beauty shops per chair 100
Bowling alleys (bar and food) per lane 125
Bowling alleys (bar only) per lane 75
Campgrounds with no laundry, no wet sewer per camp site 50
hookups or dump station
Campgrounds/RV park, with toilets per camp site 75
Campgrounds/RV park, showers, toilets, per camp site 100
laundry, sewer hookup
Church - food service, 4-hour per person 5 ,
Church - no food, 4-hour per person 3
Community College per student & faculty, 15
12-hours
Country_ club - includes food, showers, lounge per member, 50
add per non-member 25
Day Care Centers, 12-hour per person 20
Dentist office per dentist, add 250
per wet chair 200
Doctor office per doctor 250
Doctor office, in medical center per 1000 sq ft, 12-hours 500
Food Service and Bars
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 18
TYPE 0F FACILITY SIN ( P )
Ordinarya. restaurant per seat 50
. 24-hour restaurant per seat 75
c. Bar and cocktail lounge per seat 30
d. Drive-in restaurant pet- car space 75
e. Bar only, no food per seat 10
f. Coffee shop, 6 hour operation per seat 6
Hospital per bed 300
Hospital - mental per bed and 172
per employee 11
Hotels and motels, rooms only per room 130
Industrial building, excluding cafeteria and per employee/ 8 hour 17
process waste shift
Industrial, add for Cafeteria per employee 13
Laundries, self serve, 16-hour per machine 400
Meeting rooms per seat 3
Mobile home parks per space 300
Nursing hom&rest home per bed 200
Office building per worker 20
Parks - toilets per person 10
Parks - toilets & showers per person 20
Prison per resident, add 159
per employee 16
Resort camps, cottages per room 100
Rooming house per resident 50
Schools, no food or showers per student 10
Schools, add for cafeterias per student 5
MMMORNINE
Schools, add for showers per student 5
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 19
TYPE OF FACELM DESIGN ( P
Schools, boarding per student 75
F HP
Service station - pumps per island, add 500
per employee 25
Service stations - repair for first bay, add 1000
each additional bay 500
Shopping centers, 12-hour per 1000 sq ft floor 300
space
Stadiums, race tracks, ball parks per seat 3
Stores, without food service
a. Private toilets, for employees only per employee 20
b . Public toilets per toilet room 400
Theaters
a. Indoor, auditoriums, 12-hour per seat 5
b . Outdoor, drive-ins, 4-hour per space 5
Sources ; WA DOE, Criteria for Sewage Works Design; State of Florida, Dept. of Environmental
Regulation, Technical Information Memorandum 6 . 2 . 1 ; WA DOE, Large On- Site Sewage
Guidelines ; US EPA, Design Manual, Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems .
MASON COUNTY CRITICAL AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
PAGE 20
ORDINANCE , NU62 =99
ATTACHMENT
Mason County Board of County Commissioners
June 22 , 199
FINDINGS OF FACT
1 .
Under consideration is a proposal to amend the critical aquifer recharge area
protections of the Mason County Resource Ordinance .
2 .
The proposal is modeled after the City of Shelton aquifer protection ordinance and the
Washington Department of Ecology Model Ordinance , and based on the analysis of the
Mason County Department of Community as contained in the Issue Paper - Mason
County Interim Resource Ordinance Review Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas , and the
work of the Aquifer Recharge Ordinance Study Group . The revisions were intended to
bring the regulations into compliance with the Growth Management Act and provide
consistency with the City of Shelton ' s regulations .
3 .
During the review process of the county draft , the Western Washington Growth
Management Hearings Board review the City of Shelton ' s regulations and found it in
compliance with the Growth Management Act , except for three issues . These issues
were :
• that a moderately critical recharge area was discussed in the record , but was not
designated or protected ,
• that existing uses were grand fathered and not required to comply with the
ordinance , and
• that on -going monitoring and enforcement of compliance with the conditions of
approval were not required .
4 .
Subsequent to the order of the Hearings Board , amendments were developed to
respond to the issues identified in the order .
5 .
Critical Aquifer Area Designations : Discussion
Since the original mapping of critical areas in 1993 , research had continued on this
issue , and new information had been gathered . The areas currently shown on
reference maps as the aquifer recharge critical areas were mapped by Gordon Adams
in consultation with the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of
Ecology . Documentation is provided in the letter from Mr . Adams , dated March 29 ,
Findings of Fact - June 22 , 1999
Page 2
1999 . In addition to the Class I and Class II areas which had be previously identified ,
new information has allowed for the mapping of a Class III area for areas of moderate
susceptibility , and a Class IV for areas of low susceptibility , but still needing some
protection . Other parts of the county were reviewed and found to be non -critical areas
( NC on the maps ) . Mr . Adams is a geologist . In making his recommendations , he
applied best available science , all information available , the CTED minimum guidelines
to classify critical areas ( Chapter 365 - 190 WAC ) , and the guidance document from
DOE . Those consulted included Kirk Cook , the principal author of the DOE guidance
document . The recommendations of Mr . Adams were incorporated unchanged into the
proposed ordinance and maps .
Critical Aquifer Area Designations , Finding
The proposed maps of critical aquifer areas identify those areas in Mason County
which should be designated and protected as critical aquifer recharge areas , using
available information and best available science .
6 .
Grand -fathered Uses : Discussion
Recent court decisions have confirmed the authority of local governments to regulate
existing business , uses , or activities when the continuation of such activities pose a
specific threat to public health and safety . The previous county and city ordinances
allowed existing activities to continue in operation without review and the Hearings
Board identified this as a failure to adequately protect the critical area . In place of this
exemption , the proposal regulates these " pre -existing " uses and activities and requires
a review of the activity and upgrading of the activity as necessary and reasonable to
protect the public and the critical area . The county will work with the pre-existing uses
to apply best management practices and the county will monitor compliance .
Grand -fathered Uses : Finding
The new section in the ordinance , C . Pre -existing Uses , and related changes
adequately protect the critical area and public health from the potential threat of
existing uses and activities .
7 .
Monitoring and Enforcement : Discussion
In the Hearings Board decision on the City of Shelton ' s CARA ordinance , two related
problems were identified when using best management practices to allow potentially
harmful activities in a critical area : monitoring and enforcement . Although the City of
Shelton ' s CARA regulations apparently did not include an enforcement provision , the
county' s CARA regulations are a part of its Resource Ordinance and does have
enforcement provisions in Section 17 . 01 . 200 . The current draft has added provisions in
Section 17 , 01 , 080 J . BMP Monitoring and Inspection , for the monitoring of a permit
Findings of Fact - June 22 , 1999
Page 3
holder' s implementation of the best management practices . In the advisory committee
work leading up to this draft , it was determined that the state does have an educational
and inspection program that assists and periodically inspects users of hazardous
materials , as regulated by the state . However , it was also determined that the state
inspectors could not be relied upon to inspect and correct issues that might be unique
to the permit issued by the city or county . Inspection by the county as provided in the
proposal is intended to address this issue .
Monitoring and Enforcement : Finding
The addition of requirements for monitoring of best management practices ( BMP ) and
the existing enforcement mechanisms address in a reasonable and effective way the
problems that might result from a reliance on the implementation of BMP for protection
of the CARA .
8 .
Special County Provisions : Discussion
Some proposed county regulations are different than those contained in the City of
Shelton ordinance . This was found necessary to address rural uses , development in
the urban area where sewer services are not yet available , and development which is
not expected to be served by urban services . To address these cases the following
subsections are included : F . Subdivision Standards and Evaluation Requirements , G .
On - site Septic System Standards , and H . Well Head Protection Area - Notice .
Subsection H provides for notices to be provided to the managers of larger water
systems so that they are informed of proposals for uses that potentially might impact
their systems . The intention of this provision it to involve interested parties to ensure
that proper safeguards are in place .
Subsections F . a . and b , are intended to provide that the density of development reliant
on on -site septic is kept to kept to a density that will not cause cumulative impacts to
the aquifer . A density limit of one residential unit per acre was identified by the DOE
and in other information as acceptable for the development of the CARA . Subsections
F . b and c provide that subdivisions do not have significant local impacts . This is
intended to address site specific impacts that may occur before the effluent has time to
mix with the aquifer, rather than any cumulative impact on the aquifer . This provision
will address impact on a nearby well or stream .
Subsection G . 1 . provides for proper operation and maintenance of septic systems .
Subsection B . 2 . limits the density and intensity of use in urban areas as well as
elsewhere in the county to prevent a cumulative impact to the aquifer from septic
systems . While it does allow existing lots to develop one dwelling even if the lot is less
Findings of Fact - June 22 , 1999
Page 4
than one acre , such development must meet all other health department standards .
Because of the large size of the aquifers and the relative few lots under an acre in the
CARA , it was judged that there would not be a significant cumulative impact on the
aquifer from this exception . The intensity of non - residential uses is controlled by
establishing a unit volume of waste water flow that would provide the same level of
protection to the aquifer as the residential density limit .
Special County Provisions : Finding
The proposal contains appropriate regulations to control development which relies on
individual on -site drainfields or small systems and will prevent significant cumulative
impacts to the CARA .
9 .
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 14 , 1998 , and considered the
testimony given along with the record before it . The Commission then adopted findings
of fact and approved a recommendation for adoption of the proposal to be sent forward
to the Board of County Commissioners .
10 .
The proposal is consistent with and balances the goals of the Growth Management Act .
The proposal is consistent with and implements the Mason County Comprehensive
Plan . This is shown by regulations which should be adequate to protect the critical
aquifer recharge area and the environment . Yet the regulations are crafted to be
predictable and flexible , to not restrict the use of property more than necessary , and to
not impact economic development more than necessary .
From the preceding findings , it is concluded that the amendments should be adopted .
oti
Chair , M on County Board of Commissioners
2 ' 1C
Date