The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) seeks public comment on Carnation’s shoreline master program update.
Upon Ecology’s approval, the locally tailored shoreline program will help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses, and protect the public’s right to public lands and waters.
The shoreline master program proposed by the city will guide construction and development along the city’s two miles of Tolt and Snoqualmie river shoreline. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.
Under Washington’s 1972 voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Carnation’s proposed shoreline program needs review and approval from Ecology before it can take effect. About 220 cities and counties statewide are in the process or soon will be updating their master programs during the next few years.
Ecology will accept public comment on Carnation’s proposed program through 5 p.m., Jan. 6, 2012. Address comments and questions to David Pater, Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, Department of Ecology, 3190 160th Ave. S.E., Bellevue, Wash. 98007 or email david.pater@ecy.wa.gov. His number is 425-649-4253.
Carnation’s proposed shoreline program and related documents can be reviewed at:
• Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office, 3190 160th Ave. SE, Bellevue, by appointment: 425-649-7190.
• Online at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelines/smp/mycomments/carnation.html
• City of Carnation, 4621 Tolt Ave., Carnation. Phone: 425-333-4192.
• City of Carnation website: www.carnationwa.gov/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={CBB9FD65-2A80-4F47-B070-F8D51F07AB46}&DE={4788B708-D2B3-417F-B148-64BF0E65765D}
Ecology may approve the proposed shoreline master program as written, reject it or direct Carnation to modify specific parts. Once approved by Ecology, Carnation’s shoreline program will become part of the state’s overall shoreline master program.
Carnation conducted a two-year, three-month process to develop its shoreline program, involving the collaborative efforts of local interests, including citizens, shoreline property owners and local agencies. The update began with a thorough inventory of existing land-use patterns and environmental conditions, which was used to help identify different shoreline environments and develop the shoreline program’s policies and regulations.
Carnation’s shoreline master program update:
• Incorporates the city’s critical areas regulations, which include fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and frequently flooded areas.
• Recognizes the preservation of existing intact riverside vegetation.
• Establishes 100-115 foot riverside buffers on the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers.
• Sets shoreline stabilization standards that promote more natural, non-structural options.
• Provides a shoreline use and modifications matrix that clearly defines permitted activities.
• Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the river shoreline environment.
• Helps support the broader initiative to protect and restore Puget Sound.
All of Washington’s cities and counties with regulated shorelines are required to update their programs by December 2014. They are following regulations adopted by Ecology in 2003. The regulations resulted from a negotiated settlement between 58 different parties, including business interests, ports, environmental groups, shoreline user groups, cities and counties, Ecology, and the cour
For more information:
Carnation shoreline master program:
Ecology: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelines/smp/mycomments/carnation.html
More about shoreline master programs: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelines/smp/index.html
Our Living Shorelines web portal: www.ecy.wa.gov/livingshorelines/index.html
Ecology’s website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov
Ecology’s social media: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/about/newmedia.html