Ecology proposes clarifications to shoreline procedural rules

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comments on proposed changes to state procedural rules for managing shorelines.

The proposed rules:

• Define procedures for counties and cities to comply with a legislative requirement to periodically review local shoreline master programs (SMPs) on a repeating eight-year cycle. The first round of reviews are due June 2019.
• Outline a new optional process for amending SMPs that reduces duplication by consolidating local and state comment periods.
• Incorporate recent legislative enactments and adopt other “housekeeping” changes.

Ecology developed the rules with help from a local government sounding board, and held a public comment period on a preliminary draft last summer.

Ecology will accept comments through May 15, 2017. Comments also will be accepted during public hearings in April:

• April 5: 1:30 pm at Ecology’s Headquarters, 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey.
• April 6: 10 am at Ecology’s Northwest Regional Office, 3190 160th Ave. SE, Bellevue.
• April 11: 1:30 pm Spokane Shadle Branch Public Library, 2111 W Wellesley Avenue, Spokane.
• April 13: 10 am at Ecology’s Central Regional Office, 1250 West Alder Street, Union Gap.

The proposed rule and instructions for submitting comments are here.

For information, contact Tim Gates, (360) 407-6522, or email smarulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.