This Topic: Sewers

[Steve Shapiro]

I got a call from Spencer Webster at the SW Record last week. He asked me to comment on the $260,000 sewer hook up fee for Island Athletic Club. I said I thought that amount was "absurd." It turns out that it's not only absurd, it's inaccurate. That amount was taken from a DRAFT report that was not for public circulation. The amounts for IAC, China City, NBBB were left at high levels in the draft in the hopes that more state or federal grants could be obtained so that major water users won't have to pay unrealistic hookup fees; and the cost to all users will be relatively less.

I am still a proponent of sewers in Freeland. The contamination of Holmes Harbor is likely from failing drainfields. Freeland will need sewers some day; and the sooner they are installed the less they will cost and the less environmental damage will occur in the meantime.

I am willing to pay my fair share as long as it is reasonable.

[Kit Ketcham]

What is the area that is being considered for sewer installation? Would it be just the area being considered for incorporation?

[Steve Shapiro]

As far as I know, the area being considered for sewer phase one is no bigger than the NMUGA boundary (which is also the area being proposed for cityhood).

[Michael Dolan]

Kit,

The proposed "Phase I" sewer district boundary currently being proposed is a 178 acre section along the north side of SR 525 from Scott Road/SR 525 up to and including the Tartan Thistle with a few parcels on the south of SR 525 included. There are about 145 commercially zoned properties, and a few that have residences on them.

For more details, please contact Chet Ross - President of the Freeland Chamber of Commerce (331-1980) or myself.

Mike Dolan
Sewer Planning Committee
Coordinator - Freeland Commercial Property Owners
360-359-0568

[Kit Ketcham]

Thanks, Mike, that answers my question.

[leanne finlay]

Hi Mike, when will we hear better numbers on the sewers, and how the financing likely will work?

thanks

Leanne

[Michael Dolan]

Hi Leanne,

Let me get back to you on this - we are meeting with the Commissioners this week to firm up the counties commitments. The draft consultants report with answers on financing mechanisms, time frames, etc. should be available within the next two weeks.

Mike

[Jerry Hill]

Steve, I heard about a program our Gov. has funded to provide financial help in upgrading and replacing failing drainfields that are located on waterfront property or polluting the sound. I have mentioned it at other meetings , but I don't know what the name of it is. I sounds like this might be another tool to help clean up Holmes Harbor anf other areas in Island Co.

[Michael Dolan]

Jerry,

Here is the program you were talking about.

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/funding/oss.htm

Mike

[Jerry Hill]

Hi Mike, as usual your on top of it. I hope our community and Island Co. will take advantage of this opportunity to fix some of our problem areas. This could be the beginning of turning places like Holmes Harbor around.
Has this program been published in the paper?

Jerry

[Michael Dolan]

H Jerry,

Not that I am aware.

Mike

[Jerry Hill]

Hi Mike, wouldn't it be nice if the county promoted a program like this and helped to publish information for our citizens?

Jerry

[leanne finlay]

As a business owner in Freeland I am "stuck between a rock and a hard place".

My business is The Beach Cabin, a combination take-out fresh food and retail gift store. Our customers tell us daily that they'd like us to have sit down tables in our store. We'd like to offer that too.

However, we either have to upgrade our septic, or wait for sewers. We cannot afford to upgrade our septic, then do sewers. I believe that investing in sewers is critically important.

Most folks just don't realize that the reason there are not more restaurants in Freeland is simply due to septics, and the costs to update septic systems vs. the reality that sewers are needed so that Freeland can fulfill it's mandated growth. We're already growing, quite quickly, you can see it everywhere you go.

As a business owner, and a property owner, I am 100% for sewers in downtown Freeland. We are mandated to grow, and that growth needs sewers. I realize sewers are expensive, but there are is money 'to be found' through County, State and Federal programs; the costs for property owners will surely come down to a more reasonable number.

Gerry's post about 'where did the eel grass go' is something you all should read. I believe there is ample evidence that Holmes Harbor is polluted, and that septic systems are a large reason why. We managed to clean up Lake Washington in the 1960's, and action is needed for Holmes Harbor today.

Sewers alone will not solve the problem, and for those of you with septics, you must maintain them, and be willing to improve them if they are failing. There are programs to help if you qualify, and all you need to do is a little online research, or call the Health Dept at the County to ask about the assistance programs.

[Mitch Streicher]

Hi Leanne,

I agree with your letter, with the exception of "I believe there is ample evidence that Holmes Harbor is polluted, and that septic systems are a large reason why"

Yes, Holmes Harbor is polluted. But, I have seen no proof that septic systems are "a large reason why". I have checked with County Health, but they have no data.

If you have information I don't, I would very much like to have access to that information. :idea: :arrow:

[leanne finlay]

Hi Mitch,

Here is a bunch of internet info regarding Holmes Harbor. I got all this from google. Maybe it's not totally conclusive, but there is also no reason to think septics are not a big part of the problem. The pollution is real.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0710068.pdfhttp://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=85&cat=23&id=1166637&more=0

http://www.islandcounty.net/planning/documents/SHHFlyer2.doc

http://www.stpns.net/view_article.html?articleId=75647567568657778

http://www.islandcounty.net/Planning/documents/ProposedActionPlan.doc

http://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=85&cat=23&id=1131212&more=1

http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/sumwas.pdf

http://www.freelandcommunityforum.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?=&p=441

http://www.islandcounty.net/planning/documents/ProposedResolution.doc

http://www.friendsofholmesharbor.org/hh-water.html

http://www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/island/soundwaters/

http://www.psat.wa.gov/News/releases/news06_07.htm

http://holmesharbor.com/press/green.html

http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0406C&L=ecology-news&P=350

http://www.psp.wa.gov/publications/puget_sound/update/07update/sections/07update_exec-sum_draft.pdf

http://www.islandcountymrc.org/minutes/2007/07-01-17.htm