LAKE NAHWATZEL
Submitted to Shelton Blog by James Dunne
Mason County Progressive
GREEN DIAMOND RESOURCES
Our extended family has personal experience with lakes in British Columbia that have been ruined by both algae and overuse caused by poorly planned residential expansion. This is why we located in Mason County at Lake Nahwatzel. The situation proposed now, locally, seems headed that same direction. This is a huge concern to us, from our observed experience in B.C., as it is irreversible on a practical basis.
There are many things that concern me about the situation at hand, but the overarching issues fall into three primary categories:
The SEPA report is admittedly "observations" made at random. This report has numerous errors, due to the process by which the study was conducted. There are several examples of wildlife not included in the report, such as otter and loons that are not common to the surrounding valley area. These two examples alone should be more carefully studied to determine the impact such action would have upon them.
It is clear to me that a complete Environmental Impact Statement should be completed – with the normal process and care that is due such a matter. I am very surprised by Mason County's acceptance of the shoddy SEPA report submitted by Green Diamond. It is probably due to the longstanding good working relationship of GDR with the County and community – but this action is a mistake, or more simply – wrong. The GDR proposal needs to be properly managed, before it becomes impossible to reinstate Lake Nahwatzel to the healthy, vibrant, natural lake and wildlife habitat (in delicate balance) as currently exists now for fisherman, visitors, and residents.
Photo: www.sellingwastate.com
SHELTON BLOG NOTE:
An appeals hearing for the Lake Nahwatzel SEPA DNS was held on September 19th and 20th. The outcome is yet unknown.
Previous related post:
http://masoncountyprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/09/open-letter-to-simpson.html
Previous related posts with info in "Regular Session of BOCC" sections:
http://masoncountyprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/07/week-of-71612-meetings-in-review.html
http://masoncountyprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/07/week-of-72312-meetings-in-review.html
Submitted to Shelton Blog by James Dunne
Mason County Progressive
RE-ZONE PROPOSAL FOR LAKE NAHWATZEL
Our family has had a residence at Lake Nahwatzel for six years. It is
our intention to maintain this property for generations to come.
Our extended family has personal experience with lakes in British Columbia that have been ruined by both algae and overuse caused by poorly planned residential expansion. This is why we located in Mason County at Lake Nahwatzel. The situation proposed now, locally, seems headed that same direction. This is a huge concern to us, from our observed experience in B.C., as it is irreversible on a practical basis.
I have serious concerns regarding the recent Mason County acceptance of
the required State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) study submitted by
Green Diamond Resource Company (GDR).
There are many things that concern me about the situation at hand, but the overarching issues fall into three primary categories:
1. Residents, such as ourselves, were not notified until very recently, in spite of the process being in play for over a year.
2. The poor quality of the SEPA study submitted by Green Diamond,
3. The acceptance of the SEPA study and "Determination of Non-Significance" by Mason County.
Early notification of people directly affected by such proposals is part of the intended process for such matters.
The SEPA report is admittedly "observations" made at random. This report has numerous errors, due to the process by which the study was conducted. There are several examples of wildlife not included in the report, such as otter and loons that are not common to the surrounding valley area. These two examples alone should be more carefully studied to determine the impact such action would have upon them.
It is clear to me that a complete Environmental Impact Statement should be completed – with the normal process and care that is due such a matter. I am very surprised by Mason County's acceptance of the shoddy SEPA report submitted by Green Diamond. It is probably due to the longstanding good working relationship of GDR with the County and community – but this action is a mistake, or more simply – wrong. The GDR proposal needs to be properly managed, before it becomes impossible to reinstate Lake Nahwatzel to the healthy, vibrant, natural lake and wildlife habitat (in delicate balance) as currently exists now for fisherman, visitors, and residents.
Photo: www.sellingwastate.com
SHELTON BLOG NOTE:
An appeals hearing for the Lake Nahwatzel SEPA DNS was held on September 19th and 20th. The outcome is yet unknown.
Previous related post:
http://masoncountyprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/09/open-letter-to-simpson.html
Previous related posts with info in "Regular Session of BOCC" sections:
http://masoncountyprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/07/week-of-71612-meetings-in-review.html
http://masoncountyprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/07/week-of-72312-meetings-in-review.html
This sounds so much like what the citizens got when the Commissioners decided to let us in on their dirty little ADAGE secret... after years of planning and discussion among themselves.
ReplyDeleteReplace the members of the Board of County Commissioners:
Tim Sheldon needs to go, vote for Roslynne Reed!
Randy Netherlin is not the solution, vote for Denny Hamilton.
Terrie Jeffries for county commissioner? OMG, Tim Sheldon in a skirt! Please vote for Ross Gallagher.
How about some county commissioners who don't keep developers secrets secret from their constituents until their developer buddies have all their ducks in a row... which in this case it does not even sound like they do!