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Soundings
Council Bill Protects Streams and Waterways
A major event is about to take place, one that’s sure to be talked about in years to come. The Seattle City Council is poised to pass a precedent-setting Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) Ordinance. The state requires that the ECA be updated every ten years, in accordance with state’s own breakthrough Growth Management Act (GMA).
Update Seattle did. But the city went beyond the bare requirements of the GMA and added environmental provisions that protect creeks, shorelines and wetlands throughout the city – improving upon the current ordinance. Once again, Seattle is leading the way.
Among the changes to the executive proposal that Energy Committee members approved were provisions that will:
- Expand buffers along riparian corridors to 75 feet where anadromous fish, such as salmon, are present and expand buffers to 50 feet where they are not;
- Ensure that mitigation for shoreline habitat occurs as close to the shoreline as possible;
- Protect streams and waterways by restricting use of fertilizers and pesticides in riparian corridors and wetlands;
- Further protect streams, wetlands and shoreline habitats on public and private golf courses by establishing a 50-foot buffer in which pesticide use is prohibited; and
- Recognize seismic events in Seattle as a risk to safety and welfare.
These are just a few of the amendments that were adopted by the committee. CLICK HERE for a complete version of the ECA ordinance.
As many here know, streams, wetlands, fish, wildlife and critical habitat areas have received intense focus from the Council’s Energy and Technology Committee in recent months. On February 6, 2006, the committee passed an amended version of the ECA by a unanimous vote. Nearly three years in preparation by the city, the ordinance now goes before the full Seattle City Council on March 6. At that time, there could be consideration of additional amendments. But the form of the ordinance definitely has taken shape. And it’s a precedent-shattering document, perhaps one of the most progressive environmental statements by any major United States city.
The ordinance is the result of a healthy dialogue and collegial working relationship that developed between all parties working to improve this legislation as it moved through the committee process. Success has many parents. And many can justly claim credit for making this legislation stronger and more effective at protecting fish, critical areas and waterways in the Emerald City. The ECA required hard work, but that effort paid off. The result is a healthier environment for fish, for vegetation, for the waters and streams and for everyone who calls Seattle home.
Seattle can be proud that the ECA’s provisions match and enhance the city’s resolve to lead the nation in preservation of natural resources.
View NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON ADDITIONAL PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE
Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden is a former columnist for the Seattle Times and now chairs the Council's Energy and Environmental Policy Committee. You can learn more by going to http://www.seattle.gov/council/ratereview.htm. |
