To: Russ Wigley
Lewis County Commissioner
Subject: Chehalis Basin Council (CBC)/ Oyster Growers
Dear Russ,
On the 13th of February I attended a CBC meeting at the Chehalis Tribe's Casino. I was not officially invited but decided to attend to collect information for the Coalition of Coastal Fisheries. I signed in as their representative. Since the Oyster Growers belong to the Coalition wearing both hats is appropriate. At this time I would like to make my comments as an oyster grower
Since the oyster growers reuse the water that others have previously used we take great pains to understand what our neighbors are doing with water resources. We also are at the far lower end of the river so we experience all thats good or bad and that is what we get regulated on. ( we have very stringent regulations as our product is eaten raw) An example is: fecal coliform, where STP's (Sewage Treatment Plants), animal farms and failed septic systems dictate our fate
Though the meeting was informative and interesting we were alarmed to see that not one elected official from GH County was in attendance. The official attendees, from our area, were Jim Hillery (Weyerhaeuser-360 537 8311) and Brian Shea (Planning Director-360 533 4100 X 226) from the City of Aberdeen
Now here is where it gets interesting. The two biggest problems that cause growing area closures stem from these two entities. In fact the City of Aberdeen is in litigation with an organization, Friends of Grays Harbor (FOGH), who counts as a member the Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Ass'n.
The suit is over violations of the Clean Water Act. Let it be understood that the growers think these two gentlemen are honorable and gracious individuals but they have an employer and a mission to satisfy. During the meeting the Chehalis River Fisheries Task Force was added to the table of voting members. But here again they are not a part of represenative government and are not responsible to the voting public
In trying to understand who might represent the oyster grower interests I made phone calls to see if others had been contacted about the meeting of the 13th. The Westport City Public Works Director Fred Chapman (360 268 0835) knew nothing of it and alluded to the fact that the Mayor may know something. Ocean Shores planner Sue Patnude (360 289 2754)had received an agenda only and was wondering what it was all about. I also called GH Regional Planning as they do estuary planning. Dennis Lefevre (Senior Planner-360 532 8812) said he would try to make it if he had time
Thats it in a nut shell. We don't see much interest here in GH County and what interest there is the oyster growers can't depend on for representation. The growers are hoping that a model will emerge that will better serve the estuary and its stake holders. We welcome any reflections you may have on this problem and are prepared to meet at your convienience
Thanks for your time and interest
Brady Engvall Grays Harbor Oyster Growers 360 268 5518
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