OUR VIEWS, The Chronicle, 5/18/98
THE POINT: Credit Chehalin for taking action on creation of a water conservancy board that would free up development
BOWS: To Chehalis well driller Ed Moerke for trying to force the issue on a vexing problem that has unnecessarily slowed up residential and business development in the Lewis County area and elsewhere.
Moerke has grown frustrated with the state Department of Ecology's chronic backlog in processing water right applications. That has led, for example, to a five-year delay on an application by an agricultural enterprise in the county that wants to expand near Winlock.
Imagine, a five-year wait, just because a state agency, for whatever reason, can't begin to keep up with its work load.
Moerke wants some action. He's petitioned the Lewis County Commission to create a water conservancy board under a new state law. The issue isn't new water rights, it's simply to speed up the transfer of existing water rights.
The board, consisting of three volunteer members (no cost to taxpayers) appointed by the commission, would process transfers of uncontested water rights. The board's recommendations would go to the Ecology Department, which would have 45 days to accept, refuse or modify the transfer. Compare that with a five-year wait.
The board, if approved by the commission, would be the second one in the state, after Benton County, and apparently the last one, as Gov. Locke has decreed that only two such pilot boards be authorized this year.
The commission should act quickly on Moerke's petition as Okanogan County is also considering such a board. Meantime, it seems the Legislature ought to find the means to ensure the Ecology Department can process water rights applications in a timely manner. Or maybe Ecology needs to reorder its priorities.
Back to Watershed Index Page
Back to Whats New Index Page
Back to Chehalis River Council Index Page
Lewis County Issues Page