Thursday, March 28, 2024

Development on former orchard lands addressed in joint workshop

Posted

CHELAN – During the Sept. 4 joint workshop between the Chelan City Council and Planning Commission a discussion regarding development on former orchard lands was raised.

In response to the ongoing discussion at all levels, the Planning Commission went back to the Subdivision Code to find a way to better address the issue.

The proposal the Planning Commission came up with is a three step process.
1.Identify
2.Disclose
3.Choose a Track – Track 1 Voluntary Soil Testing or Track 2 SEPA

For example, if they answer “NO” to “ was the land an orchard before 1950?” they proceed with the subdivision, if it’s “YES” it will be required to have a Plat Disclosure which will read “Historical agricultural use of this land may present a health risk due to the possible presence of residual concentrations of pesticides, including lead, arsenic, or organochlorine.” The applicant will go on to step three, there they have two different options. The could chose to voluntary do soil testing or through SEPA procedures.

Depending on the results of voluntary soil testing there could be three outcomes.
1.No contaminants – No further requirements, Optional Disclosure note change on plat.  
2.Residual levels under DOE limits – Additional Plat Disclosure.
3.Residual levels above DOE limits – Additional Plat Disclosure and deed restrictions, Additional Dust Mitigation and Limit soul contact through BMPs. See graphic A3.

“To have them voluntary do the soil testing to me is up front planning,” said Craig Gildroy.

However it was not clear to councilmember Ray Dobbs, why they are trying to avoid SEPA.

“We are making it easier for the developer to not jump through all of the processes that SEPA has put in place and they are the experts in the area and we are having to be the expert in this situation and we are not staffed for that,” said Councilwoman Erin McCardle. “I do not understand why we would want step in and make this process easier, when SEPA has a pretty defined path, it make longer and might be a little more difficult but it has been around for a very long time,” she added.

These requirements will apply to any subdivision on former orchard land regardless of size.

Councilmember Tim Hollinsworth was very vocal during the discussion,  he stated, “obviously there was a problem, nobody wants to have people living on contaminated soils.”

At the end it was agreed that the both the Council and the Planning Commission will take as much time as needed on this complex issue. However the main goal will be to address it and don’t let any developer go by.
 

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here