6/25/09

by Kathy Fletcher

Yesterday I had a chance to tour the site of a “low impact development” (LID) site, where 16 homes are being built in a way that NO additional water will run off from the site, and the nearby stream will be restored to provide excellent salmon habitat (Chinook are known to use the stream). The development, Clearwater Commons in Snohomish County, should set the standard for new development throughout the Puget Sound region. See Spotlight on the project.

Perversely, it was far tougher for this development to get its permits than if they had proposed a typical pave-it-over subdivision. Many “deviations” from standard permits were required. As articulated yesterday by Peter Camp, representing the Snohomish County Executive, these “deviations” should actually be the new norm.

Yes, indeed. This is exactly what the state’s Pollution Control Hearings Board had in mind when they concluded a couple of years ago that low impact development is required by our state water quality law, which bases standards on the best available technology (in state lingo, “All Known, Available and Reasonable Technology”).

What does LID mean for the prospective owners and occupants of the Clearwater Commons? A pedestrian and kid-friendly neighborhood, a beautiful landscape, a stream where salmon spawn, and all the modern conveniences. Added attractions include energy efficiency and “solar-readiness” (owners can easily add solar panels at their own expense).

So three cheers to Clearwater Commons, and a word to local governments, developers and the state Department of Ecology: LID is real, but it won’t happen at a large scale until the regulations are written with LID as the norm. Then we’ll see that the real “deviation” is the kind of development that has destroyed our healthy streams and Sound.

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