WA: Ecology Denies Second Petition to Close Johns Creek Basin 22-February-2010

OLYMPIA - For the second time in two years, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has turned down a request to close the Johns Creek basin near Shelton to new water use. The Squaxin Island Tribe raised concerns in 2008 and again in late 2009 that wells in the area are hurting stream flows in the creek and asked Ecology to limit future well use by rule.

Although Ecology won't amend the instream flow rule, the agency is pursuing an agreement with Mason County to require new wells put to use near Johns Creek to serve in-home needs only. The current rule language allows this action if warranted.

Ecology met Feb. 8, 2010, with local business, government and community leaders to outline the Tribe's request and potential options. Attendees voiced a need for a comprehensive groundwater study before amending the instream flow rule. Ecology is preparing a grant proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for funds to carry out such a study. The application is due in early March and a funding decision should be made this summer.

Contact:
Kim Schmanke, 360-407-6239

	State News

	Monday, February 22, 2010 WA: Ecology Denies Second Petition to Close Johns Creek Basin Source: Washington Department of Ecology

	OLYMPIA - For the second time in two years, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has turned down a request to close the Johns Creek basin near Shelton to new water use. The Squaxin Island Tribe raised concerns in 2008 and again in late 2009 that wells in the area are hurting stream flows in the creek and asked Ecology to limit future well use by rule. Although Ecology won't amend the instream flow rule, the agency is pursuing an agreement with Mason County to require new wells put to use near Johns Creek to serve in-home needs only. The current rule language allows this action if warranted. Ecology met Feb. 8, 2010, with local business, government and community leaders to outline the Tribe's request and potential options. Attendees voiced a need for a comprehensive groundwater study before amending the instream flow rule. Ecology is preparing a grant proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for funds to carry out such a study. The application is due in early March and a funding decision should be made this summer. Contact: Kim Schmanke, 360-407-6239

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