Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-25 - Planning Commission MinutesDeschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013 DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND DESCHUTES COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION La Pine Middle School, La Pine, OR The purpose of the meeting was to disseminate information and provide education on southern Deschutes and northern Klamath County Groundwater Protection recommendations from the Groundwater Steering Committee, with public comments. 1. Call to Order. Chair Unger called the meeting to order for Deschutes County. Dick Pederson called the meeting to order for the State Department of Environmental Quality. 2. Introductions and Overview. Present were Commissioners Alan Unger, Tammy Baney and Anthony DeBone. Also present were Tom Anderson, County Administrator; Nick Lelack and other members of Community Development; Planning Commissioners Todd Turner, James Powell, Chris Brown, Hugh Palcic and Ed Criss. Also in attendance were Klamath County Commissioner Jim Bellet; Ernest Palmer and Randy Shaw, Klamath County Planning Commissioners; Dick Pederson and Eric Nigg of the Department of Environmental Quality; and approximately 45 other citizens, including Groundwater Steering Committee members John Blakinger (Co -Chair), Robert Ray (Co -Chair), Bill Gaetano, Marietta Qual, Lee Wilkins, Conrad Ruel and Lola Nelson. Not present were David Crider and Allen Hammermann. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 1 of 14 Both the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and the Planning Commission had a quorum. Commissioner DeBone gave an overview of the work of the Planning Commission. They take initial input from the community on various issues and work through a lot of the details. They are volunteers and put a lot of work into what they do. He said the Board is here to receive the recommendations of the Steering Committee. They will be handing off to the State Department of Environmental Quality what citizens have indicated they want them to know. The Committee studied this issue for a long time, asked a lot of questions and came to some conclusions. Their goal is to protect the good groundwater. This is a statement for all of central Oregon. They also want to protect the land and property values. 3. Southern Deschutes & Northern Klamath County Groundwater Steering Committee Presentation. John Blakenger is the co-chair of the Steering Committee, and was to give the presentation. He said he lives off South Century Drive across from Thousand Trails. Bill Gaetano said he has been in the area since 1487 and has been involved with water issues ever since, working with real estate buyers and sellers. He has gained a lot of experience dealing with agencies and the public, and has learned a lot from the citizen side. Conrad Ruel stated he lives in Deschutes River Recreation Homesites near Sunriver. He feels the report is a good one. Marietta Qual lives in Lazy River South. Lee Wilkins lives in Forest View Estates. Robert Ray lives in Newberry Estates. Lola Nelson is from northern Klamath County. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 2 of 14 Mr. Blakenger said they put in a lot of hours and had countless conversations. He indicated that everyone in the audience should have a small beige card that will help guide where people are with this issue. He gave an overview of the stages someone goes through when confronted with something new. He is at the point of, `Let's go for it'. The Committee needs to talk about what piece of information got them to the point of realizing there is a problem and what should they do about it. Mr. Gaetano said that the main issue for him was the science. Back in the mid - 1990's, a lot of the same problems occurred as are happening now. He would rather see a preventive policy instead of management and trends. The modeling used created a wedge with people, policies and programs. The purpose of this meeting is to communicate the Committee's work. They have bridged a lot of the gap. It is up to the DEQ and the Board of Commissioners to embrace the solutions that are suggested. Mr. Ruel stated the key is the sanitary authority, which can bridge County lines. These people should be volunteers and not a big bureaucracy. They need to pursue a Goal 11 exception. Ms. Qual said that she was interested in how much has gone into the material. She had to learn a lot, and she knew the least of all when she started out with this. There was no one thing that told her, "This is it". She's now ready to go, after a long learning process. Ms. Wilkins stated that he has been involved in this as long as anybody. He received newsletters from the DEQ before it ever went to the County, and then mail from the County; and when she came to live here full-time, she became really involved in the groundwater situation. She realized there was not an emergency, but down the road, in 10 to 15 to 20 years, no one knows. She is here to be a good steward and hand this off to the children and grandchildren, by protecting groundwater and drinking water. She has been a "let's go" for a long time. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 3 of 14 Mr. Ray stated that is became his life's work after an elderly neighbor who was concerned about having to buy a new system picked him to speak for him. It is not an emergency and he did not like the comments made that Sunriver and Bend drinking water would be in danger. They need to monitor wells as there is liability if one is affecting the neighboring property. They want to be respectful of the properties around them. Ms. Nelson said she got into this late after some members left and she was asked to help. She got involved with water issues and the Klamath Planning Commission when building a home. She said she was really dumb about the whole process. The entire area could have a problem and if communities develop further, the problems will become bigger. It is up to the community to take a new direction and accept some changes. Mr. Blakenger said that when they did the demonstration project, they used all kinds of on-site systems. Every one of them discharges something into the ground. Looking at the curve, he asked how many are at the "what" stage. No one responded. How many don't believe there is a problem? (10 responses) How many are at "Oh!". (a few) How many are at "Whoa!". (a few) How many are at "Let's go!" (about ten) He said there is a PowerPoint presentation and a report available if someone wanted a copy. Mr. Blakenger stated that the charter was to recommend to the DEQ how to protect the ground/surface water, and how to serve all the different interests in the area. The volunteer group came up with something they hope is the best it can be. They have done a lot of presentations, and met with hydrologists, soil engineers, lawyers and others, and toured some sewer systems, wrote a few articles for the local paper; then they formed recommendations. There are still things to do. It is about being a good steward. The ground water is shallow, and the soil is porous. They have to think about everything that goes in or on the ground. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 4 of 14 He noted that the problem is that the water is about 12 feet down from his house. There is a lot of river and groundwater exchange due to the unique river basin in the area. There are a lot of shallow wells and some are not deep enough. There is contamination, and about 10% of wells have elevated levels of nitrates. It is not that nitrates are that bad, and there are ways to test for them. However, this means people are getting human waste in their water. Some say the science and studies are bad, and it is really about golf courses or livestock. The area can't afford a problem. The water tastes great. Regardless of other sources, they learned that human septic is the primary contributor to pollution. They all need to do something. All systems discharge effluent. The ATT system does not have a lot of fans. It is high priced, takes power, and doesn't work if left unused for months. The biggest problem is because there are such dense lots, and 75% are less than 2 acres. All systems discharge, and tightly packed properties makes this contamination slowly rise. The ATT solution isn't a very good one. Now they can go with other recommendations and look at long-term solutions to the problem. As they looked at the problem, they broke it into different scenarios. They can do nothing. But they would still a have to put in an ATT system if one fails. Everyone would end up with one over time. But contamination would continue. They could focus on drinking water, and not worry about the groundwater, but would still have to do the ATT systems. The next idea was a phased approach, solving the problem where it is the worst. They could extend out a sewer system if one is nearby. They can monitor the groundwater. They clearly need to know more. They have real estate information back to 1989 but there are problems with that. There is a lot of data but much of it is not useable. They need a proper monitoring program. People live in different densities, with different terrain. One solution does not work for all. They could target where the problems are, and not over -solve if a problem does not exist. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 5 of 14 If an onsite system is not effective, they need community systems. Oregon Rule does not let public systems connect rural homes, under Goal 11. This is meant to prevent sprawl in rural areas. However, they already have this. The lots were platted long before land use. If the Rule existed then, these lots would not exist. Therefore, they need a Goal 11 exception so they can look at system expansion, cluster systems and other ways to solve the problem as a community instead of having to do their own process. One thing about doing is that when an entity is created, loans become available and they can extend the cost out over 30 years instead of having to pay for individual systems. This would be through a community low-interest loan, spread out over time. They need to fix the problem, but also need to know where it exists. Therefore, they need monitoring. Some people feel that another government entity means another bureaucracy. If they want local control of the problem, they could set up a sanitation authority, with locally elected people to manage monitoring and to help determine where sewers might be expended. Financing can help small developments and they can work with other agencies to manage the problem. This would also mean an ATT system moratorium. Mr. Blakenger stated that they always wanted local control. Without creating a sanitary authority, they are stuck working through the County and the DEQ. The sanitary authority would be just local people. Otherwise they have to be involved with other areas in the County. A group like this only has as much power as the people give it. A charter would identify the details. People would determine what the authority can and can't do. Through monitoring, the authority could determine where the problems are. A sanitarian could be hired to investigate. This would mean reduced costs and maybe people would not have to pay for an annual ATT test. This group would determine if a tax is needed to cover costs. With local control, they can address the problem as it is and save money in the long run. Mr. Blakenger said all four of these ideas are needed. There were other recommendations. One was the livestock issue. Klamath County has an ordinance that allows two horses or 24 small animals per acre. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 6 of 14 There are other contributors besides people. They could monitor sources like golf courses, mobile home parks and RV parks. The approach would be to make sure they are good stewards of the land. It is about education, which needs to be continuous. There are various green solutions. The human septic problem is worldwide. There are a lot of people trying to come up with solutions. They need a long- term solution and one that evolves over time. Disadvantaged communities may find that grant funding is available. He asks that the DEQ look into this and propose something for the area or even the State. They could pursue sustainable funding. There is an initiative to test and improve groundwater in the State. Maybe they can get closer to the top of that list. The problem with the ATT system is that it does not solve the problem in dense areas. That money could be used to extend sewer systems or similar improvements. They should not spend money now for a short-term solution; instead they need to solve it long-term. He feels this would gain a lot of support. Various people raised questions. One asked if the Committee looked at the suggestions and then go to the Legislature for a Goal 11 exception. Another asked if the current regulations are for new building or additions to existing buildings; and what the trigger point is. Another asked about monitoring wells and why they are in some places and not others. Ponderosa Pines has its own water system and the wells are not shallow. The response was that perhaps it won't affect Ponderosa Pines but effluent may go elsewhere over time. A question was voiced about nitrates in the Little River Drive area, and what the danger point is. Another asked how this would be enforced and by whom, and what their qualifications would be. He was advised that this can't be answered yet. A woman asked if this would be for all of Deschutes and Klamath counties, or just sections. She said that where she lives is different than some other areas. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations, Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 7 of 14 She was advised that the Committee was concerned regarding boundaries. They looked at current platted lots because land use laws won't allow further platting. They looked primarily at lots under 20 acres. A woman asked if they discussed how this would affect land use in the area, permitting and new building. She asked if the recommendations should be integrated on how the land is used. She was told it would be based on the South County Plan. The question was raised that if they put in a border where they'd be in the sanitation authority. The response was that it would be current platted lots. The likelihood of more lots being created is slim. It would include south of Lava Butte and down to Crescent, and out to Ponderosa Pines and Newberry Estates. Mr. Blakenger said there would be recommendations on an initial map. There will be hearings and due process on each one. The process will nail this down. He was asked if there is validity of the models that were used before. He replied that the degree of contamination is not as high as predicted at this point. However, there is an increasing trend. This is not an emergency and there is some time. They can get there. He is not as disturbed by nitrates as much as he is the pharmaceuticals and other pollutants. A speaker made note of the five-year moratorium on the ATT systems. This would give more time for new technology to come forward. He is concerned that the moratorium allows for new construction without an ATT system. He was advised that the Rules say an agent has subjective judgment on the Rules. He is concerned that a DEQ employee may make a judgment call. The County employees working with them can do the same thing. The Committee members said that they recommend exploring the idea of a sanitation authority. These would be people who live in the district. They would be elected by other citizens there. A citizen asked why Public Health never got involved. Mr. Gaetano said they should have been involved from the beginning. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013.Page 8 of 14 A woman said she has been talking with Realtors who say they are finding more arsenic in wells than nitrates. This is naturally occurring in wells. She was advised that arsenic is not from human waste, but nitrates are. He does not know how they could control contaminants that are from natural sources. The Committee recommends a legislative look. The first venue would be getting the counties involved. It this won't work through the DLCD, they would have to go to the legislature. Mr. Blakenger said they asked how practical a Goal 11 exception might be. They met with the DLCD, the DEQ and county planners. They talked about this and felt there is a way to submit an application and get an exception. A citizen asked about the requirements for new buildings at this time. Tom Anderson said that the DEQ assesses the area and makes a call as to whether the area is at risk. This would be for new construction or the repair of a failing system. It would be an individual site assessment. If the DEQ staff deems the area is not at risk, it would not be required. Robert Ray asked why this would be required in Ponderosa Pines. The DEQ said this is an area of concern. He also asked what the nitrate numbers mean. A response was that the jury is still out on that. The study was done in the 1940's. Contemporary studies are not available. Mr. Blakenger stated that they don't worry about nitrates as much. 50 ml per liter is allowed. About 20% of wells with problems come from sand filter systems. Wells have had 2 ml and one had 72 ml. Some have had 10 ml. The data and website are available on this. Mr. Gaetano said a statistical analysis was done by an independent professor from Rhode Island. The average in the database was 1.55 ml. A question was raised about the qualifications of those who enforce the ATT requirement. Eric Nigg said that Bob Baggett is a registered health sanitarian. Mr. Baggett said that under ORS, they require a four-year degree in environmental health sciences, two years as an environmental health trainee, and an exam to become registered. This is similar to what is required by an engineer. They have on-site specialized training in soils science. They have to make determinations on types of soils, what is conducive to disposal or not, and how to judge groundwater levels. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 9 of 14 He was asked if they are allowed to enter property to enforce the rules. Todd Cleveland said they can't just come on property without permission. If there is a complaint from someone about surfacing sewage, they will ask permission. If it is visible from the street and is obvious to anyone coming by, they will send a letter regarding a major repair being needed. The man said that Administrative Rules says they can do this. Mr. Cleveland said there might be a misunderstanding regarding ATT rules. Those are contracted with maintenance providers and owners. County agents won't come onto property to do this; it is not their practice. A woman asked if every platted lot would be inspected and a decision made on each; or if they would take an area and do just a few. She was advised that if a sanitary authority is in charge, the recommendation would probably be to get information from monitoring wells and look at specific areas to see if they need to be addressed. Newbery Estates does not need ATT systems, but that could change over time. Drinking water there won't be affected, but there are others down from there. The sanitary authority would look at the information and make a recommendation as to a sewer district or whatever. The question was raised whether this would affect land use permitting. The response was the likelihood is there will be no more subdivisions except those areas that are resort or in the cities. The Committee recommended a five-year moratorium on the ATT systems. It is possible the moratorium could be extended yearly if they are making significant progress with a sanitary authority. It was explained that the sanitation authority members would be elected by those who live in the area. There would be local control and public health involvement. They are looking at other things besides nitrates. Cluster systems or a decentralized sewer system should be able to filter those out. Mr. Blakenger asked that the attendees fill out the cards provided with any questions. He would like to get a sense of how much support there is for these recommendations. Chair Unger noted that this committee put in a lot of time and effort, and he appreciates what they'd done. He thanked the DEQ and Director Pederson for helping to engage the community to figure out the next steps, and County staff for supporting the Committee's work. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 10 of 14 4. Commissioner and Agency Comments. Commissioner Baney thanked everyone for attending. It has been a long journey, and she is happy that it is their journey so they can own the process going forward. There is a lot of good in this work. They hope for a solid partnership with the DEQ and are open to further suggestions. Jim Bellett, Klamath County Commissioner, said they are also concerned about what happens in their area. He thanked the Committee for their months of work. The Committee members said there is a lot of work still to do. The idea is to form a committee to take the recommendations and move things forward. It needs to keep going. They encouraged the DEQ to remain involved in the process as a major player. There is a good partnership to deal with a common problem. Commissioner DeBone observed that they have high draining volcanic soils, and the groundwater is shallow. There is a need to do something. The City of La Pine had a sewer system before it became a city. They were putting a lot of loading in that area but it is now being managed well. They are trying to wrap their heads around this. They need to move in a positive direction and save the water for future generations. Dick Pederson thanked the Steering Committee for doing this serious and time- consuming work; and for the community for staying engaged. He feels without this involvement the right solution would not be achieved. The recommendations are a blueprint to move forward. Some are outside DEQ authority, so others will have to be a part of this process. This was discussed in the past legislative session. The DEQ is to report back to the legislature. It is a very complicated situation. They met with other State agencies, the County and the public. These recommendations are being taken seriously. Community engagement is vital. Ed Criss said that he has been involved in the groundwater issue since the beginning. He came to the same conclusions independently that the Committee did. People have the power in this. Right now this is an infrastructure need in a developing area. It was platted a long time ago but the infrastructure was not put into place. They just need to fix it now. He would like to see the Steering Committee's work put into the local Plan. They need a master plan for the area. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 11 of 14 There has also been a lot of input on the comprehensive plan. They have the bit and pieces now. The comprehensive plan, the Committee's recommendations and the local wetlands inventory are all critical pieces in the Newberry Country Plan. This is what the area needs, to be approached over time. The citizens have the power. There will be hearings and things will be vetted. They need a master plan for the area and then do what needs to be done for it to be successful. Christen Brown stated that when he was raised, he was taught that a major investment is the land you live on. He looked forward to this, as the citizens are clear and speak their minds. They are talking about their property, their home and their major investment. The Planning Commission is observant of science and Administrative Rules and changes in the law, but they are listening to the citizens about their concerns. When they have a tool like this one, it needs to work to preserve the future. Citizens need to safeguard their investment. Preserve, protect and defend, and take any advantages handed to them, but take the reins and make the decisions. Some will object to whatever is done, but it can be done as a community. Chair Unger asked if there is a formal acceptance of the recommendations of the Steering Committee. There was consensus of the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners. 5. Public Comments. Jerry Criss said they: have come a long way. He was proud to be part of this process. The recommendations are leading down the right path. It was not easy to be on the Committee, and not easy for the County and the DEQ to accept all that was recommended. They are just getting started. They need a master plan and the septic part is a big piece of it. Money may be available for this. They need to get working on it. Kathy Phillips asked how many people have undeveloped lots that Goal 11 would affect. She thinks there are a thousand out there. She is working with absentee property owners who also want to know what is going on. She presented five letters from people regarding 22 lots. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 12 of 14 Those small undeveloped lots are important to them. The citizens who live there can vote on this, but the absentee owners get taxed but can't vote. They don't want to accept the recommendations of the Committee. She completed information and submitted it to the Committee to no avail. The absentee owners need more representation. There was not enough outreach done by the Committee. Two people own 18 lots and totally oppose the recommendations. They oppose a new taxing authority since the State already does this. (She read a letter at this time.) They oppose the efforts to educate the community on this issue. Another absentee owner says this would not benefit them in a timely manner. The groundwater steering committee made no significant outreach efforts. Jackson County took an exception for 1600 lots after a lot of analysis. It is not a good idea. Absentee owners can't stand behind these recommendations. Ron Sharbaugh thanked the Committee, the Board and the Planning Commission. He supports Mr. Criss' idea of a master plan to deal with the infrastructure needs of south County. The Committee did a great presentation. The ATT system was a bad solution. He likes the idea of the local neighborhoods having their own solutions. Cost is always a big problem here. The disadvantaged community idea was done in Iowa and other places, and is a good model towards a solution. He got involved in the USGS study. It is an engineering problem as to how a septic system can affect the neighbor's drinking water. There was a disclaimer that it did not address this problem. This is a good opportunity to move forward. Dave Gillette said he really supports the Planning Commission and the Committee, who did a great job. Bob Baggett and the County tried to listen as well. One problem was to decide whether to put in an ATT system which only treats one thing. The reason to do this was the risk. If an area is at risk, with effluent going into the water, they would almost automatically require an ATT system. To say that Ponderosa Pines is at risk is a problem. Those wells are sometimes over 100 feet deep. So this process did not treat anyone individually. Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 13 of 14 Chair Unger stated that they have learned a lot and look forward to what the next steps might be. He feels the DEQ will help with this. He pledged the County's assistance to the DEQ to move this forward. Everyone cars about the land and the investment people have made here. 6. Adjourn. Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned 8:05 PM DATED this Day of 2013 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. A a4, LL4� Alan Unger, Chair Tammy Baney, V e Chair ATTEST:&k" Anthony DeBone, Commissioner Recording Secretary Minutes of a Meeting of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission regarding Groundwater Protection Recommendations. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Page 14 of 14 Community Development Department Planning Division Building Safety Division Environmental Soils Division r .. P.O. Box 6005 117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend, Oregon 97708-6005 (541)388-6575 FAX(541)385-1764 http://www.co.deschutes.or.us/cdd/ AGENDA JOINT MEETING OF DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND PLANNING COMMISSION La Pine Middle School 16360 First Street, La Pine, Oregon, 97739 Julv 25, 2013 - 6:00 p.m. MEETING PURPOSE: Information/Education on the Southern Deschutes / Northern Klamath County Groundwater Protection Recommendations with Public Comments I. CALL TO ORDER II. INTRODUCTIONS & OVERVIEW (5 minutes) Ill. SOUTHERN DESCHUTES / NORTHERN KLAMATH COUNTY GROUNDWATER STEERING COMMITTEE PRESENTATION (1 hour, 15 minutes) IV. COMMISSIONER AND AGENCY COMMENTS (10 minutes) V. PUBLIC COMMENTS (1 hour) VI. ADJOURN NOTE: Items included in the packets for Planning Commission meetings can be located on the Community Development Department website- www.deschutes.org/cdd. Click on "Meetings & Events Calendar" to see upcoming meetings. The meeting location is wheelchair accessible. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a County program, service, or activity should contact the ADA Coordinator at 388-6584 as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event. Note that any times given regarding duration are approximate. Quality Services Performed with Pride WhaQ � jhna! O TAME At the end of the meeting indicate where you are on the curve concerning groundwater in the area Any Questions or Comments that Come To Mind? If you'd like further follow-up please provide preferred contact information, phone number or e-mail: Agenda Item: S Name Address Phone #s BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING REQUEST TO SPEAK Groundwater Discussion �aV,� A Cle.-I ( groolccl_ G "-7"l E-mail address v4 S ��� � e 'ff, i� e4' Date. 30 F] In Favor X Neutral/Undecided F-1 Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? ❑ Yes SNo If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secretary for the record. M1F. r,i _ BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING REQUEST TO SPEAK h Coun , Groundwater Discussio,, Date: 3 Address ezg /_ L' Phone #s - -5- 3 c/ &6 -% 6 E-mail address In Favor ❑ Neutral/Undecided Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? Q Yes [�JNo If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secretary for the record. - = BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING RE VEST TO SPEAK am Agend Name Addre, Phone #s 2-'_' E-mail address DIn Favor V Neutral/Undecided Submitting written documents as part of testimonv9 Y If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secret for the record. OF COMMISSIONERS' REQUEST TO SPEAK Agenda Item: South County Groundwater Discussion Date: � � 5 / 3 Name rlj'r4l �� c S Address Phone #s W- 3 6 ,? !QLJ _ E-mail address _ TL F," yy ;) Nsx) . 0 In Favor Deutral/Undecided Opposed Submitting written documents as part of testimony? ❑ Yes 4No If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secretary for the record. i L-� 6rz)L't VLLia- �4, �,pe C I t -Vt vt I rr Z ss a K ! i cx Lei oA S C> K - r a I hna vt -~-- a �- Aia _L 7B Y- L -- Ron' ka r a � --- tt a n0 i, .1 E 1 I i I Q. It l� � u.�� � ov►� � � o e � �Jim Bellet Klamath County Commissioner Eric Nigg DEPARTMENT OF Water Quality Manager FNVIRONMFN'1'AI.Q'UALITY - 305 Main Street, _ Office: (541) 633-2035 Eastern Region - Bend Office 2nd Floor, Suite 224 Phone: 541-883-5100 Main: (541) 388-6146 475 NF. Bellevue Dr., Suite 110 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Fax: 541-883-5163 nigg.ericf1 deq-stato-or.us Bend, OR 97701-7415 - jbellet0klamathcounty,org Toll Free: 800-377-6091 -1 1 "' a Fax (,541),388-828,3 In OR: (866) 863-6668 — �! f l wwworegon.gov/])EQ i j July 24, 2013 ATTN: Deschutes BOCC & Planning Commission 1300 Wall Street Bend, OR 97701 RE: Joint Meeting 7/25/2013 & *DEQ -Groundwater Steering Committee Report/Recommendations bear Commissioners and P.C. members, This respectfully submitted document is to inform you that the signature($) of this letter indicate a TOTAL OPPOSITION to 'Recommendations' presented below: *Among these recommendations is an exception to state planning rules that would allow multi -residence wastewater treatment systems outside of the existing urban growth boundaries and allow establishment of a sanitary authority. They include a moratorium of the current Alternative Treatment Technology (ATT) requirement while some of the recommendations are being pursued. There is also a recommendation to continue offering education and outreach to the community. The reasons for OPPOSITION are that any future Exception to State Land Use Goals and related rural sewer systems, should be a community -driven effort to succeed, similar to excellent, individual, past 'Exceptions example' established by Oregon Water Wonderland 2 Subdivision -landowners. I support all requests by any bRRH landowner that has, and, continues to request cooperation of bEQ & County towards our subdivision's similar sewer improvement, that insures future groundwater protection. The major reasons for OPPOSITION to a new, taxing, 'Sanitary Authority' is that the governing State Health Authority is, THE AUTHORITY protecting all Deschutes groundwater. State & County Health officers can't recall, any South Deschutes 'publ ic health hazard warning' indicating an existing or potential septic -system contamination to any local groundwater, or, any related illness, including 'blue -baby syndrome', in the last 10+ years. Better management, inspections, and, updates of old septic tanks/systems contributing nitrates, is a 'Recommendation'! The OPPOSITION to a'Moratorium of ATT systems', (the best, present, nitrate -removal system option), is because it appears to defy the original purpose of a'Groundwater Protection Steering Committee', and therefore, OPPOSE their continued tenure to educate the community! Sincerely submitted b Deschutesroperty owner -taxpayer, representing_lots/acres, July 25, 2013 ATTN: Deschutes BOCC & Planning Commission 1300 Wall Street Bend, OR 977.01 RE: Joint Meeting 7/25/2013 & *DEQ -Groundwater Steering Committee Report/Recommendations Dear Commissioners and P.C. members, This respectfully submitted document is to inform you that the .signature(s) of this letter indicate a TOTAL OPPOSITION to 'Recommendations' presented below: *Among these recommendations is an exception to state planning rules that would allow multi -residence wastewater treatment systems outside of the existing urban growth boundaries and allow establishment of a sanitary authority. They include a moratorium of the current Alternative Treatment Technoloev (ATI) requirement while some of the recommendations are being pursued. There is also a recommendation to continue offering education and outreach to the community. The Recommendations' do not appear to benefit needed development of our subdivision in a timely manner or to a high design standard desired by us absentee owners,.. real Deschutes Ian down er-taxpayers. The Groundwater Steering Committee made no significant 'outreach -effort' for the largest area of concern,... the undeveloped lot -owners that appear to be the Committee's 1St major Recommendation' item. Our undeveloped lot -property has NO nitrate contribution to the groundwater, and, we prefer to continue to protect groundwater, similar to our neighbors at Oregon Water Wonderland 2, with a community -guided, professionally engineered, and, technologically -green designed sewer system. The loosely described reasons to form an 'Authority' do not justify the new South County tax district proposed, but would likely continue to stall private development in the tax district, diminishing competition for the County's development activity at LaPine Residential Community and Industrial lots. You are urged to NOT adopt these 'Recommendations' because the large number of landowners affected have had none -to- very little input into the decision of the Steering Committee. Sincerely submitted by Deschutes property owner -taxpayer, representing -IL-rots/acres, *; -y r) Ab f,.� 07/24/2e13 lb:�ts owtr�owaM July 24, 2013 AM, Deschutes RUCC & Planning Commission 1300 Wali Street Send, OR 97701 RE;,.'.Joint Meeting 7/25/2033 & *bEQ-GroundWater Steering Committee Re4)ort/kecernmendatiW Dear Commissioners and P.C, members, This respectfully submitted document is to inform you that the signature(s) of this letter indicate a TOTAL 0PPD5IT1CIN to 'l~;ecommenda'tiow' presented below: *Among Mme xacoznzra0n&ious is -cx jS' Ltd fit n nlann�uu;3 �� . ibat would alien multi -residence vastawarer vea mcnt systems aiW& of the emitting necan wowtb boundar[ei arta allow 9ta_bi AM t of a aanftg=�- ty. Tb#y ?aclude a Mcrtatariurtr ofile Mnent Ahoa&4 I-iEa grant IkcdakWo (,kM wgWm zwzt whtic xec saw afths mvAadWom azo being pmuAL Tbere Ys also a recommwiadoz W continue o 1t{9 ®ducatiar! st►d out& -l2 to te comitYU tity. The realms for OPPOSITION are that any future Exception to St&e i and Use 60als Md related rural sewer systems, should be a community -driven effort To succeed, similar to excellent, individual, past'Exceptions ex mpl& established by Oregon- Water Wonderland 2 Subdivision -landowners. I support all requests by any DRRH landowner that hrs, and, continues to request cooperation of DEQ & County towards our subdivisions s similar sewer improvement, that insures future groundwater protection. The major reasons for OPPOSITION to a new,' taxing, 'Sanitary Authority' is that the governing State Health Authority i5, THE AUTH=TV protecting all t�chutes groundwater. State & County Health officers can't recall, any Soutls Deschutespublic hetalth hazard'warn'sng' indicxtHnq an existing or potential septic -system contamination to any tiara1 groundwater, or, any related illness, including `blue -baby syndrome, in the last 10+ years. Better Management, inspections, and, updates of old septic tanks/systems contributing nitrates, is d'Aecvmr:tendation`i The OPPOSMON to a'Moratoraum of ATT system`, (the iw:st, present, nitrate -removal system option), is because it appears to cleft' the origirial purpose of a'Groundwater Protection Steering Committee`, and therefore, OPPOSE their continued tenure to educate the community! Sincerely submitted by beschutes property owner -taxpayer, representing _., _lots/nares, 4 AWO, �' Ori LJ July 25, 2013 ATTN: Deschutes BOCC & Planning Commission 1300 Wall Street Bend, OR 977.01 RE: Joint Meeting 7/25/2013 & *DEQ -Groundwater Steering Committee Report/Recommendations Dear Commissioners and P.C. members, This "respectfully submitted document is to inform you that the .signature(s) of this letter indicate a TOTAL OPPOSITION to 'Recommendations' presented below: *Among these recommendations is an exception to state planning rules that would allow multi -residence wastewater treatment systems outside of the existing urban growth boundaries and allow establishment of a sanitary authority. They include a moratorium of the current Alternative Treatment Technology (ATT) requirement while some of the recommendations are being pursued. There is also a recommendation to continue offering education and outreach to the community. The `Recommendations' do not appear to benefit needed development of our subdivision in a timely manner or to a high design standard desired by us absentee owners,.. real Deschutes landowner -taxpayers. The Groundwater Steering Committee made no significant `outreach -effort' for the largest area of concern,... the undeveloped lot -owners that appear to be the Committee's 1St major Recommendation' item. Our undeveloped lot -property has NO nitrate contribution to the groundwater, and, we prefer to continue to protect groundwater, similar to our neighbors at Oregon Water Wonderland 2, with a community -guided, professionally engineered, and, technologically -green designed sewer system. The loosely described reasons to form an 'Authority' do not justify the new South County tax district proposed, but would likely continue to stall private development in the tax district, diminishing competition for the County's development activity at LaPine Residential Community and Industrial lots. You are urged to NOT adopt these 'Recommendations' because the large number of landowners affected have had none -to- very little input into the decision of the Steering Committee. Sincerely submitted b Deschutes property owner -taxpayer, representing Mats/acres, ;4--1 -70 g-4 cp/,�/�� July 24, 2013 ATTN: Deschutes BOCC & Planning Commission 1300 Wall Street Bend, OR 97701 RE: Joint Meeting 7/25/2013 & DEQ -Groundwater Steering Committee Report/Recommendations Dear Commissioners and P.C. members, This recommendation letter is from a Deschutes absentee -owner and taxpayer that urges you... NOT to accept or implement 'Committee Recommendations' that are the subject of your meeting. There have been NO informational updates to absentee owners over the more than 3 years of decision-making and NO Committee -generated Survey for us to offer our ideas. Kathy Phillips, a neighbor on Indio Road, has sent a Survey which we gladly completed & returned. At this time, I've requested Kathy Phillips to continue to seek equality of development -rights in Deschutes County for absentee owners in our subdivision, so our community will grow as planned, using properly designed and proven groundwater protection methods. T disagree with 'design By Committee' land development of other people's property, without some 'outreach' effort. At my request, Kathy Phillips will deliver this response, as I'm unable to attend, but, I hope to see progress towards allowing the long -planned development, soon. Ed & Madelyn Leffen Red Bluff, CA Sincerely submitted by Deschutes property owner -taxpayer, representing lots/acres,, 7 j