Critical Areas and Shoreline Regulations related to
Geologically Hazardous Areas, Steep Slopes
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Joe Burcar, Senior Shoreline Planner
Washington State Department of Ecology
University of Washington Botanic Gardens
December 5, 2013
Photo: H. Shipman
Overview
• Regulatory Tools
• Protecting Health & Safety
• Environmental Protection
• Management Challenges & Opportunities
• Resources/Questions
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Photo: H. Shipman
Regulatory Tools
Regulatory Program Application
Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO)
- Protect resources (wetlands) & health safety in Geologically Hazardous Areas - Erosion, Landslide or Seismic Hazards
Clearing & Grading Permits
- Locally administered permit review, regulating excavation and timber harvest through out a jurisdiction
Shoreline Master Program (SMP)
- Discrete management zone - Prioritizes SMA uses & env. protection - State & Local partnership
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
- Broad authority - Req. Threshold Determination - Concurrent with CAO or SMP review
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Regulations to Protect Human Health & Safety
• Evaluation – Site characteristics and description of the types of risks.
• Intent - awareness of risk or to inform management and design?
• Expectation – Id level of acceptable risk related to the proposed development.
• Challenge – characterizing risk, appropriate metric, timescale, etc.
4 Photos: H. Shipman
Protecting Ecological Functions
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• Goal – mitigation sequencing.
• Challenges – recognition of ecological impacts, protecting the right functions, and implementation on a variety of sites
• Question – What are fair assumptions related to anticipated future actions?
Photos: H. Shipman
Management Challenges or Opportunities?
• Goal is always “win-win” scenario.
• Timing of geotechnical review – are experts consulted during or after design?
• Focus – concern for risks, resources or ecological functions?
• Communication – how best to inform the correct management decision?
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Photo: H. Shipman
Technical Reports
• Intent – risk awareness or code consistency? Descriptive or Predictive?
• Audience – who is the report written for?
• Scope - Are we asking too much of one expert or report?
• Resources – what technical trainings or guidance is needed?
7 Photos: H. Shipman
Source: Kitsap Co.
Resources & Questions
• Coastal Atlas – theme layers and air photos
• ECY Publications : Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control Using Vegetation –
Publication #93-30
Vegetation Management: A Guide for Puget Sound Bluff Property Owners – Publication #93-31
• SMP– Inventory/Characterization Reports
• Washington Department of Commerce – Critical Areas Ordinance resources.
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[email protected] or 425-649-7145
Photo: H. Shipman
