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Website Contents - Workshop Proceedings Panel 1 Basics Panel 2 Cases Panel 3 Science Panel 4 Law Panel 5 Agencies Return to Exempt Wells Overview panel1.htmlpanel2.htmlpanel3.htmlpanel4.htmlpanel5.html../petition/overview.htmlshapeimage_6_link_0shapeimage_6_link_1shapeimage_6_link_2shapeimage_6_link_3shapeimage_6_link_4shapeimage_6_link_5shapeimage_6_link_6


Proceedings

Citizens Workshop on Exempt Wells


This conference was held on May 30-31, 2008, in Ellensburg, Washington, and was sponsored by the Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Aqua Permanente.


(click on each panel title to access proceedings)



Panel 1: Exempt Well Basics


- Law & Policy Trends - Rachael Paschal Osborn, CELP

- Statewide Data - Dave Nazy, Washington Dep’t of Ecology



Panel 2:  Case Studies in Exempt Well Problems


- Kittitas County: Ground Zero - Melissa Bates & Deidre Link, Aqua Permanente

- Mason County Petition - John Konovsky, Squaxin Island Indian Tribe

- Chamokane Creek - Brian Crossley, Spokane Tribe of Indians

- Lake Whatcom - Greg Kirsch, Private Citizen



Panel 3: Science Basics


- Instream Flows 101 - Prof. Paul James, Central Washington University

- Hydrogeology 101 - Tom Ring, Yakama Nation



Panel 4: Legal Issues


- Water Laws & Land Use - Patrick Williams, CELP

- Land Use Laws & Water - Tim Trohimovich, Futurewise



Panel 5: Agency Perspectives


- Dep’t of Ecology Policies & Practices - Ken Slattery, Washington State Dep’t of Ecology



























Exempt Wells Background:


Currently more than 7,000 permit-exempt wells are being drilled EACH YEAR in Washington state.  Exempt wells are fueling rural sprawl, and used in unlimited quantities for feedlots and dairies.  Because these wells are not subject to regulation, there is no control over when and where they are drilled.  There is also no control over the impact of these wells on other water users and on hydraulically connected streams.


Counties have the power to determine that water is not available for new subdivisions and building permits.  But they are generally unwilling (with a few exceptions) to exercise this authority.  Thus, rampant new development is being built on exempt wells without oversight or consideration of public interests.