Edmonds issues moratorium on development in Deer Creek aquifer – Everett Herald

Edmonds City Council Approves Moratorium on Development Near Deer Creek

Introduction

The Edmonds City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on development near Deer Creek following recent amendments to the Critical Areas Ordinance. This decision aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by prioritizing the protection of water resources and sustainable urban development.

Background and Regulatory Changes

1. In January, the council approved changes to the Critical Areas Ordinance to prohibit stormwater wells in the Deer Creek Critical Aquifer Recharge Area, which extends from Deer Creek in Woodway to Highway 99 in south Edmonds.
2. The ordinance change was prompted by environmental concerns regarding the contamination of drinking water by Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), harmful “forever chemicals” linked to serious health effects.
3. These new regulations effectively prohibit stormwater filtration via wells, the only feasible method of filtration in the basin, complicating permit approvals for development projects.

Rationale for the Moratorium

• City staff highlighted that without the moratorium, the application process for developments involving stormwater management would be unclear and inefficient, leading to wasted resources for both staff and applicants.
• The moratorium provides a necessary pause to conduct a comprehensive PFAS study, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing potential health risks from water contamination.
• Council members emphasized the community’s shared goal of ensuring clean water and transparent regulatory processes during this period.

PFAS Study Details

The city plans to commission a $50,000 study to:

• Assess current PFAS levels in stormwater within the Deer Creek aquifer.
• Identify sources of PFAS contamination.
• Provide recommendations for protecting the aquifer and surrounding environment.

The study is expected to take approximately 12 weeks, contributing valuable scientific data to inform future stormwater management policies and support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Impact on Development and Future Considerations

• A consulting firm’s report indicated that if stormwater wells remain prohibited, alternative stormwater management methods will be required to prevent infiltration within the recharge area.
• These alternatives may involve extensive basin studies costing an estimated $1.4 million over two years.
• Council members expressed varying views on the moratorium duration, with consensus reached on a six-month limit to balance development needs and environmental protection.

Next Steps and Public Engagement

1. The council will hold a required public hearing on the moratorium at its March 3 meeting to gather community input.
2. Findings from the PFAS study will guide future ordinance adjustments and development policies.
3. Ongoing efforts will focus on aligning local development practices with SDGs to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and community health.

Contact Information

For further information, contact Jenna Peterson at 425-339-3486 or via email at jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com. Follow updates on X: @jennarpetersonn.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on protecting the Deer Creek Critical Aquifer Recharge Area from contamination by PFAS chemicals, which directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • PFAS contamination poses serious health risks such as cancers, liver damage, and developmental issues, linking the article to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The moratorium on development and the city’s planning efforts relate to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protecting the aquifer and surrounding environment aligns with the goal of sustainably managing ecosystems and halting land degradation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals, and substantially increasing water recycling and safe reuse.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including aquifers.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning and management.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. PFAS Levels in Stormwater
   • The article mentions a $50,000 PFAS study to assess current PFAS levels in stormwater within the Deer Creek aquifer, which implies the use of chemical concentration indicators to measure contamination.
2. Number of Development Permits Approved or Delayed
   • The moratorium affects permit processing, suggesting an indicator related to the number or rate of permits approved in the critical aquifer area.
3. Health Impact Data
   • Though not directly measured in the article, the health effects of PFAS contamination imply the use of health indicators such as incidence rates of related diseases.
4. Environmental Impact Assessments
   • The need for basin studies and recommendations for protecting the area suggests indicators related to ecosystem health and water quality monitoring.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: heraldnet.com