ResSalesandUseTaxAgmtCityofCleElum

Home Browse Search

A hazardous waste spill, or other human contamination, can have a serious impact on an aquifer, possibly rendering it unusable for years. The primary water sources for the City of Cle Elum [as well as South Cle Elan and Suncedia) are the Yakima and Cle Elum Rivers. lntakes are located below Lake Cle Elven new the Bullfrog Road Bridge on the Cle Elum River, and on the Yakima River near the intersection of South Cie Elum Way and the river. Shallow groundwater in Cie Elum area renders the Yakima River intake susceptible to contmnination due to the relatively high permeability of the Alluvium sail layer and a generally shallow depth to groundwater. The Cie Elum River intake is susceptible to contamination resulting from the increased development pressure for "lakefront" lots in the rural county. The predominant majority of the homes permitted by Kittitas County are on individual septic systems in close proximity to the ordinary high water mark of the lake. The City has requested that Kittitas County establish land use intensity and proximity Imitations to protect critical municipal water intake supplies. Best management practices along with hazardous material plans, appropriate land use zoning and density, and the analysis of future ft%mcts should be considered by the county to protect aquifers and municipal water sources. The protection ofaquifcr recharge areas and municipal intakes is modate d within the City if Cle; Elurn under Ordinance No. 1039, Section 18.01.120- 140, the 2004 Eastern Washington Stotmwater Management Manual, Best Management Practices, and SEPA. Wetlands and Floodplain Wetlands are transitional areas between upland and aquatic esnvirownents where water is pment long enough to form distinct soils where specialized plant commwrities can grow. Wetlands include marshy areas along shorelines, and inland swamps. Wetlands are typified by three physical characteristics; Hydric soils, hydrology, and hydrophilic plants. The National Wetlands Inventory (NW'i) map prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated that Cie Elum has a number of wetlands. Wetlands will be defined using RCW 36.70A.030(20) and delineated using the Washington State Department of Ecology Westland Delineation Manual pursuant to RCW 36.70A.175. Cie Elum has several known areas designated by FEMA as Floodplain or Floodway. Floodplains and floodways are areas recognized to have the; greatest risk of damage to property and to the loss of human ilii. State law prohibits permanent strucum from being constructed in the Floodway or to have zem rise (no displacement of floodwaters). Only seasonal uses oz water dependent structures (such as bridges) should be allowed to be constructed in these areas. The protection of wetlands and floodplains occurs through the City's Development Regulatlous for critical areas [Ordinance No. 1039, Section 18.01.290-300; and 18.01.430-500; respectively], and SEPA. Historical and Cultural Preservation City of Cle Elum — Land Use Plan 23