So what is behind the Bremerton SMP Update?

The most succinct discussion of Bremerton’s SMP underlying philosophy can be found in the Cumulative Effects Analysis dated May 15 2012, Sec. 1, Page 2: 

“It is not known, at this time, whether general trends in ecological degradation from human disturbance are continuing to result in incremental degradation of ecological functions or whether localized ecosystems have reached a stable condition. There is no scientific consensus on appropriate indicators of ecological productivity and no comprehensive means of monitoring. Based on the continuing trends of declines in key aquatic species in Puget Sound over several decades, the most justifiable conclusion is that existing land use and practices within watersheds and along shorelines are continuing to degrade habitat and trends will continue unless substantial changes in practices are implemented in many areas.”

“Specific ongoing contributions to nearshore degradation that will likely continue, unless substantial changes are made to physical facilities, include:

• Existing practices in managing ornamental vegetation, such as use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, adversely affect not only the nearshore food chain, but also have adverse impacts on the central nervous system functions of fish, including salmonids.
• Shoreline bulkheads have negative impacts on substrate through interfering with natural recruitment sources, especially on feeder bluffs; in some cases, they produce a high energy environment because of reflective wave action and also contribute to the absence of shoreline vegetation.
• The lack of native vegetation on the shoreline likely contributes to the absence of a nearshore food chain, and also results in higher nearshore temperatures due to the lack of shade.
• Current docks and other moorage facilities contribute to predation and also may cause avoidance behavior in salmonids by forcing them out of nearshore environments and into environments where food and shelter are less available and where predation is increased.

  Read the Bremerton Shoreline Cumulative Effects Analysis (DRAFT) May 15 2012

Kitsap County Urban Growth Area Remand Public Open House

Kitsap County is hosting two open houses to present the findings of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and Capital Facilities Plan relating to the recent Central Growth Management Hearings Board decision regarding the 2006 Comprehensive Plan.

“The release of the Draft SEIS and Capital Facilities Plan is a major milestone towards the County’s efforts to resolve the Hearings Board Order by the August deadline,” according to Eric Baker, Special Projects Manager. “Many properties affected by this order may see zoning changes from urban to rural or vise versa. It is important for residents to provide testimony whether verbal or in writing about these proposed alternatives and how it affects them,”

Public Open Houses

May 15, 2012 6:00 – 8:00 PM Kitsap County Fairgrounds – Eagles Nest 1195 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton

May 17, 2012 6:00 – 8:00 PM Kitsap County Administration Building Commissioners Chambers 619 Division Street, Port Orchard.

Following the public open houses, the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on June 4, 2012 to consider verbal and written testimony on these draft documents. After the public hearing and in late June, the Commissioners will then select a preferred alternative. The public comment period for these draft documents closes on June 6, 2012 at 4:30PM.

For more information, please visit the project website.

Bremerton SMP will severely limit shoreline redevelopment

There are many Bremerton shoreline homes that were built over 50 years ago , are small and in some cases are falling down. The proposed rules will severely restrict the redevelopment of these properties. If the proposed remodel exceeds 75% of the assessed value of the structure, it will need to be brought into full compliance with standards, including buffers and setbacks, and vegetative buffer expansion.

Make your opinions heard.
The Planning commission hearing is May 29 at 5:30 PM

Bulkheads and Climate Change

The State clearly believes in the threat imposed by climate change and is implementing procedures to minimize its impact.

Why then are they precluding the only effective solution to the problem of rising sea level? Rather than allowing the citizens to maintain and improve bulkheads to protect their property, the county is advocating use of soft bulkheads of woody debris. This solution will not work in the face of rising sea level, as sooner or later the soft bulkheads will be be washed away. Don’t believe it? Ask the folks who install bulkheads. Soft bulkheads need to be repaired or replaced every year or two, with or without climate change and sealevel rises.”.

Kitsap County goes so far as to state “Shoreline stabilization measures shall not be for the purpose of creating dry land (Current 22). Leveling or extending property, creating or preserving residential lawns, yards or landscaping shall not be allowed except when other otherwise allowed in this section due to health and safety.”

May 29: Bremerton Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Shoreline Master Program

Notice of Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Shoreline Master Program.  May 29, 2012 at 5:30 pm in the Norm Dicks Government Center Council Chambers

Draft Documents can be reviewed here

Sewage overflows near Manette Bridge

The city was notified of the spill Sunday by a resident of the area. The city tracked the problem and notified the health district Monday. Residents said the spill might have been going on for several days before it was reported, and as much as 50,000 gallons of raw sewage might have spilled onto the beach and drained into the water.

Read the full Kitsap Sun article here

What is actually polluting Puget Sound? Updated

If you read the Kitsap County Shoreline Masterplan Update you could be lead to believe that shoreline residential owners are a major source of pollution to the Puget Sound and need to be controlled by restricting of up to 130 feet of their property to native vegetation only. These restrictions are placed on the property at the time a building permit is applied for; backed up by the requirement for a performance bond and a permanent notice placed on the land title.

In the last six mouths Municipal sewage overflow has dumped over 25 Million gallons of untreated sewage into the sound closing beaches and restricting shellfish harvest.

• Thanksgiving 2011 Everett 25 Million gallons
• Thanksgiving 2011 Bremerton  700,000 gallons
• Apr 3 2012 Bainbridge Island 10,000 gallons
• Apr 19 2012 Bremerton 1000 gallons
• May 7 2012 Bremerton 50,000 gallons

The single greatest source of non-point pollution in the sound is stormwater runnoff from our roads. If the county was serious about cleaning up the Sound. It would establish a list of the major contributors to Sound pollution, establish a priority list of actions to reduce pollution and measure results.

Attend the City and County SMP  meetings and ask about the science and priorities.