Outside the Lines: Ferry Tales XXXIII

Doin' the SEPA Stomp

Judge Allendoerfer definitely selected the music. Gerald Steel chose the tempo. Skagit County was at a clear disadvantage, stumbling and stepping on toes and totally without rhythm.

Brandon Black, Senior Skagit County Planner, was asked to dance but had to decline. It appears he only knew one step “The Environmental Checklist”, and he struggled to keep the beat. He did not know any of the other dance steps such as sole source aquifer, commuter hours, the snowball effect, or either of the Comprehensive or Sub Area plans. In defense of Mr. Black, he possibly was not aware of the 1977 Environmental Impact Study because it was during the disco era. Judge Allendoerfer directed Black to learn these steps and to learn them well. There will be another dance held in Allendoerfer’s courtroom and Brandon Black and Skagit County better partner up and learn all the steps

The Skagit County Board of County Commissioners {BOCC} tried its best to keep up but was caught trying to dance to “stealth decision”. The County started dancing to the tune of Determination of Non Significance {DNS}, but slipped and fell when it was discovered that the date of filing was July 27, yet notification to concerned parties didn’t happen until August 5. The two week appeal period to the DNS ended August 19. That appeal window has been extended to Monday August 21. Friends of Guemes Island {FGI} and Gerald Steel will choreograph a new dance for that date, requesting an evidentiary hearing.

The State Environmental Protection Act {SEPA} has been invited to the dance. It appears Skagit County didn’t think it was necessary to extend an invitation to SEPA. Judge Allendoerfer directed the invitation be issued. Rural character of the island, salt water intrusion, snowball effect, and commuter ferry hours were invited as well.

If the Skagit County Hearing Examiner will not learn the new dance step {evaluate the case} Judge Allendoerfer will show the examiner how.

The case will come back to Snohomish County Court for a decision as to whether or not a full Environment Impact Study {EIS} is required. This is a whole new series of dance steps.

Was it a victory for Friends of Guemes Island {FGI} and opponents to the extended hours ferry schedule. You bet it was.

Polish your dancing shoes.

Commentary by MJ Andrak

[8.21.6]

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