This was originally posted to: Guemes Island Environmental Trust

Environmental Trust Comments On Marijuana Moratorium

FROM: The Guemes Island Environmental Trust
               P.O. Box 1634
               Anacortes, WA 98221

RE: Interim Ordinance of Marijuana Facilities

TO: the Board of Skagit County Commissioners

The Guemes Island Environmental Trust (GIET) supports a moratorium on new recreational marijuana production or processing facilities in rural zones, to provide adequate time for the development of regulations that will protect the rural environment.

In particular we stress the necessity of protecting the groundwater resources from depletion or contamination, i.e.,

-    What will be the source of water needed for the proposed facility
-    How much water will be needed for the operation of the facility
-    What is the proposed waste water management plan
-    What will be the sources for potential contamination,  including pesticides and fertilizers

GIET has been active in the groundwater issues of Guemes Island since the early 1990’s.  This has resulted in a baseline study by the United States Geological Survey of the hydrogeology and quality of the groundwater of the island and in the designation by the Environmental Protection Agency of Guemes Island as a Sole Source Aquifer.  GIET continues to monitor a small number of wells semi-annually.

GIET is most concerned that the water issues, mentioned above, will be carefully addressed in the policy-making process.

Respectfully,

Guemes Island Environmental Trust Board