The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Wahkiakum County commissioners on Tuesday acted on routine business and heard reports on controversial issues.

The board approved annual contracts with WSU Cooperative Extension and the Lower Colubmia Economic Development Council.

The board also approved an agreement with the state Department of Ecology for a $36,488 grant for solid waste recycling. The funding is an annual program; DOE provided $35,300 last year for the county's recycling program.

Reports and comments from the public generated more discussion than other business.

Commissioner Blair Brady reported that the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board (LCFRB) had completed its technical report for habitat enhancement projects for the Grays River Valley.

The projects were introduced in the fall of 2008 and drew widespread criticism from Valley residents, who feared they opened the door to unwanted work along the river that could have adverse impact on people and property.

Brady presented concerns from the community in LCFRB meetings in the fall, and the changes were incorporated into the report, he said. One of the biggest changes is that the list of projects will be referred to as a technical report, not a plan.

Another big change came from the regional office of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, he said. The regional director has ordered that all fish enhancement project plans be referred to county governments for approval. In the past, project sponsors or contractors have been able to obtain expedited permits for enhancement projects that are supposed to be environmentally friendly without review outside the agency. This has drawn criticism from western Wahkiakum residents who feel some projects created adverse impacts that weren't considered during the fast track permit review.

The LCRB won't sponsor projects in the Valley, Brady said, but willing land owners and their partners may undertake projects identified in the report.

Puget Island residents Gordon and Vera Oman told the commission they were unhappy with the application of the county's septic sewer permitting program.

They said their permit application has been delayed for long term water table observations, and this has derailed a potential sale of property. Meanwhile, other applicants are getting permits.

They asked that commissioners meet with department heads and personnel to go over the operation of the county's septic system permitting program, and commissioners said they would do so.