Concrete batch plant before Hearings Examiner

Citizens may be concerned with the recent application for a third concrete batch plant on San Juan Island at Beaverton Valley Business Park, because it will affect the quality and quantity of our water supply.

In the early ’00s, the Town of Friday Harbor gave residents a $75 incentive for each toilet replaced with a water-conserving one. In the early teens, our electric coop, Opalco, distributed free low-flow showerheads to all County members.

A hydrologist representing neighbors near the Park states, “This application is grossly deficient and is one of the most incomplete applications and designs that I have seen in my 30 years of practice.”

Mr. Rosen notes the absence of professional stamps, specifically a surveyor’s and engineer’s, and writes, “The blanket approval condition circumvents the criteria review process.”

And, “The project cannot be in compliance with the 2024 SWMMWW because the project was designed in 2004.” He recommends a 5-year study including testing for certain chemicals, which would indicate saltwater intrusion due to the drawdown of our freshwater aquifer.

Neighbors near the Park have already deepened wells or replaced them.

At Hannah Heights two years ago, forty-five households lost all their water at once, because forever chemicals, PFAS, contaminated their community water supply. Water is now delivered to them at a cost of 16 cents per gallon.

Water is a precious resource. Please speak out against the approval of the concrete batch plant at the upcoming public hearings on 24 June, at 10 a.m either online, or in person at the County Council Legislative Hearing Room on 55 Second Street.

To view the agenda, visit https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3603/files/agenda/5499.

Gay Wilmerding,

San Juan Island