The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has approved DuPont’s updated shoreline master program.
DuPont’s shoreline program will result in significant improvements in the protection, use, development and restoration of about three and one half miles of marine shoreline. It also will lead to improvements in water quality in the city. DuPont’s shoreline master program guides construction and development along the city’s Puget Sound shoreline within the Nisqually Delta, Tatsolo Point, and the mouth of Sequalitchew Creek.
Sally Toteff, Ecology’s Southwest Regional Director , said: “ This shoreline plan carries great – and somewhat unique – potential to restore unimpeded tidal flow back to the tidal wetland area at the mouth of Sequalitchew Creek. The shoreline master program regulates the end point of a water system that for years has been a high priority in this community .”
DuPont is one of more than 65 local governments that have completed their updates. The revised master program combines local plans for future shoreline development and preservation with new shoreline development ordinances and related permitting requirements.
Shoreline master programs are the cornerstone of the state’s 1972 voter-approved Shoreline Management Act. The law requires cities and counties with regulated shorelines to develop and periodically update their locally-tailored programs to help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses, and protect the public’s right to public lands and waters.
“ DuPont’s shoreline master program helps support the broader initiative to protect and restore Puget Sound. This effort to help protect the economic and environmental health of our waters for ourselves and for future generations is an important one. By working together, we are protecting the treasured shoreline resources that make Washington a great place to live ,” Toteff said.
The city’s process brought diverse local interests to the table to work collaboratively. These groups included waterfront property owners, scientists, non-profit organizations, and tribal government representatives. The shoreline master program process began with a thorough inventory of existing land-use patterns and environmental conditions and completed with consultant support.
Michael Grayum, Mayor of DuPont , said: “ We appreciate the work of Ecology and our many partners involved in this collaborative effort. Together, we are finding creative and cost-effective ways to protect our waterways, promote recreation, and strengthen our economy for current and future generations .”
DuPont’s shoreline master program:
– Establishes the shoreline area as a vegetation conservation area.
– Enables further construction of recreational development along the city’s shorelines.
– Includes a restoration plan showing where and how voluntary improvements in water and upland areas can enhance the local shoreline environment.
Under state law, the local shoreline plan must receive approval from Ecology’s director before taking effect. It then becomes part of the state shoreline master program. If needed, the department will help defend DuPont’s shoreline program against legal challenges.
All of Washington’s cities and counties with regulated shorelines must update their programs by December 2014.
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Press Release, February 6, 2013