Critics question proposed amendments to habitat ordinance

EVERETT — Snohomish County Council will likely decide on Wednesday if buffers to wetlands, streams and other critical habitats will be cut in half for development opportunities.

For the past year, the Washington State Department of Ecology has worked with Snohomish County’s Planning and Development Services to help update the Critical Area Regulations ordinance, which cover wetlands, fish and wildlife conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas, aquifer recharge areas and some flood hazard areas.

But council members Jared Mead and Nate Nehring have introduced amendments to the ordinance, decreasing environmental protections to create flexibility for possible development.

Both council members failed to respond to multiple requests for comment before deadline.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/critics-question-proposed-amendments-to-habitat-ordinance/

More flooding and polluted water, the GOP is known for its smarts.