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Be a Creek Steward
Creek Side Property Owner Guidelines
People who live near a stream-riparian corridor are aware of the significant impacts storms and resultant high flows can have on our creeks. Sediment, debris, fallen trees, beaver activity, flooding, and eroding streambanks are all examples of issues that a homeowner may face. Because of their ecological significance, there are many rules (city, state, & federal) governing human activities in and around our creek systems.
There are basically three types of water courses or streams:
1. Perennial, meaning that they flow year-round, regardless of rainfall levels
2. Spring fed, which may originate from hillside “seeps”
3. Seasonal or “ephemeral” streams that flow only during the rainy months.
Any of these natural channels located on your property may fall under several legal jurisdictions (federal, state, and/or city), depending on what fish/wildlife species are present and the significance of the problem
Who Can Help You with Your Backyard Creek?
Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) may have jurisdiction over your creek or riparian (“critical”) area and should be contacted for advice before you proceed with any work. Projects which involve significant construction, dredging or fill may also require consultation with the US Army Corps of Engineers (US-ACOE). Several different permits may be required to remove natural accumulations of large woody debris (LWD) or make any alterations to stabilize streambanks, depending on the significance of the project and the time it will be implemented. DPD works closely with WDFW to insure that all state and local regulations are followed. It is best to seek consultation before you start any project, including simple log or debris removal or complex streambank stabilization work.
Seattle DPD enforces the City’s Environmentally Critical Areas Ordinance (ECA) and the State Environmental Policies Act (SEPA). This requires that DPD review all projects to insure that they meet the minimum requirements of ECA and SEPA. Representatives for DPD can be contacted through the Applicant Services Center at 206-684-8850. DPD representatives are available to perform site inspections, to advise citizens on the permitting requirements for creek-related projects, and to give advice on the best potential solution for any given location. Quite often LWD and log jams that appear to be a problem actually provide habitat benefits to the stream. It is important to get a good assessment of the situation before taking action.
The Next Step
Once you have had a consultation it is important to determine your permitting requirements. In order to determine if your emergency creek maintenance project will require a SEPA review, refer to Client Assistance Memo (CAM) 208 on the DPD website.
In addition to DPD consultation, WDFW administers all actions below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), including LWD manipulation or removal. Work performed within the stream below the OHWM will likely require a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA). In order to view all the information necessary to determine if your project requires an HPA, refer to the WDFW website.
If you are experiencing an emergency there is an expedited process that will shorten the time required to secure a permit. These instructions are also contained within the above link.
Contact Information
For site consultations and advice the following individuals can be contacted within WDFW:
- • For creek issues north of the ship canal, contact Ginger Holser at
(425) 379-2305 or holsegh@dfw.wa.gov.
- • For creek issues south of the ship canal, contact Larry Fisher at
(425) 313-5683 or fisheldf@dfw.wa.gov .
- • For shoreline issues contact Laura Arber at (425) 379-2306 or arberlma@dfw.wa.gov.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) operates a creek stewardship program and advises citizens on proper riparian enhancement on private property during non-emergencies. Although this program is a highly visible part of the stormwater outreach programs offered by SPU, we have no regulatory jurisdiction over the creek running through your property. DPD and WDFW (and possibly US-ACOE) will need to be contacted for technical advice and information on regulatory compliance before starting any project.
The SPU Creek Steward Program can be reached via:
Chris May at (206) 386-4270 or chris.may@seattle.gov
Deb Heiden at (206) 386-1802 or deb.heiden@seattle.gov
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