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State Dept. of Ecology seeks comments on shorelines - again 7/21/03 Olympia, WA-- The Department of Ecology is hoping the third time is the charm for new shoreline management guidelines. The department is seeking public comment on draft rules that will be used by cities and counties to update and implement local programs that regulate shoreline development. Two previous efforts resulted in lawsuits and mediation. Local master programs regulate the development and use of shorelines along rivers and larger streams, lakes over 20 acres and marine waterfronts within their jurisdictions. Ecology has been working since 1995 to satisfy a legislative requirement to update the shoreline management guidelines. This effort included a 1999 draft that was withdrawn after comments showed that substantial changes were needed. Ecology subsequently proposed and adopted a revised rule in 2000, but parts of it were overturned on appeal. The newest version has the endorsement of the Association of Washington Business, the Washington Environmental Council and other business and environmental organizations. The Department of Ecology is accepting public comment on the proposed shoreline guidelines through September 15th. |