Ecology seeks public comment on Steilacoom’s new Shoreline Master Program

The Washington State Department of Ecology seeks public comment on the Town of Steilacoom’s new Shoreline Master Program (SMP). Steilacoom’s shorelines include the marine shoreline along Puget Sound and the shoreline along Chambers Bay between the railroad berm beneath the bridge and the Town’s limits.

The new program establishes five Shoreline Environment Designations (SEDs) to recognize the variety of character along the shoreline within Steilacoom. It also establishes setbacks from the ordinary high water mark for different types of uses and development, encourages low impact development within shoreline areas, and allows vegetation management on Town-owned and leased properties in accordance with the Town’s Urban Forestry Ordinance.

Ecology will compare Steilacoom’s proposed program to the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Master Program Guidelines. Based on the comparison, Ecology will decide whether to:

Approve the program as is or with recommended changes, or send the proposed program back to the Town with required changes to meet statutory and rule requirements. Recommended changes may also be included with the required changes.

Learn more: Citizen Guide to Shoreline Master Programs

Public Comment Period

• Opens: November 13, 2012
• Closes: December 14, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.

All interested parties are invited to provide comment during this public comment period. There are several ways to provide comments. You only need to submit your comments once.

Submit written comments and questions to:

Regional Planner: Chrissy Bailey

Mailing address:

Washington State Department of Ecology

Southwest Regional Office

PO Box 47775

Olympia, Washington 98504-7775

Street address:

Washington State Department of Ecology

Southwest Regional Office

300 Desmond Drive

Lacey, Washington 98503

Email: Chrissy.Bailey@ecy.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 407-0290

Comments must be received no later than December 14, 2012 at 5 p.m.

Please click to view Ecology’s webpage containing documents for public review and comment.