Shoreline submits its Point Wells scoping comments to Snohomish County

The City has submitted its scoping comments to Snohomish County as part of the County’s state mandated environmental review of the proposed Point Wells development. The City’s comments reflect the concerns heard expressed by residents and identifies anticipated project impacts that need to be studied as part of the environmental review process. Determined to make sure a full evaluation of anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation is conducted, the City is also seeking funding from Snohomish County to help off-set the cost of hiring technical experts to help review and verify the results of the draft environmental impact statement (EIS).

Through Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act, when a proposed project is likely to result in significant adverse impacts, the permitting agency is required to prepare an EIS. In the case of Point Wells, Snohomish County is the agency issuing the permits. The EIS reviews the project’s impacts and provides reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation. The first step in the process is to conduct “scoping”, which is the community’s opportunity to comment on the anticipated project impacts and alternatives that should be evaluated.

Once Snohomish County has determined the scope it will begin preparing the draft EIS. The EIS will analyze the probable impacts of the project and reasonable alternatives, and may include studies, modeling, etc. It is anticipated that the County will release the draft EIS later this year.  Both the general public and specific agencies, such as the City, will be able to review and comment on the findings and recommendations of the draft EIS. Before a final EIS is completed, Snohomish County will analyze and respond to the comments received on the draft. Once all of that work is completed, Snohomish County will release the final EIS. The final EIS will be used in Snohomish County’s decision-making process in issuing permits for the development.

To learn more, visit the webpage or contact Planning and Community Development Director Rachael Markle 206-801-2531.