Front page news

March 6th
With the recent local compliance action taken by the Washington State Department of Ecology, folks are asking how they can prevent similar problems from occurring on their own property. First and foremost, if you have an issue with a waterway on your property, find out exactly what that waterway is. Oftentimes it's hard to tell the difference between a stream, an irrigation lateral, or a field drain--but the type of water you're dealing with can make all the difference in the world. Examine your property description or consult with your irrigation district to help you accurately identify the waterway in question.
If the waterway is an irrigation canal or lateral, contact the irrigation provider. Depending on where in the system the problem is located, your water provider may be able to resolve the problem. If the issue is outside their domain, they'll let you know that, but may still offer pointers on the best solution to your problem.
If the waterway is a stream or a drain, consult with WDFW before taking any action. Brent Renfrow is located here in Ellensburg, and he'll come to your property to identify the best solution to your problem, as well as let you know what permitting--if any-- is needed in your situation. Brent can be reached at (509) 925-1013.

Sometimes compliance actions take place not because of something a landowner did, but beaus of something they didn't do. Check back soon to find out the specific BMP's that Ecology will be looking for in their upcoming compliance monitoring throughout the valley. I'll try to have those posted by the end of the week.