River task force holds first meeting

The first of three policy summit meetings of the Pierce County River Revitalization Task Force took place July 8, and the group identified some of the goals it seeks to achieve.

Task force member Matt Richardson said one of the discussion topics among the approximately 40 people in attendance was fundraising in order to pay for ways of alleviating flood damage.

Some citizens end up with debris on their properties following a flood, but are prohibited by law from removing it themselves, often due to ecological reasons.

The group wants to solve this problem of debris in a way that doesn’t violate any laws or regulations, like having a permit enabling residents to remove debris themselves at a reasonable cost.

The Endangered Species Act and the Environmental Protections Act were among topics at the meeting since the water quality of the Puyallup River is a concern.

Richardson said the Army Corp of Engineers stated in its May report the water quality is below environmental standards. Improving this quality is another goal of the group.

They want to identify water diversion areas, so in the event of a flood, water could be sent to other areas to lessen the damage.

In other business at the meeting, Pierce County Council member Shawn Bunney was appointed vice chair.

At the next session the group plans to discuss risk and exposure to future flooding, city and county options within codes, charter and determinations of city and county authority.

The group’s next meeting begins at 6 tonight, Wednesday, at High Cedars Golf Club in Orting, 14604 149th St. Ct.

To comment on this story view it online at www.blscourierherald.com. Reach Chaz Holmes at cholmes@courierherald.com or 360-802-8208.

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