Drafter
Clerk 02/26/2009
Title
A MOTION directing the executive to review King County, state and federal regulations that delay or discourage the removal of flood debris and to recommend steps to streamline the process of flood debris removal.
Body
WHEREAS, King County has experienced numerous destructive flooding events over the past several decades, causing significant damage to homes and properties, and
WHEREAS, in addition to homes and properties, these flood events leave significant amounts of flood debris, which can be unsightly and result in decreased land values, and
WHEREAS, flood debris can pose a heightened risk of physical injury from logs and other form of downed vegetation that:
1. Create an attractive nuisance;
2. Act as a source of potential fires; or
3. Affect the flow of water in future flood events in a manner that significantly increases the risks to structures, and
WHEREAS, flood debris can pose a heightened risk of serious health risks from unsanitary or toxic materials, such as effluent from damaged on-site sewage systems, farm animal wastes or heavy metals from road surfaces, that can promote the spread or be the cause of disease and environmental damage, and
WHEREAS, King County recognizes the benefits of the quick removal of flood debris and in the past has used disposal fee waivers to help facilitate the prompt cleanup and proper disposal of storm debris following major storms and flooding, and
WHEREAS, the benefits of the prompt removal of flood debris may not be realized if county, state or federal regulatory requirements serve to delay or stand in the way of the removal of flood debris, and
WHEREAS, an effort to streamline the regulatory process to allow for prompt cleanup of properties with flood debris will be a benefit to all the residents of King County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The King County executive shall convene a review of county, state or federal regulatory requirements that serve as barriers to the prompt removal of flood debris and to provide recommendations to the council, by May 31, 2009, for steps that can be taken to remove such barriers.
The recommendations must be filed in the form of eleven copies with the clerk of
the council, who shall retain the original and will forward copies to each councilmember and to the committee coordinator of the physical environment committee.