Skagit County Hearing Examiner Decision

On Wednesday, September 21st, the Skagit County Hearing Examiner affirmed the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination and the grading and floodplain permits for a proposed 54,939 square foot agricultural processing facility to be built on 5 acres of prime farmland.While we are obviously disappointed in the decision, the Board remains committed on meeting its mission and duty to raise questions about projects proposed on farmland and to engage in public processes to share our concerns about what could have long term negative impacts to farmland, agricultural drainage, and the long-term viability of Skagit agriculture.   As farmers and advocates for all of agriculture, who want to see the industry continue and thrive for the next 100 years in Skagit Valley, we all have a vested interest in making sure impacts to farmlands are considered and dealt with in any new farmland development proposal.We believe the review process works best when community concerns are voiced and farmers, advocates, and citizens in Skagit Valley all are involved and actively engaged in finding workable solutions for all concerned. Raising questions about the long-term impacts to farmland and agricultural infrastructure resulting from  proposed projects is a critical part of Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland’s (SPF) mission to ensure economic viability and farmland protection in Skagit County.While SPF still continues to have clear concerns about how the updated SEPA reviews are applied by the County and how this decision sets precedents on potential adverse effects on drainage, we respect the findings of the County’s Hearing Examiner.  Also, we appreciate Bay Baby Produce’s participation in public processes designed to consider avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating impacts to farmland and agricultural drainage infrastructure.This process, while sometimes difficult, is a critical piece of ensuring that we are, as a community, addressing each farmland development project consistently, and that public policy continues to stem the tide of lost farmland, small and large.We will keep raising these questions and continue our efforts to protect the precious and irreplaceable legacy of Skagit Valley farmland. Going forward, it is our goal to continue to convene and collaborate with the County and the community to find acceptable solutions to these difficult questions.