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Experts: Meadowview plan likely to reduce aquifer recharge and harm Barker Creek and Island Lake
Summary
Hydrology experts and county staff testimony at a Jan. 10 Kitsap County hearing described longstanding stress on Island Lakeand Barker Creek and said the Meadowview subdivision, as designed, is likely to lower groundwater recharge and worsen surface-water conditions unless infiltration-based stormwater measures are used.
KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. Jan. 10, 2025 — Hydrology experts and county staff told the Kitsap County Hearing Examiner on Friday that the Meadowview residential proposal would likely reduce groundwater recharge in the Island Lake aquifer and increase runoff to Barker Creek unless the project redesigns its stormwater approach to favor infiltration.
The Meadowview project proposes residential development on parcels that experts said serve as headwaters for Barker Creek and contribute recharge to Island Lake. Dr. Robert Rosin, a water-resources engineer appearing for the appellants, testified there is "a near certainty that with what's proposed here ... there will be a substantial declining health in Barker Creek," citing the site's size, geology and long-term regional development.
Rosin said the area already shows multi-decade impacts. He described a 30-year decline in lake levels and agency data showing the Silverdale Water District has supplemented Island Lake with millions of gallons of water annually to maintain lake levels. Rosin also pointed to state water-quality listings showing many nearby streams are already impaired and said Barker…
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