Public commenters press Skagit County on stormwater controls and Lake Cavanaugh road access

Several members of the public used the county’s July 7 open-comment period to urge stronger stormwater management and to call for repairs to a closed portion of North Shore Road at Lake Cavanaugh.

Jan Edelstein, a Big Lake resident, told commissioners she believes current regulatory triggers and the county’s reliance on the stormwater manual can produce permitted projects that still harm lake function and water quality. “The answer is not sufficient in my opinion,” Edelstein said after staff described how stormwater and critical-area codes interact. She cited a recent approved subdivision above Big Lake and urged the county to require site assessments and stronger on-site retention for projects that increase impervious area.

Other commenters focused on access and public-safety concerns at Lake Cavanaugh. A resident identified as Bridal Humboldt (‘‘Tweedy’’ in the record) said a blocked segment of North Shore Road is covered with debris and that emergency-medical responders cannot drive through to reach homes; the speaker requested restoration of a low-cost road surface to restore access for residents and visitors.

Commissioners acknowledged the comments. Commissioner Browning said he had toured Lake Cavanaugh and called repair of the closed road a priority. Commissioners also noted the county’s stormwater program and permitting framework are separate from the critical-areas code and that existing stormwater permits and municipal programs can require measures beyond the development review process, but public speakers said those programs are insufficient and urged more proactive county action.

Comments at the meeting also included broader political remarks and local event concerns; commissioners set no immediate new policy in response but thanked speakers and noted follow-up avenues — permitting records and staff contact information — for additional input.