Commission extends aquifer-protection fees; residents press PFAS public-health emergency for West Plains
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Spokane County approved amendments to chapters 11.16 and 11.17 to continue aquifer-protection area fee collection; public commenters urged a PFAS public-health emergency and criticized exclusion of the West Plains from a prior ballot measure, while staff described plans to explore a West Plains APA vote in 2026.
Ben Bridal, representing Spokane County Public Works, asked the board to amend Spokane County Code chapters 11.16 and 11.17 to update fee-collection dates so the aquifer-protection area (APA) fee can be collected for another 20-year period. Bridal said the change is administrative and does not alter fee structure.
"This will be the third 20 year period, so ... extending the fee for up to 60 years," Bridal said, and explained the existing Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie APA boundary includes the City of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Millwood and Liberty Lake and portions of unincorporated county.
Multiple public commenters urged stronger PFAS action. Laura Ackerman and John Hancock, West Plains residents, recommended that the local health officer declare a PFAS public-health emergency, expand messaging, pursue funding for testing and remediation, and immediately engage state and federal partners. Julia McHugh, who said she lives on a contaminated well, criticized exclusion of the West Plains from a previous APA vote and urged the county and airport board to address contamination and funding for filtration.
Commissioner discussion confirmed the APA boundary includes the entire City of Spokane, which is why the airport property is inside the APA boundary. The commission voted to accept staff recommendation and approved the code amendment by unanimous vote.
The county also discussed early-stage outreach on a possible West Plains APA and a tentative August 2026 ballot timeline if that area proceeds toward voter consideration.