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Hearing on Hunter Bay dock continued to Dec. 17 after SEPA revision; staff recommends approval
Summary
County staff recommended approval of a redesigned public dock at Hunter Bay on Lopez Island, citing removal of creosote pilings and improved access; Friends of the San Juans raised questions about biological documentation and SEPA compliance, and the hearing was continued to Dec. 17 so any SEPA appeal can be consolidated with the shoreline permit review.
San Juan County’s hearing examiner continued a public hearing on a redesigned public dock at Hunter Bay (Crab Island Road, Lopez Island) after staff described a revised environmental determination and asked for time to consolidate any SEPA appeal with the shoreline permit review.
County planner Colin Maycock said the revised SEPA determination was issued on Nov. 5, triggering an additional public comment period and a SEPA‑appeal window that would close on Dec. 10. He asked the examiner to keep the record open and continue the hearing so any SEPA appeal could be consolidated with the shoreline substantial‑development permit. The examiner agreed and continued the matter to Dec. 17.
Maycock summarized staff findings: the redesign moves floats waterward, removes 27 creosote pilings, improves public access, and includes conditions such as booms to prevent material entering state waters. He noted comments expressing concerns about potential wake‑related erosion and statements from Friends of the San Juans questioning the adequacy of the SEPA checklist and biological information.
Catherine George, project manager at County Public Works, presented the applicant’s design and said recent surveys found no eelgrass within 25 feet of the proposed facility; she described the proposed configuration (two 40‑foot floats and an 80‑foot gangway) and said the new structure will offer greater clearance at low tide and be ADA accessible. “We did a second eelgrass survey… and when they did the eelgrass survey, there was no eelgrass found 25 feet around the proposed facility,” George said.
The examiner asked staff and the applicant to file written supplements and responses to comments (the county requested an initial written response by Friday the 12th so it would be available if a SEPA appeal were filed). No public commenters appeared during the session; the hearing will reopen Dec. 17 for consolidated testimony if needed.
