Ocean Shores advisory board backs high level of service for cyanobacteria and weed control; council to consider stormwater rate

The Ocean Shores Waterway Advisory Board voted on a recommendation to adopt the highest proposed level of stormwater service for cyanobacteria and aquatic weed control and agreed to refer the proposal to city council for final action.

Chair (S1) said the difference in customer costs between the mid and high levels was minimal and argued the higher level offers operational flexibility. “If we go with the lower level, $7.36 a month, the mid is $9.91, and the high level is $9.96 — a nickel and more,” the Chair said, reading the example monthly rates for an average 8,000-square-foot lot. Several members said that small increase was worth the added capacity to treat canals and adjust services later if some treatments prove unnecessary.

Committee member (S2) told the board the contracted treatment company, recorded in the meeting as Aqua Tech/Aqua TechneX, expects to begin work in April and indicated the treatment schedule could include multiple applications. “They’re gonna be able to spray…about four times a year, and we’re gonna start in April,” S2 said. Board members asked that Terry McNabb, the contractor’s representative, and Becky (the city contact) be available to present details at the council meeting so councilors could ask technical and timing questions.

Board members discussed treatment methods and environmental effects. Chair (S1) cautioned that killing submerged plants can increase organic muck on the bottom if the dead vegetation is not removed, saying, “Anything that dies…is just gonna add to that layer of muck.” Members noted that alum (reported in the plan) may be used later to bind material but emphasized follow-up dredging or mechanical removal may be necessary to avoid long-term muck accumulation.

The board reviewed a consultant package (the Herrera stormwater report) that outlines roles and possible watershed improvement projects. Members asked staff to confirm liaisons with the Grays Harbor Conservation District and the Department of Health and to invite those agencies to coordinate monitoring and outreach.

The motion to request the high level of service was recorded as approved in the meeting transcript. The transcript does not provide an itemized roll-call tally for the motion; the board instructed Becky to place the recommendation on the next council agenda for approval.

Next steps: staff will work with Aqua TechneX’s representative and assemble materials for city council agenda review so treatments can begin as scheduled in April.