Whatcom Water Exchange?
January 8, 2015, 1:00-5:00pm

Mt. Baker Rotary Building, Lynden WA

When

Thursday January 8, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Add to Calendar 

Where

Mt. Baker Rotary Building- Northwest Washington Fairgrounds
1751 Front Street
Lynden, WA  

 
Driving Directions 

Key Speakers

Bill Clarke, Attorney at Law & Government Affairs
Peter Dykstra, Plauche & Carr Attorneys
Adam Gravley, Van Ness Feldman Attorneys
Bob Barwin, Wasington Dept. of Ecology

Sponsors

City of Lynden
Farm Friends
Public Utility District No. 1
Whatcom Watersheds Information Network
WRIA 1 Watershed Project
WSU Cooperative Extension

What is a water bank and is it different than a water exchange?  Is a water bank something that can work in Whatcom County with its unique set of challenges?
What can and cannot be done with water banking and how might the legal provisions allow for a "Water Exchange" in Whatcom County?  Are these feasible solutions to managing water in Whatcom County?

Join us as we explore these ideas with legal experts in Washington State water law!

PROGRAM

Providing the Context

  • Why are we having this conversation?

Setting the Stage

  • Telling the story
  • Where do water banks or exchanges currently exist, and are they applicable to Whatcom County?

Setting up the Framework for a Water Exchange

  • What is the economic driver, and how is it managed or setup?
  • How is the water allocated?
  • What is the legal framework for setting up a water bank?
  • Is there a legislative or regulatory framework that needs to be setup?
  • Who administers a water bank?

What is the Potential for a Local Water Exchange?

  • Who deposits and who withdraws?
  • What are the legal constraints and can they be overcome?
  • What are the political constraints and can they be overcome?
  • What are the physical or engineering constraints and can they be overcome?

Continuing the Conversation

  • What are the next steps?