16.18B.030 Exemptions and allowed uses in wetlands.
A. Activities Allowed in Wetlands. The activities listed below are allowed in wetlands. These activities may not require submission of a critical area report for wetlands, except where such activities result in a loss of the functions and values of a wetland or wetland buffer. These activities include:
1. Those activities and uses conducted pursuant to the Washington State Forest Practices Act and its rules and regulations, WAC 222-12-030, where state law specifically exempts local authority, except those developments requiring local approval for Class IV – General Forest Practice Permits (conversions) as defined in Chapter 76.09 RCW and Chapter 222-12 WAC.
2. Conservation or preservation of soil, water, vegetation, fish, or other wildlife that does not entail changing the structure or functions of the existing wetland.
3. The harvesting of wild crops in a manner that is not injurious to natural reproduction of such crops and provided the harvesting does not require tilling of soil, planting of crops, chemical applications, or alteration of the wetland by changing existing topography, water conditions, or water sources.
4. Drilling for utilities/utility corridors under a wetland, with entrance/exit portals located completely outside of the wetland buffer; provided, that the drilling does not interrupt the ground water connection to the wetland or percolation of surface water down through the soil column. Specific studies by a hydrologist are required to determine whether the ground water connection to the wetland or percolation of surface water down through the soil column will be disturbed.
5. Enhancement of a wetland through the removal of nonnative invasive plant species. Removal of invasive plant species shall be restricted to hand removal unless permits from the appropriate regulatory agencies have been obtained for approved biological or chemical treatments. All removed plant material shall be taken away from the site and appropriately disposed of. Plants that appear on the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board list of noxious weeds must be handled and disposed of according to a noxious weed control plan appropriate to that species. Revegetation with appropriate native species at natural densities is allowed in conjunction with removal of invasive plant species.
6. Educational and scientific research activities.
7. Normal and routine maintenance and repair of any existing public or private facilities within an existing right-of-way; provided, that the maintenance or repair does not expand the footprint of the facility or right-of-way. (Ord. 1104-15 § 1 (Att. A)).