The Okanogan County planning director has issued a final determination on the environmental impact statement for the comprehensive plan, finding that the plan would not have an adverse environmental impact.
The final determination under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) pertains to the environmental impact statement issued in May, which has not been changed, said Planning Director Perry Huston.
Two environmental organizations, the Methow Valley Citizens’ Council and Futurewise, appealed the county’s SEPA determination saying it does not adequately assess the impacts of greater density on water availability, air quality or risk of erosion.
That appeal has been set for Oct. 23 before the county’s hearing examiner. If the proposed amendments to the county code are adopted, these types of appeals would be brought to Okanogan County Superior Court instead, said Huston.