Burma Shores, a development 2 miles south of the town of Methow, is seeking approval from Okanogan County to create 46 lots on 266 acres.
Buildout of the Copperstone project will consist of approximately 52 single-family residences, a lodge (clubhouse), one employee housing unit, a picnic shelter, on-site irrigation, and creation of ponds and walking trails, according to the proposal. The proposal would also create about 180 acres of open space.
Potable water will be provided by a group-A water system.
Okanogan County issued a mitigated determination of significance under the state Environmental Policy Act in 2008, meaning the county determined that the project could have significant or adverse environmental impacts. The mitigations for those impacts will be conditions of project approval.
Water for residential use will be provided by a water right, which is why the project isn’t subject to the county’s current moratorium on subdivisions in the Methow Valley, according to Okanogan County Senior Planner Charlene Schumacher. The proposal calls for three ponds/reservoirs at least 10 feet deep for water storage.
In the 2008 documents, Burma Shores committed to obtaining approval from the state Department of Ecology for a water-right change. Water will have to be metered. The project cannot use individual exempt wells for any of the water supply.
Mitigations for air quality include a prohibition on wood-burning stoves, road-safety measures, and a plan to control dust. Exterior lighting must be shielded or downcast to control light pollution.
The developers will also be required to reconcile a discrepancy as to the location of the 100-year floodplain of the Methow River.
The public can comment on the proposed subdivision by April 20. Comments should be sent in writing to Schumacher at cbeam@co.okanogan.wa.us. For more information, call (509) 422-7113.
