Clark County is finally raising our ridiculously low stormwater fees, as reported in the July 15 story “County hikes stormwater fees, adds surcharge.” Yet Environmental Services Director Don Benton complains, “It is particularly unfair that the federal government passes these mandates on to us.” What? How mean of the feds to hold us accountable for the environmental degradation we cause by our rush to pave and build.
I’m no expert, but I served on the county’s Clean Water Commission for five years, enough time to educate me. The county should have raised the fees years ago, and enforced environmental protection rules to the max. But wimpy county officials were disinclined to stand up to the building industry and environmental impact deniers. If we had, we’d have cleaner water and no lawsuit settlement.
Sometimes even complicated issues boil down to simple and straightforward: Do the right thing the first time. Thank goodness the court settlement money will be used in part for righting some of our wrongs.
Patty Page
Vancouver
