Cumulative Impacts Analysis Draft Policy Guidance July 19, 2007

1. Cumulative Impacts Analysis Draft Policy Guidance July 19, 2007 Carrie Byron Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program

2. WAC 173-26-186 • (8)(d) Local master programs shall evaluate and consider cumulative impacts of reasonably foreseeable future development on shoreline ecological functions and other shoreline functions fostered by the policy goals of the Act. To ensure no net loss of ecological functions and protection of other shoreline functions and/or uses, master programs shall contain policies, programs, and regulations that address adverse cumulative impacts and fairly allocate the burden of addressing cumulative impacts among development opportunities. Evaluation of such cumulative impacts should consider: • (i) current circumstances affecting the shorelines and relevant natural processes; • (ii) reasonably foreseeable future development and use of the shoreline; and • (iii) beneficial effects of any established regulatory programs under other local, state, and federal laws. • It is recognized that methods of determining reasonably foreseeable future development may vary according to local circumstances, including demographic and economic characteristics and the nature and extent of local shorelines.

3. General Guidance • Purpose: to demonstrate that the SMP policies and regulations result in “no net loss” of ecosystem function • Stand-alone deliverable • Begin conducting analysis immediately after draft environment designations, policies, and regulations have been developed (SMPP Step 4.1) • Analysis is not complete until draft environment designations, regulations & policies have been updated to reflect the results (SMPP Step 4.3)

4. WAC 173-26-186 • (8)(d) Local master programs shall evaluate and considercumulative impacts of reasonably foreseeable future development on shoreline ecological functions and other shoreline functions fostered by the policy goals of the Act. To ensure no net loss of ecological functions and protection of other shoreline functions and/or uses, master programs shall contain policies, programs, and regulations that address adverse cumulative impacts and fairly allocate the burden of addressing cumulative impacts among development opportunities. Evaluation of such cumulative impacts should consider: • (i) current circumstances affecting the shorelines and relevant natural processes; • (ii) reasonably foreseeable future development and use of the shoreline; and • (iii) beneficial effects of any established regulatory programs under other local, state, and federal laws. • It is recognized that methods of determining reasonably foreseeable future development may vary according to local circumstances, including demographic and economic characteristics and the nature and extent of local shorelines.

5. “evaluate and considercumulative impacts” • Evaluation: • Analysis of relevant factors that might impact shoreline ecosystem function • Consideration: • Discussion of how the results of the analysis were used to inform the final policies and regulations of the SMP

6. “reasonably foreseeable future development” • Planning Horizon Options: • Full build out (optimal) • 20 years (matches GMA planning horizon) • Other

7. Other Definitions • “other shoreline functions” • Public access, water dependent uses, etc. These should be considered in the use analysis, not the cumulative impacts analysis • “current circumstances” • Drawn directly from the shoreline inventory and analysis • “beneficial effects” • Requirements for mitigation, restoration, or other activities that result in positive impacts to ecological function

8. Next Steps • Technical Team Review • Develop Sample Methodology • Develop additional guidance on “no net loss” • Other issues?

9. Questions/Comments Send questions, comments, suggestions, sample language, or ideas to: Carrie Byron 360.407.7509 cbyr461@ecy.wa.gov