Cascade Water Alliance to Review Reservoir Management

Cascade Water Alliance is developing a formal policy regarding the use of its
property by third parties around the Reservoir. Any new improvements or modifications on Cascade property will require a license from Cascade, as well as the appropriate permits from state and local jurisdictions as required.

Residents around the lake will be receiving more information regarding the proposed Lake Tapps Reservoir Property Management Policy, and are invited to a public Open House workshop on January 12, 2012 to ask questions and get more information:

Cascade Lake Tapps Reservoir Property Management Policy Open House:
Thursday, January 12, 6 – 8 pm
North Tapps Middle School
20029 12th Street E, Lake Tapps WA

Existing structures or facilities on Cascade property may be “grandfathered” if Cascade determines that they do not pose an adverse impact on the operations of the Reservoir, or pose a danger to public health or safety.

“Our goal is to keep the property free of obstructions and unauthorized structures to ensure dike integrity, water quality, public safety and use are not compromised,” said Lloyd Warren, Chair of the Cascade Board of Directors.

At the Open House, residents will be able to ask questions of staff as well as get information regarding applicable jurisdictional permits.

Since December of 2009, Cascade has owned and operated the White River Lake Tapps Reservoir Project (Project) and lake, up to its property boundary line delineated by the 545 foot elevation and including the dikes.

As the Project’s owner, Cascade’s primary function is to ensure the safety and viability of the Lake Tapps Reservoir for long-term municipal water supply purposes, while managing authorized public access to the lake. For the past two years, Cascade has been working in, on and around the Project to determine function and system improvements necessary for long-term maintenance.

During this period, Cascade has also been engaged in a real estate/asset management assessment of the Lake Tapps Reservoir. Several issues have come to light that must be addressed in order to ensure long-term dike integrity, safe recreational use, water quality, general legal and financial risk management, and preservation of Cascade’s property. To address these issues, Cascade is considering requirements that will affect existing and new homeowner improvements on Cascade’s property in and around the lake.

“Everyone’s goal is to ensure the future of Lake Tapps for utility and recreational purposes,” said Warren. “Making sure that this lake is healthy today ensures its future for tomorrow.”

For additional information on the proposed Lake Tapps Reservoir Property Management Policy and the Jan. 12 Open House, visit www.cascadewater.org.

When considering construction and/or improvement projects on Cascade’s Lake Tapps property, residents should contact:

Cascade Water Alliance

1-877-299-0930
contact@cascadewater.org
www.cascadewater.org

City of Bonney Lake

253-447-4344
hinesl@ci.bonney-lake.wa.us

Pierce County Planning and Land Services

253-796-7210
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/property/pals/palsmain.htm

Washington State Fish and Wildlife

360-902-2200
www.wdfw.wa.gov

Editor's Note: This is a press release from Cascade Water Alliance