Clean Water Advisory Committee response to Zylstra Lake dam removal rumors

||| FROM KIMBAL SUNDBERG for SJC CLEAN WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE |||

I am writing as Chair of the county Clean Water Advisory Committee (CWAC) in response to misinformation on social media purporting Conservation Land Bank (CLB) “plans” to remove the dam creating Zylstra Lake. In summary, CWAC has taken no vote recommending Zylstra Lake dam removal.

Moreover, CWAC is not aware of CLB plans to remove the Zylstra Lake dam which has been repaired and upgraded since they took ownership of the Zylstra Lake Preserve from the San Juan Preservation Trust in 2017.

The lower dam and its head work on False Bay Creek are deteriorating, requiring more study to decide its future utility. On several occasions, including October 20, 2022, CWAC heard presentations and discussed surface water issues affected by Zylstra Lake including temperature, nutrients, toxic algal blooms, fish habitat, and instream flow in False Bay Creek. We stay committed to seeking practical solutions to improve and conserve the water resources of San Juan County.

CWAC’s work is done in the public eye with many opportunities for public comment. You are invited to view our agendas and minutes.  Additional credible information from Environmental Stewardship can be found at
 and Lincoln Borman’s interview can be found here.

CWAC (formerly Water Resources Management Committee) was created by the county Clean
Water Utility primarily to advise the departments of Health & Social Services and Environmental
Stewardship on wide ranging issues and policies affecting the groundwater and surface water
resources of San Juan County. CWAC is made up of twelve county residents with expertise in water
quality, water quantity, potable water purveyance, and natural resources conservation.

The full committee meets on even months, with groundwater and surface water subcommittee meeting on
odd months. All CWAC recommendations to the county require a quorum vote of the full committee. CWAC meetings are facilitated by Environmental Stewardship and open to the public for view and comments.

Usually, a member of the County Council attends our meetings as do state agency representatives, including the departments of Health and Ecology. CWAC members volunteer their time and expertise to the county without pay.