Stricter waterway protections headed to public hearings in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — The city of Walla Walla is updating its critical areas ordinance to establish stricter environmental protections for local waterways, including a new 100-foot minimum buffer requirement along city streams.

The revisions to Chapter 21.04 of the municipal code are mandated by the state’s Growth Management Act, which requires municipalities to periodically review and update regulations safeguarding environmentally sensitive ecosystems, public health, and natural resources using the best available science.

The primary focus of the proposal involves reclassifying streams and riverbank habitats. State wildlife guidelines for dryland ecosystems like Walla Walla recommend setting a site-specific riparian management zone with a minimum 100-foot buffer of existing vegetation — or larger — to effectively filter pollutants and safeguard water quality. Officials said the change will significantly increase buffer requirements for both fish-bearing and non-fish-bearing streams throughout the city.

The updated ordinance impacts several local waterways, including Bryant, Caldwell, Garrison, Reser, Russell, Stone, Titus, and Yellowhawk creeks, as well as all intermittent channels within city limits. Additional key features of the proposed code amendments include stronger provisions for disconnected buffers, refined definitions, and the removal of shoreline master program regulations.

The update is taking place alongside work on the city’s comprehensive plan 2046, which will direct local growth and environmental policies over the next two decades.

Public hearings on the proposed amendments are scheduled before the planning commission on Sept. 14 and the Walla Walla City Council on Oct. 14. The council is slated to vote on formal adoption during its Oct. 28 meeting.

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Elkhorn Media Group