Arcadia Point Seafood Submits New Application for Geoduck Farms in Thurston County

Public comments are due by 4PM, May 15 on two Thurston County geoduck farms.  Email comments to Mike Kain at kainm@co.thurston.wa.us  Mr. Kain's phone number is 360-786-5471.  The Shoreline Substantial Development Permit case numbers to reference are 2010100420 (Thiesen, parcel 11905230400 at 8940 Libby Road NE) and 2010100421 (McClure, parcel 11905230200 at 8702 Libby Road NE).

After almost two years of appeals, Arcadia Point Seafood has resubmitted applications to Thurston County for two geoduck farms on the Thiesen and McClure tideland parcels near the mouth of  Henderson Inlet.  Brought up in late 2009, they were told a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit was required. Arcadia joined Taylor Shellfish in appealing that decision.  In October 2011 the Superior Court agreed structures were being placed in the tidelands which required a permit. (click here to read the court's decision)

The Thiesen site is adjacent to rural shorelines zoned for one dwelling unit per acre and the McClure site is adjacent to a conservancy shoreline environment zoned for one dwelling per five acres.  Both sites are in developed areas with heavy use by hunters; fishermen; recreational boating; and there is a large, publicly owned tideland parcel adjacent to the Thiesen parcel (the upper tidelands are privately held).

All put in question whether Taylor Shellfish spokeswoman Diane Cooper's statement regarding aquacluture activities not being compatible in some areas applies to this location. Diane Cooper:  "... there are areas where shellfish farming and high density or high use areas and high use transient population areas probably aren't compatible uses."

Public comments are due by 4PM on May 15.