Open letter to the Edmonds School District

Open letter to Edmonds School District board of directors: I was so impressed with how President Katims ran the recent school board meeting and the discussion among the board, and how Superintendent Rebecca Miner allowed for such financial transparency of the district. Bravo! 

As a member of the Edmonds Environmental Council who is appealing the City’s Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) code, I made the following public comment:

I am a concerned community member with a long history of public and civic service in Edmonds. From 2010 to 2023, I was on the Edmonds City Council, and I always stood up for the environment.

Former Mayor Dave Earling vetoed the first CARA code, which then allowed the school district to install the UIC injection wells despite opposition from the Olympic View Water and Sewer District. 

Edmonds’ current CARA code, passed hastily after I left office and without public process, allows for UIC short wells in the Deer Creek CARA, contrary to state and federal laws. This CARA code is under appeal with the Growth Management Board, and I can provide details if any of you are interested.     

I am reaching out to you because of the urgent importance to the health and safety of our students, staff, and the broader Edmonds community because of the known presence of PFAS found near Madrona K-8, located in the Deer Creek CARA. 

As you are aware, in 2022, PFAS contamination was discovered at the Madrona School site; the Deer Creek CARA is a vital source of water for our community. PFAS are persistent chemicals that pose significant health risks, especially to children.

Addressing this issue now is not only a matter of public health, but also a legal obligation under the Washington State Department of Ecology's Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act.

Given the seriousness of this contamination, I respectfully request that you resolve to have the School District actively collaborate with the Water District to ensure that the presence of PFAS in the CARA is thoroughly reviewed and addressed.

The resolution should include:

• Coordinating with the Water District to share data and resources regarding PFAS monitoring and mitigation.
• Engaging independent scientific experts to assess the risks and recommend evidence-based solutions.
• Ensuring transparency and community involvement in all decision-making processes related to water safety.
• Complying fully with all state and federal environmental regulations to protect our students and community from potential harm.

By working together, you can demonstrate leadership and a commitment to safeguarding public health and be role models to the City Council, mayor, and citizens of Edmonds.  

I urge you to prioritize science and collaboration over legal or political considerations. In this regard, you are allocating resources toward meaningful environmental solutions rather than costly litigation. 

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.