June 30, 2008
Farm pads now a permanent protection in Agricultural Production Districts
Elevated mounds a “Noah’s Ark” to protect livestock and equipment from floodwaters
Farmers in floodways located in King County Agricultural Production Districts will be able to construct farm pads as refuges from flooding for livestock, equipment and supplies, under legislation adopted unanimously today by the Metropolitan King County Council.
“After seeing the devastation to Snoqualmie Valley farms caused by the November 2006 flooding, I am pleased that King County has been able to work with our farmers to provide this solution,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents the Snoqualmie Valley and sponsored the legislation. “If constructed under these specific standards, farm pads are proven protections against agricultural flood losses that do not make flooding worse.”
“Farm pads are a bit like Noah’s Ark – protecting animals and allowing farms to bounce back more quickly when the flood waters recede,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine. “Working farmers requested this legislation to allow immediate action to protect their livestock, equipment and supplies from frequent floods.”
Under today’s ordinance, farmers can now construct an elevated platform or mound of earth, sometimes called a “critter pad” or “livestock flood sanctuary,” to keep livestock, agricultural products, equipment, and supplies safe from rising floodwaters. Farmers can also under certain conditions construct a new non-residential agricultural accessory building for flood protection of up to 5,000 square feet, about the size of a barn.
“Farm pads will provide farmers with a measure of protection and certainty in braving the elements to grow fresh local food for the citizens of King County,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “With the climate crisis causing increased flood risks, embracing new flood protection measures is imperative. Farm pads will help people, livestock, crops, and equipment weather future storms.”
The legislation, which was three years in the making, follows a successful demonstration project conducted last year, and implements recommendations from the Snoqualmie Valley Flood-Farm Task Force. The code revisions provide tools for farmers to improve or expand agricultural operations while also maintaining the county’s goals for long-term floodplain management.
“In a recent meeting with farmers, one of them told me he never really felt like he was a farmer because he knew he could be wiped out by the next flood,” said Councilmember Lambert. “But now he has a farm pad, and he knows he will be able to preserve his equipment and supplies and continue farming.”
“We want to be able to continue to have locally grown food in King County, and that means farmers being able to preserve crops, animals, equipment and supplies,” added Lambert. “Supporting local agriculture is at the heart of developing a sustainable community. Locally grown food is fresher, healthier and requires fewer natural resources for transportation and packaging. A productive agricultural district is vital for the future of our region and our quality of life. This opens up the opportunity to talk about what more we need to do. Farm pads are just one tool on a list of needs identified in meetings with our farmers, and we will be continuing to work on other policies so we can continue to have healthy, locally grown food.”
Today’s legislation also calls for a broad review of agriculture within Agricultural Production Districts and a report on appropriate standards for agriculture, including the size of agriculture accessory buildings, by January 1, 2010.
