Whatcom County Health Department is seeking hydrogeologists who are interested in being placed on a list of consultants that offer services to landowners and developers who are in need of hydrogeological expertise in complying with the County’s interim ordinance relating to use of permit-exempt wells for potable water supply.  On December 6^th, the Whatcom County Council adopted an interim ordinance in response to the Washington Supreme Court ruling in the “Hirst case”.  The interim ordinance requires applicants for development permits who propose to rely on groundwater from a permit-exempt well as a potable water supply to demonstrate either (1) the proposed well withdrawal will not impair a senior water right, including an instream flow or closed or partially closed surface water body, or (2) provide a mitigation plan that fully mitigates for any impairment of a senior water right, including an instream flow or closed or partially closed surface water body closed water body, resulting from the proposed withdrawal.  Interested hydrogeologists must be licensed as a hydrogeologist in accordance with Washington Administrative Code Section 308-15 and otherwise qualified to perform this type of work.  Whatcom County Health Department intends to provide this list to applicants who are seeking such services and request it.  Inclusion on the list does not in any way imply a recommendation by Whatcom County.  Interested parties should send their contact information to 

[email protected].