"Standing for the Snoho" (Everett Initiative 24-03, recognizing legally enforceable rights for the Snohomish River Watershed) is a citizen-led proposal to recognize the rights of the Snohomish River Watershed (within the city of Everett) to exist, regenerate, and flourish, and give it legal standing, or the ability to enforce those rights in court. This means that any Everett person or entity could go to court on behalf of the River to sue anyone who is polluting or causing serious damage to it. Those found in violation would have to pay for restoration costs.

This ordinance puts the stewardship of the Snohomish River Watershed in the hands of the Everett community, which means anyone from the government to nonprofits to individuals to corporations are able to go to court on the River's behalf if they have sufficient proof of the harm. It also means that would-be violators will think twice before harming the River if they know there is a greater chance they will be held accountable.

Passing this initiative would ensure that the Snohomish River Watershed is able to perform its vital functions of filtering and cleaning water, providing healthy ecosystem habitats, flood reduction, supporting economic benefits, and ensuring a sustainable future.

The ordinance specifically defines the Snohomish River Watershed to include the Snohomish River and the watershed of the Snohomish River within the boundaries of the City of Everett in the State of Washington; including, but not limited to, Port Gardner Bay and the East Waterway, Union Slough, Mile Creek, Langus Riverfront Park Creek, tributaries of Pilchuk and Allen creek, and any other wetlands, tributaries and contributors to the Snohomish River Watershed. Note that only those waters that are within the Everett city boundaries are included.

The Snohomish River Watershed is vital for several reasons and needs protection to ensure its continued health. Here's a breakdown of the key reasons:

• Salmon Stronghold: The Snohomish River system is one of the last remaining strongholds for Chinook, Coho, Pink, and Chum salmon in the Puget Sound region. These fish are crucial to the ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the area. Protecting the watershed ensures healthy spawning grounds and migration routes for these iconic fish.
• Economic Engine: A healthy Snohomish River supports a thriving fishing industry and recreation like boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. These activities generate revenue for local businesses and contribute to the economic well-being of the region.
• Flood Control: The Snohomish River floodplain acts as a natural buffer zone, absorbing floodwater and reducing the risk of flooding in Everett and surrounding areas. Protecting the natural vegetation and hydrology of the watershed helps maintain this flood control function.
• Habitat Diversity: The Snohomish River Watershed encompasses a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and estuaries. These habitats support a wide range of plant and animal life, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. Protecting the watershed ensures the health of these diverse ecosystems.
• Clean Drinking Water: The Snohomish River Watershed provides drinking water for Everett and many surrounding communities.  Maintaining a health watershed with clean water sources is essential for public health.  Pollution in the watershed can contaminate drinking water supplies.
• Urbanization and Development: Rapid development in the area can lead to increased pollution from stormwater runoff, habitat loss, and changes in water flow.

Although there are tremendous restoration efforts happening around the Snohomish River Watershed, there are still problems:

• The Snohomish River Watershed in Everett is currently seeing major damage to local species due to flame retardant chemicals that currently have no regulatory requirements around monitoring or limiting their levels in effluent from municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

It's time we stop waiting for bad things to happen to the River that require restoration efforts at a huge cost to the community, and instead put everyone on notice that they will be held accountable if they cause serious harm.

Read more Frequently Asked Questions about the initiative here.