Commission set to pass Ruckelshaus rules

Gazette Reporters

The illness of Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent Tuesday prevented the county’s decision to “opt in” to new rules to govern farming around environmentally-sensitive areas.

Commissioner Greg Partch said at a hearing Tuesday night commissioners will vote, and likely join, the state’s new Ruckelshaus program next Monday.

Farming is currently allowed to take place anywhere in Whitman County, with no restrictions for environmentally critical areas.

If the county does not opt in, it must revise its critical areas ordinances to ensure they are protected from agricultural a...