KINGSTON — Kitsap County has again been sent back to the drawing board with regard to the Kingston Sub-Area Plan, but only to fine tune the wastewater plan proposed at the end of 2006. According to the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board, it still needs a little clarification and flushing out.

“I believe we’re looking at a September deadline,” said Kitsap County Department of Community Development land use manager Eric Baker Monday. “We haven’t spoken with the community yet, but at the hearings board decision there were a number of different community members. Later this week, we’ll have an opportunity to speak with the Board of (Kitsap County) Commissioners and some of the residents involved.”

The original plan was reviewed by about a dozen Kingston residents, several of whom serve on the Kingston Citizens Advisory Council. Many were disappointed when it was appealed on July 26, 2006. While this meant more work, they have been willing to continue helping the county with the project. The county had until the end of 2006 to address the appeal and make necessary adjustments to the plans.

“Obviously we’re a little disappointed,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen. “The staff has been working hard to put together a plan. We’re looking at the decision now and figuring out the best way to go about complying with the order.”

In short, the CPSGM hearings board is asking for more clarification and planning on how sewer will reach newly developed areas in the Kingston Urban Growth Area to better adhere to the Growth Management Act. It’s a concern that has been raised with the countywide 10-year update as well, Baker said. The Kingston Sub-Area Plan provides a taste of what the county is expecting to have dished onto its plate when appeals for the 10-year-plan come forward.

“The plan didn’t take into account several of the new developments in the area,” Baker said. “The county didn’t include in the policy how to reach those areas, that’s basically the issue.”

“We’re looking at the impacts of planning for the future to expand the sewer capacity,” Endresen said. “My impression is a higher lever of detail was needed for the sewers, not what the sewers serve and where.”

In October 2005, the Kingston Sub-Area Plan was submitted to the Kitsap Planning Commission, which reviewed and approved it. The other issues that were not accepted during the July 26, 2006 decision were adopted this time, included land analysis, proposed expansions that fit into the UGA and needs and costs related to utilities.