From: John Fabian

To: jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us

Cc: gendler@gendlermann.com ; Al Scalf ; Greg Ballard ; John Fischbach

Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 10:51 AM

Subject: SEPA Lead Agency

Gentlemen

Thanks for the opportunity to speak at this morning's Commissioners' Meeting.  The experience of last week offers an opportunity to address how Jefferson County should proceed on the SEPA determination of the pit to pier project.  

A lobbyist from the maritime trade unions urged passage of an amendment to SB 6175 that would have designated DNR as lead agency for surface mining SEPA determinations in Jefferson and 8 other counties.  We can all guess at why this lobbyist and/or these trade unions would have an interest in surface mining SEPA determinations throughout the state.  However, we can bet that this will not be the last attempt to subvert local control over the process, particularly in Jefferson County.

As a result, it would be imprudent to voluntarily establish any type of co-leadership with any state agency on any surface mining matter before the county - now or in the future.  Such voluntary action would establish a dangerous precedent that could easily be used by proponents of adverse legislation to circumvent local control of the SEPA process.

A further complication could arise because it is the proponents of the pit to pier project who have repeatedly sought to interject an outside agency into the SEPA process.  In light of the events in Olympia this past week, they should not be allowed to succeed in their quest to minimalize local control.

I urge you to avoid any arrangements of SEPA co-leadership with DOE or any other state agency.  I am confident that Jefferson County can manage its own business and conduct a thorough, fair, and impartial environmental impact study.
 

John Fabian
100 Shine Road
Port Ludlow WA, 98365