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February 12, 2008
Mr. John Fabian
100 Shine Road
Port Ludlow, WA 98365-9274
Dear Mr. Fabian:
Thank you for contacting me with your opposition
to the pit-to-pier project in Jefferson County.
I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, the proposed project is not in my
congressional district. However, because my
district shares the same narrow channel of Hood
Canal where the proposed project would be
located, and because of the concerns expressed
by a significant number of my constituents, I
feel it is important to express my opposition to
the project.
I have spent two years studying this proposal
and listening to my constituents' views
regarding the impacts of this project, both
positive and negative. First, although
proponents have done very extensive work to try
to minimize the environmental impact of this
project, the scenic splendor and unique beauty
of Hood Canal are at risk of being seriously
jeopardized. The impacts that will be associated
with these industrial activities cannot be
ignored - Hood Canal's unique character as a
national treasure is put at serious risk by the
pit-to-pier proposal. Second, concerns about the
potential impacts on many U.S. Navy operations
are legitimate and should not be compromised for
this project.
With regards to the potential economic
ramifications of this project, it is important
to make clear that while the acquisition of
materials that this project facilitates could be
cost effective, there are alternate means to
accomplish the goals of this project without
spoiling the aesthetic character of Hood Canal.
This project represents several serious
environmental risks to Hood Canal. It would
increase the potential of an oil spill in the
Canal, which would threaten the Canal's fish and
bird populations and the heavy equipment
vehicles near the quarry would increase
pollution in general.
The Puget Sound, of which the Hood Canal is a
part, is one of the state's most precious
assets. The Sound deserves vigilant
stewardship. In 1999, I authored the Puget
Sound and Adjacent Waterways program to help
improve salmon habitat. More recently, I have
been a member of the Governor’s Puget Sound
Partnership, a task force which is now laying
the groundwork to restore the Sound to health. I
have not jumped to judgment on the proposed
pit-to-pier project, but I have concluded that
this is the wrong place and the wrong time to
implement this project. The threats to the Sound
are many, including population growth, storm
water, wastewater and more. The Hood Canal in
particular is suffering severe problems, causing
large parts of it to be called “dead zones.” At
this critical time when the region is building a
long-term plan to protect the Sound, it is
important to pause and assess whether it is wise
to continue placing additional stress on this
cherished resource.
We are fortunate to have the beautiful Hood
Canal in our backyard and must do all that we
can to protect it for ourselves and future
generations.
Please continue to contact me about the issues
that concern you, as I both need and welcome
your thoughts and ideas. I encourage you to
contact me via email, telephone, or fax, because
security measures in the House cause delays in
receiving postal mail. For more information on
my activities in Congress, and for information
on services that my office can provide, please
visit my website at
http://www.house.gov/inslee. If you would
like to subscribe to my email updates, please
visit
http://www.house.gov/inslee/signup.htm.
Very truly yours,
JAY INSLEE
Member of Congress
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