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