Commenting on the former Rayonier mill site cleanup could be your most important lifetime opportunity to do the right thing for present and future generations in our exceptional area.
You can get background from ecology.wa.gov/Rayonier, www.protectpeninsulasfuture.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/final-comments-2019.pdf and two webinar opportunities.
Olympic Environmental Council’s scientific consultant, Dr. Peter deFur, will discuss his report and answer questions from noon to 1 p.m. Monday in Peninsula College’s Little Theater and Friday, Nov. 22 through eventbrite.com/e/the-rayonier-pulp-mill-cleanup-plan-a-community-analysis-tickets-79791898717 for the first 100 to register.
In our comments, my husband and I emphasized these points:
The cleanup must be permanent.
Hazardous wastes need to be removed instead of covering them with dirt and sand, monitoring the site for what could be infinity, and trusting fences, seafood consumption warnings and limiting time on the site to the two days a week suggested in the Ecology report.
Ennis Creek and Puget Sound and their inhabitants, including salmon, steelhead and orcas, would continue to be harmed.
The most thorough cleanup would be best for the property owner, allowing sale or donation with fewer liability risks and ongoing costs.
You will, of course, have your own opinions.
Just be sure to send them to Ecology by the Nov. 26 deadline.
Robbie Mantooth,
Port Angeles