County reverses self, calls for four environmental report on proposed gravel mining expansion

PORT TOWNSEND — A surprise turnaround by county planners late last week will result in a fourth environmental-impact study of Fred Hill Material’s proposed Shine-area sand and gravel mining site.

The action, reportedly linked to water, groundwater movement quality and quantity, and natural habitat in the Wahl Lake area, was celebrated by Hood Canal Coalition members, who oppose Fred Hill’s extraction plans.

The coalition has also fought the separate Fred Hill “pit-to-pier” proposal that could someday move sand and gravel on a long conveyor belt to a lengthy new pier.

An elated Hood Canal Coalition spokesman, John Fabian, on Friday called the county planners’ action “a prudent thing to do.”

“Now we’re going to have an independent organization come in a not represent us and not represent the miners,” Fabian said, referring to the new environmental-impact statement.

“This is good for the community and I’m pleased by it.”

Fred Hill project manager Dan Baskins, however, dismissed the action, saying in a prepared statement:

“We’ve proposed an environmentally sound plan to move our mining to a higher, drier portion of land out of public view, where we’d gradually mine and replant trees in efficient 10 to 12-acre segments that would meet the demand of generations to come.

“Apparently, the county prefers us to continue to mine along the current face.”

More in News

Sunlight reflects off the skull of Gunther, the California gray whale carcass on display on the pier in Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
The golden hour

Sunlight reflects off the skull of Gunther, the California gray whale carcass… Continue reading

The state is looking to turn Miller Peninsula, a 2,800-acre undeveloped park east of Sequim, into a destination state park with a visitors center, cabins, picnic areas and more. Some locals oppose the move. (Warren Wilson)
Opponents want park to stay day use

State updates plan for Miller Peninsula

Sequim staff plan to send a proposal to the state this month to potentially fund sewer and water lift stations on West Sequim Bay Road using new developments’ property taxes through a Tax Increment Area by Sequim Bay in a 363-acre area. It would require the city to prove that developments in the area wouldn’t happen without the stations. The city council also would have to approve it. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim exploring funding mechanism to incentivize development

City would create district, repurpose tax dollars for lift stations

Fred Rix of Port Angeles, right, looks over floral arrangements with Ann O’Neill, an employee of Angel Crest Gardens of Port Angeles at a temporary stand at First and Race streets in Port Angeles on Valentine’s Day. Rix said he wanted roses for his wife, Wendy Rix, for their 55th wedding anniversary. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Valentine’s roses

Fred Rix of Port Angeles, right, looks over floral arrangements with Ann… Continue reading

Port Angeles-owned Lancashire Heeler “Ki” poses with handler and co-owner Chelsy Pendleton of Utah with their ribbon. Ki placed as Best of Opposite Sex at the 149th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
PA dog places at famous show

Lancashire Heeler wins ribbon at Westminster

x
Nominations open for Community Service awards

Forms due March 25; event scheduled for May 1

Poplars to be removed in spring

Boat Yard expansion part of larger project

Jeffco Aquatic Coalition launches pool survey

Results intended to inform design process

Voters approving all Peninsula school measures

Sequim bond passing with required supermajority

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few miles south of Port Angeles. While the Peninsula has seen temperatures below freezing this week, a warming trend is expected by this weekend with highs reaching the upper 40s and overnight lows in the 30s. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Winter snowscape

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few… Continue reading