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| AWR Storm water pond connects to Evans Creek. (2006) |
My following public comment was submitted to the City, to protest approval of an environmental land use action on Redmond's polluting AWR industry
Public comments for or against this action (SEPA determination) are due to the city by 2/6/2012. Send your Comment to city planner Kelsey Johnson kjohnson@redmond.gov
Dear City of Redmond,
I disagree with your determination that "All Wood Recycling" (AWR) proposal (L110009) is non-significant to our environment as referenced to the State Environmental Policy Act. And, I ask you not approve this environmental action favoring AWR
This industrial proposal is environmentally significant owing to the location of AWR over our city aquifer. City staff publicly warned Council late last year that contaminates are leaking into the Redmond aquifer and threatening our valuable drinking water resource. AWR "recycles" hazardous waste-concrete, chemically treated wood products and other toxic materials, including sewage which remains un-piped and unconnected to the City. Heavy machinery and trucks drip hydrolic fluids into the soils. In some places the water aquifer is less than 6 feet from the surface so it's a short journey for their waste and toxins to enter our water supply.
Most of the ground surfaces in AWR are impervious owing to compacting of soils by vehicular use, clogged or removed stormwater pond systems, and paved roadway and work areas. Thus, most AWR stormwater is untreated, toxic and washes into Evans Creek, stressed creek banks (photo), underground streams and adjacent commercial sites. AWR proposes one vault and one stormwater pond to treat the entire industrial site. At least two vaults are needed - one on both sides of the creek.
Evans Creek is a "Class One" stream of highest value and runs through the site. It's regulated by the Department of Ecology and the City as a "Shoreline of the State." In 2008, Mayor Marchione proclaimed riparian corridors as" habitat of local importance."
Stormwater run-off carries untreated pollutants (photo) from AWR into the creek, harming Federally protected Chinook salmon and destroying their habitat. Sub-surface, underground streams connecting to Evans and Bear Creek were recognized by the Planning Commission during their Critical Areas Ordinance Update several years ago. Underground streams connecting to contaminated Evans Creek storm flows could spread toxins further into our aquifer before they can be treated by downstream facilities.
The City will incur certain liabilities should significant trending to aquifer contamination be traced to this AWR site and it's vicinity. Approving this "Determination of Non Significance" (DNS) is setting a precedent for further neglect in the SE Redmond industrial complex, besides AWR. By approving this DNS, the C.O.R. is placing itself at risk to lawsuit and most significantly, potential loss of a highly valuable and important municipal natural resource - potable water.
Read More>>
I request the City of Redmond (lead agency) not approve this environmental Determination of Non-Significance for AWR. I understand the City will not make a decision on the AWR proposals until sometime after February 6, 2012 and the city planner is taking public comments up until this time. Read More >>
Respectfully submitted to the City of Redmond,
Bob Yoder
Redmond, WA. 98052
Two other permits must be approved: Administrative Modification-L110016 & Shoreline Permit-L110008 and SEPA-L110009:
Photos are public record - to view all 17 city photos go to this album
Opinion and photo By Bob Yoder,
Updated: 1/27/2012
Public comments for or against this action (SEPA determination) are due to the city by 2/6/2012. Send your Comment to city planner Kelsey Johnson kjohnson@redmond.gov
Dear City of Redmond,
I disagree with your determination that "All Wood Recycling" (AWR) proposal (L110009) is non-significant to our environment as referenced to the State Environmental Policy Act. And, I ask you not approve this environmental action favoring AWR
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| Evans Creek banks enclosed by impervious concrete paving. (click to enlarge) |
Most of the ground surfaces in AWR are impervious owing to compacting of soils by vehicular use, clogged or removed stormwater pond systems, and paved roadway and work areas. Thus, most AWR stormwater is untreated, toxic and washes into Evans Creek, stressed creek banks (photo), underground streams and adjacent commercial sites. AWR proposes one vault and one stormwater pond to treat the entire industrial site. At least two vaults are needed - one on both sides of the creek.
 |
| Evans Creek runs through AWR property, shown here |
Stormwater run-off carries untreated pollutants (photo) from AWR into the creek, harming Federally protected Chinook salmon and destroying their habitat. Sub-surface, underground streams connecting to Evans and Bear Creek were recognized by the Planning Commission during their Critical Areas Ordinance Update several years ago. Underground streams connecting to contaminated Evans Creek storm flows could spread toxins further into our aquifer before they can be treated by downstream facilities.
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| Toxic run-off can't percolate through impervious surfaces and runs off untreated. Heavy equipment drips hydrolic fluids. |
Read More>>
I request the City of Redmond (lead agency) not approve this environmental Determination of Non-Significance for AWR. I understand the City will not make a decision on the AWR proposals until sometime after February 6, 2012 and the city planner is taking public comments up until this time. Read More >>
Respectfully submitted to the City of Redmond,
Bob Yoder
Redmond, WA. 98052
Two other permits must be approved: Administrative Modification-L110016 & Shoreline Permit-L110008 and SEPA-L110009:
"Following the SEPA appeal period, the City can issue the decision on the Shoreline Substantial Development Permit and Administration Modification Land Use Entitlement. The applicant can then move forward with the Construction Drawing Review process - K. Johnson, city plannerThose interested in commenting, please call City Development Services Center (425-556-2409) or email City planner Kelsey Johnson at kjohnson@redmond.gov. A few sentences of how you feel can be the difference.
Photos are public record - to view all 17 city photos go to this album
Opinion and photo By Bob Yoder,
Updated: 1/27/2012
Doesn't the city do water quality testing in the creek? Have they detected any chemicals? Have any dead fish been found?
ReplyDeleteYes, the city does regular testing of the groundwater in this area. Jon Spangler, City Natural Resounce Manager presented detailed data and analysis to city council last year, documenting that toxic chemicals (like iron) are leaking into the groundwater. He recommended improved and updated stormwater systems to treat the contaminated stormwater. It's a very political discussion with lawyers and consultants on both sides - between the industial businesses and city staff.
ReplyDeleteAs for Federally protected Chinook salmon, there are few if any reported in the upper reach of the creek.
The State Dept. of F&W studied the creek for fecal flora and found moderate to low levels in the water.