Update on Sequalitchew Creek

By Sequalitchew Creek Watershed Council

We're writing with an important update on how and when to comment on the proposed 2011 Settlement Agreement.

We've recently learned that the questions submitted on 3 X 5 cards by citizens during the two town hall meetings held recently are not part of the public record, meaning, they will not be included in the final report to city council on September 13. We've asked for these comments to be included, but there's been no answer so far.  Resubmitting your thoughts again in writing will ensure they are submitted for city council review.

Address your comments by September 9, to Erin Larsen, City Clerk, 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327.

The next important meeting is this coming Tuesday, August 9 at 7pm during a regular city council meeting.  Senator Mike Carrell will be attending.  We hope you'll attend to show you care about this important issue for our community and speak in opposition to dewatering. If you do comment, be sure to also leave a written copy with the city clerk.

We've composed a list of all future important meeting dates and times, posted here:    http://goo.gl/BIiWm

Reminder: what is being proposed for our community

The Agreement, if accepted by city council, will be the next step in allowing CalPortland to expand 166 acres into the South Parcel.  In order for CalPortland to mine in this area, dewatering must occur.  Dewatering (draining our Vashon Aquifer) will drop the water levels along Sequalitchew Creek and Edmond Marsh. It poses a documented threat to the drinking water source for Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). There are unanswered questions about how dewatering will effect our drinking water quality in DuPont.

Why we should say no to dewatering the South Parcel:

• Dewatering poses too much environmental risk
• There is too much uncertainty surrounding dewatering
• Dewatering is forever
• Dewatering is NOT okay for our community

What about mining the North Parcel?

Dewatering is not required in this area, meaning there is much less environmental risk to our community and our aquifers.

Is there a shortage of gravel in our region as CalPortland claims?

No.  There is approximately 60 million tons of gravel available in the North Parcel and and at least 40 million tons remaining in the current mine, without mining deeper.  That means, without mining the South Parcel, CalPortland has 100+ million tons of gravel to extract.