Sequalitchew Guest Opinion: Andy Estep

Yesterday was a red letter day here at RealDuPont. I posted a response to an article in the Tacoma News Tribune in preparation for this week’s meeting regarding the proposed Glacier Northwest DuPont mine expansion. Shortly afterward came the comments, both here and at the Real DuPont Neighborhood Blog I write for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. It appears that there are some citizens who are not prepared to let the Glacier proposal be rubber stamped anytime soon.

Andy Estep wrote a lengthy opinion on his concerns pertaining to the future of the Sequalitchew Creek. After reading his comment I felt it was more befitting a post of his own here. I have republished it below with his permission. The words and image are his alone. Additionally, I would welcome any comment in favor of the expansion and I openly invite Glacier Northwest, also giving them an opportunity to post their opinion.

By Andy Estep

I also have significant concerns over the proposed action to expand the mining activity by Glacier Northwest and its effect upon Sequalitchew creek, DuPont residents, and the natural areas that surround this artery of life. After reviewing the EIS of May 07 I am of the opinion that the current de-watering plan to create a Northern tributary and the associated slash and dig into the northern canyon wall will irreplaceably damage the visual and ecological continuity of one of the most beautiful stream and forest ecosystems in Pierce County.

Because of Sequalitchew’s private holding and restricted access this unknown treasure is de-valued and un-stewarded to the point where I fear that the proposed use could go ahead with minimal objection except by the few remaining mammals, birds and reptiles which inhabit its lush understory. I doubt that if such a proposal were set forth in the Chambers Creek watershed that it would be considered as a viable solution considering the impacts to an already well loved natural space. History reveals to me that similar irreplaceable treasures were previously lost from DuPont because of similar apathy and claims of progress. Within 15 feet of where the now absent Fort Nisqually originally stood stretch above ground electrical lines to power homes on Hoffman Hill. Water which once flowed ponderously through Edmonds marsh and then joyfully down Sequalitchew canyon… now diverted… cascades lifelessly near Solo Point because of the perception of uncontrolled flooding on Federal land. And now if approved as proposed, within a stones-throw of the Historic Methodist Mission site(1st Fourth of July Celebrated in the West) will be a 500+ acre depression devoid of life stretching down to the Puget Sound. This is just the beginning of adverse and far reaching effects identified in the study which far outweigh the purported good of Salmonoid species re-introduction.

At this point I feel compelled to say that I am not entirely against an expansion of the mining area. My position/aversion rests on: 1. The preservation of Sequalitchew Creek and Canyon as it currently exists in shape and form. 2. Larger setbacks and contiguous pieces of existing ecosystems which buffer and surround the canyon and mining rim (more than the token “fool’em strips” of trees or 20’ tall earthen berms ) which propose to mitigate the significant visual impacts, but ignore the environment holistically. 3. Consideration of future public enjoyment (see DuPont Parks & Rec. Master Plan) and access along a trail network next to which the upper portion Interpretive signs could read, “here lies the former Sequalitchew Creek riparian forest stream-bed and wetland”…the middle reads “to your right observe state of the art mining efforts” … and the bottom reads “Caution: Trail closed due to washout.”
Current(top) and artist rendering of “after” mine closes in 2016(bottom).

I have considered my position carefully you see, as I live in one of the 5 closest houses in Edmonds village to the edge, and one might fully expect my concern to be increased traffic, or that incessant backup beeping I hear on overcast nights, or air quality standards, or the viability of the City well which provides my drinking water, along with groundwater quality, or visual impact from my upstairs. All of which I would prefer not to have to deal with, however I keep returning to that which I am not willing to concede or surrender in principle, because it cannot speak for itself, the irreplaceable Natural and Historic aspects of a canyon as of yet undiscovered by the majority of DuPont residents and visitors. Had I not taken that walk down Sequalitchew Creek that day with the folks from the City and MIG while working on the Parks Master Plan and been in awe at its beauty, and felt its shelter and protection, its lushness and renewal I doubt I would be such an advocate for such magnificent Creation, when such destruction awaits.

I am happy to discuss this issue with anyone who would have reason to give me audience and convince me otherwise due to my oversights of the technical document. I strongly recommend for the betterment of those who are not financial beneficiaries of the proposed action, who will still remain when the aggregate is long gone, add these adjustments to the project related conditions of approval.

1. Develop an alternate course of action to de-water (possibly through infiltration and provisions for overflow through the edge of the existing mined area straight out into the Sound) or as a last resort reject the cut and cover construction and mandate micro tunneling to preserve the original canyon wall from stream bed to crest line and vegetation on the northern buffer setback.
2. Evaluate the tenability of projected and worst case increased flows through the BNSF culvert at high tide causing possible backups/flooding through the side paired tunnels and associated impacts to the brackish marsh and existing/proposed trail and park improvements.
3. Increase the buffer setback for impact effects to Archaeological sites on the Methodist Episcopal Mission Monument from No effect: located outside but close to lease line…to No effect: located well outside lease line. I understand lease lines probably will not change, however the reality of mining activity occurring close to or well outside a historic viewpoint which people navigate to using a brown Historical Point of Interest sign on the I-5 interchange will be readily apparent.
4. Encourage a spirit of stewardship and partnership between the sponsor of the proposed action (Glacier Northwest) also the sole beneficiary, and everyone and everything else who have something to be lost from this proposal as written. An atmosphere of stewardship should include:

a. The items above.
b. Paving/completion of the trail network with benches and rest points down to the Sound, sooner rather than later, and an advocacy for public access.
c. Establishment of a saltwater frontage park, with a covered pavilion, park tables and other amenities.
d. A bridge of some sort (Suspension) to cross-connect Sequalitchew trail with future trail access coming from Hoffman Hill area across the golf course and Business technology park. This is a integral pathway which will encourage looped non-motorized traffic to the points of interest, instead of necessitating parking/origination at the new City Hall or Center drive
e. Interpretive signage which describes the Natural and Historic features mentioned in the proposal and description of the evidence of efforts underway to re-introduce Salmon species.
f. Benchmarks to measure success or areas requiring improvement for Salmon re-introduction, and monitoring of projected draw-down rates and their effect on area lakes and wetlands, with control measures to require periodic non-partial review if actual data differs from projections, and a solid plan to change course if necessary in order to minimize irreversible detriment.
g. Periodic updates through local media print or City updates to inform the public of work progress, so sudden changes don’t come as a surprise.
h. A long term commitment to working to re-establishing flows affected by draw-down in upper Sequalitchew creek and Edmonds marsh all the way to Sequalitchew Lake. A from “Sound to Source” management approach with layered government and business involvement.
i. Planning for camping sites along the upper north rim for use by citizens and organizations to camp in their own community and enjoy the outdoors.
j. Experiential education teaching materials for local Schools/ Clubs/ Organizations to facilitate Canyon and Sound self-guided or guided tours celebrating the triumph of good business practices and environmental stewardship.
k. Planning considerations for a future bluff overlook park with vehicular parking and ADA appropriate switchback trails for access to the Creek and Sound.
l. Future Wharf road development along the southern mining boundary to connect existing roads with the bluff overlook park for motorized and alternate access.

These are just a few of my thoughts, of which many are mirrored in the Parks Master Plan and could be clarified by that document or fellow members of that Agency. I think these and many other issues should be considered as mitigating measures. I hope that Glacier Northwest will not view them as requirements to which adherence is mandated in order to achieve their stated goal of gaining access to affordable quality aggregate, but as an opportunity to demonstrate tangible respect and stewardship through Respecting Resources.

I am sure I have omitted some issues for which I am thankful that other Citizens will remark, and I applaud them for their time and efforts. I hope that as the City and other decision makers consider this action that the items discussed above, a contemplative walk through the canyon, and the thoughts of present and future generations will weigh heavily on their decision which could literally re-write the course of Sequalitchew Creek.

A note about the images sent by Andy:

“I have attached a picture of particular interest from the SEIS as a picture is worth a thousand words.  This is the computer modeling of some date in the future from a vantage point just above the proposed confluence of N Sequalitchew and the existing creek looking down the creek.  Imagine the visual impact from about another 200′ down the trail where to your right you can look back up the new creek-bed into the mine area totally void of living things except the bulldozers and front end loaders busily gobbling up aggregate, but hey one day there may be fish amongst the new houses!”

The Glacier Northwest Community Meeting takes place at 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Chloe-Clark Elementary School.