Constantine praises work of environmental groups after court decision blocking Maury Island gravel mine

August 14, 2009

Summary

“This is a great victory in the battle to protect and restore Puget Sound”

Story

King County Council Chair Dow Constantine today joined representatives of key environmental groups in proclaiming a new day for Puget Sound, after a federal court mandated further environmental studies of a major barge loading facility that would serve a Maury Island gravel mine.

“This is a great victory in the battle to protect and restore Puget Sound,” said Constantine. “The court’s decision puts an end to ‘business as usual’ and requires scientific study of the cumulative impact of shoreline projects—rather than allowing bureaucracies to review each permit application in isolation.”

Joining Constantine at a Pier 62/63 news conference were: attorney David Mann, Amy Carey, president of Preserve Our Islands; Naki Stevens, director of programs for People for Puget Sound; and Mo McBroom, policy director for the Washington Environmental Council.

All praised the August 13 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez mandating further environmental studies before permits can be issued for the Glacier Northwest/Northwest Aggregates barge loading facility on Maury Island. In his decision for summary judgment, Judge Martinez cited the cumulative effect on the environment by major shoreline projects such as this proposed facility. He also called for further substantive review under the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act before permits can be issued.

Constantine credited the coalition of environmental groups formed in opposition to the Maury Island gravel mine for leading to the decision. He especially praised the Vashon/Maury Island-based Preserve Our Islands organization for leading the fight to protect the Islands’ fragile shorelines and sole-source aquifer.

“This has been a long, hard battle filled with many setbacks, but the environmental community has never given up, despite the deep pockets and political power of this multinational mining company,” said State Rep. Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island), a former president of Preserve Our Islands. “We have fought to get proper scientific review of this project since day one and finally our efforts have been rewarded.”