The Washington Department of Ecology and the city of Hoquiam have released draft environmental impact statements for the Westway and Imperium crude-by-rail expansion projects in Grays Harbor County. The organizations are inviting the public to give their comments on the situation.
The public is invited to comment on the draft EIS until Oct. 29. The comment period includes two days of public hearings — the first will be held on Oct. 1 in Elma, the second on Oct. 8 in Aberdeen.
Ecology and the city of Hoquiam shared the lead agency responsibility for studying the proposals and looking at potential environmental impacts. The two projects are separate, but they were studied simultaneously for expediency’s sake. When the comment periods are over Hoquiam, Ecology and other local, state and federal agencies will use the final EISs in their permitting decisions.
If approved, there would be an increase in crude being transported on local railways.
“The draft studies evaluate impacts and risks, and now it’s time for the community to review and offer their perspective,” Paula Ehlers, shorelands and environmental assistance section manager for Ecology’s Southwest Regional Office, said in a press release on the matter.
The draft EISs include studies on the natural and manmade environments, recreation, historic and cultural preservations and the tribal resources. The transportation element includes studies of rail traffic, noise and vibrations, vessel traffic and vehicle traffic and safety. The environmental health chapter has studies that examine the risks and potential impacts of spills, fire and explosions.
“The partnership between Ecology and the City of Hoquiam brings together the local knowledge and state perspective to form a thorough consideration of impacts,” Brian Shay, city administrator for the city of Hoquiam, said in the press release.
At the close of the comment period on Oct. 29 and after they’ve all been reviewed the final EIS will be made.
The public hearings and open houses will be held on Oct. 1 at Satsop Technical Park in Elma from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Oct. 8 at the D&R Theater in Aberdeen from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Presentations will be made starting at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. with open houses ongoing.
Comments can be submitted online at https://public.commentworks.com/cwx/westwayimperiumcommentform or mailed to:
Westway and Imperium Terminal Services Expansion Projects EISs
c/o ICF International
710 Second St., Suite 550
Seattle, WA 98104
