Marine News - 2004 Archive
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(**Articles on the Bellingham Herald website are posted for two weeks under “news archives”. After two weeks, this link will no longer work and you will need to contact the Bellingham Herald if you would like a copy of the article.)
December
Local historians examine Post Point sculpture of man, woman:
Area could be a Spanish settlement, circa 1563. December 30, 2004 - January
6, 2005
The Whatcom Independent
" BELLINGHAM - Resting on the water-smoothed stones along Fairhaven's beachfront
is a roughly 10-foot long stone conglomerate. Upon closer inspection, one notices
the forms of human appendages. With a more discerning eye it becomes apparent
the stone has been sculpted into the shape of two human forms - one male, the
other female. Two local historians are certain the sculpture is a representation
of Michelangelo's Adam and Eve, and was the adornment to the entrance of a Spanish
fort dating back to 1536."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue58.pdf
Pollock fishermen lead campaign to cut salmon bycatch: Incidental
take of king salmon has nearly doubled in recent years. December 29,
2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" ANCHORAGE - Bering Sea pollock fishermen want to aggressively tackle the
growing problem of unintentionally caught salmon. Fishermen have asked the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council to let the industry determine how to catch
fewer salmon. Boats targeting pollock have seen their unintentional take, or
bycatch, of king salmon nearly double in recent years and the chum salmon harvest
increase sixfold. No one knows why the numbers are up, although some believe
it suggests salmon are simply more plentiful."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041229/Business/224120.shtml
Counting Down: WWU study reveals massive declines of common seabird
populations in North Puget Sound. December 26, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" A local scientist and a group of Western Washington University Students
are wrapping up a two-year survey of north Puget Sound seabirds - the most comprehensive
in a quarter century. The results confirm the data of smaller studies and the
suspicions of old-time birders: The overall number of seabirds has declined by
41 percent, and of the most common species, 25 have diminished in number by 25
percent or more."
(not on website)
Tsunami could surge into Bellingham Bay: Greatest danger would
be in Marine Drive area along Nooksack River. December 28, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Whatcom County residents in low-lying areas would be wise to head to higher
ground in the wake of a big earthquake off the Washington coast.If the coast
experienced an earthquake as big as the one that hit off Indonesia on Sunday,
a tsunami would likely surge eastward through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. By
the time it reached Bellingham and Lummi bays, it would still have enough force
to inundate low-lying areas upstream from the mouths of the Nooksack and Lummi
rivers." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041228/LocalState/223958.shtml
Deadly quake, waves felt in Americas: Similar tidal waves hit
West Coast in 1700. December 28, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" HONOLULU - Sunday's earthquake-driven tidal wave that devastated coastlines
from Asia to Africa registered in the Pacific Ocean as far away as the United
States and the coast of South America, experts said Monday. The magnitude 9.0
earthquake that struck near Indonesia generated tsunamis that killed more than
22,000 in 10 countries as it spread west and north across the Bay of Bengal and
the Indian Ocean."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041228/LocalState/223963.shtml
Tanker tagged as spill culprit: ConocoPhillips not convinced
ship fouled Tacoma-area waters. December 24, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" State and federal officials say laboratory analysis has identified a ConocoPhillips
tanker as the source of oil that fouled 20 miles of South Puget Sound beaches
after an Oct. 14 spill, but the company remains skeptical."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041224/LocalState/223537.shtml
Catch close-up view of sea life. December 24, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Would you like to see an octopus? Stroke a sea anemone? Search for pipefish
camouflaged in eelgrass? Visit the Marine Life Center, a one-room aquarium on
Bellingham's waterfront. Even children who have visited on a school trip will
have plenty to see and learn by bringing their families."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041224/LocalState/223538.shtml
Parks board wants the spit to stay in public hands. December
23, 2004 - January 5, 2005
The Northern Light
" The Blaine Parks and Cemetery Board expressed its approval last week of
efforts by a group of local citizens to buy out the land intended for the Seagrass
Cottages Development on Semiahmoo Spit."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_december23/fp2.html
Pipeline Abandoned: Route not economical; study cost of $50 million "worth
it". December 23-29, 2004
The Whatcom Independent
" BC Hydro and Williams Company announced the cancellation of the Georgia
Straight Crossing Project (GSX) earlier this week citing less expensive and more
feasible alternatives. The $250 million project would carry natural gas east
to west from the border in Sumas across Whatcom and San Juan Counties. The pipeline
would travel underwater to Vancouver Island."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue57.pdf
Orcas threatened, feds decide: New status, if confirmed, would
require habitat preservation. December 17, 2004
The Associated Press
" SEATTLE - Two years after denying Endangered Species Act protection to
killer whales that live much of the year near Washington's San Juan Islands,
the federal fisheries agency said Thursday it plans to list the struggling population
as a threatened species."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041217/TopStories/222603.shtml
Study Finds Substantial Declines in Local Marine Bird Species.
December 2004.
Whatcom Watch
" On a snowy January morning, a northwestern crow stands in a Drayton Harbor
tideland pecking at the head of a dead ruddy duck. The snow and cold, unusual
for our region, makes the harbor more reminiscent of the Maine coastline than
northwestern Washington. Our three-person marine bird census team shivers in
the cold, as we begin our attempt to count every one of the thousands of birds
in the harbor. We’ve made this trip seventeen times since March of 2003
and will have done it six more times between now and June 2005 before our work
is complete. The objective of our study is to compare our census data with the
1970s MESA census data to provide insight into changes in local marine bird abundance
over the past 25 years."
http://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php?id=496
G-P Deal: Port delays final vote until January: Staff authorized
to finalize documents. December 17-22, 2004
Whatcom Independent
" BELLINGHAM - the final decision regarding the acquisition of 137 acres
of waterfront land and 137 acres of county land owned by GP was delayed by Port
Commisioners last Friday, citing the extension will allow more time for public
scrutiny of documents."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue56.pdf
GP deal reaches final phase: City Council approves partnership;
Port draws final documents. December 16-21
Bellingham Weekly
" The Port of Bellingham's plan to acquire Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s 137
acres of waterfront real estate neared completion Tuesday when Port commissioners
directed staff to draw up final documents on the deal for approval in January.
Port commissioners had originally planned to announce their final decision at
that meeting, but delayed their decision until after the first of the year to
allow time for public review of documents related to the property transfer."
http://www.bellinghamweekly.com/pdfs/200451.pdf
West coast crab fishing delayed till after Christmas Testing
has found smaller-than-average crabs for 3 months. December 15, 2004
The Associated Press
" MONTESANO - The Pacific Coast commercial crab fishing season for Washington
and northern Oregon has been delayed until after Christmas to give the crustaceans
more time to mature, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said Tuesday."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041215/Business/222210.shtml
Shoreline protection efforts get a 'D' rating: Group's report
lists concerns for beaches around Puget Sound. December 16, 2004
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
" Calling on the Legislature to save the "ribbon of life" that
nourishes Puget Sound, an environmental group gave the state and local governments
failing grades yesterday in protecting ecologically crucial shorelines. Drawing
on government studies, People for Puget Sound issued an overall grade of "D" to
efforts to protect the Sound's beaches."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/203997_shorelines16.html
G-P deal in final stretch. December 15, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Port of Bellingham's move to acquire Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s 137
acres of waterfront real estate entered its final phase Tuesday when port commissioners
directed staff to draw up final documents on the deal for approval in January."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041215/TopStories/222245.shtml
G-P deal: Final meetings held before land decision: City and Port
reveal agreement at work session. December 10-16, 2004
Whatcom Independent
" Bellingham - City Council met with Port of Bellingham officials last Wednesday
to review the City's role in the redevelopment of the waterfront. Although Port
officials had repeatedly stressed the importance of cooperation from the City
in their acquisition of Georgia-Pacific Corp.'s 137 acres of waterfront property,
the nature of the proposed agreement was not available to the public until Wednesday
afternoon's work session."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue55.pdf
G-P landfills give hint of radioactive materials. December 10-16,
2004
Whatcom Independent
" Bellingham - One of the persistent rumors about Georgia-Pacific Landfills
is that they have been used to dump some radioactive waste in the past. Recently,
the Whatcom Independent received a photograph taken at the Corwall landfill showing
a positive Geiger Counter reading, a photo said to have been taken in 2001. The
indicated reading would have been the equivalent of a chest x-ray every 10 minutes."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue55.pdf
Broken freighter is spilling oil: Six crewmen still missing in
icy Aleutian waters. December 10, 2004
Seattle Post-Intelligencer / Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Fuel leaking from the hull of freighter that broke in
two in the Bering Sea is being called a major spill that could take months
to clean up.
The search for six crew members lost in the sea continued in the dark yesterday,
a day after the rescue helicopter attempting to lift them to safety crashed.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/203253_freighter10.html
Rules on fuel shippers may be tightened: Coast Guard report to
recommend 'pre-boom'. December 10, 2004
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
" Spurred by an oil spill that slimed a pristine and productive Puget Sound
marsh, the U.S. Coast Guard is considering adopting a nationwide rule designed
to minimize damage from such blunders. Much as a house painter lays a drop cloth
or a home cook lines a cookie sheet with tin foil, fuel shippers would have to
tow a floating plastic curtain known as "boom" around ships being loaded
with the thick, dark oil that fuels most vessels."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/203224_spill10.html
City prepares interlocal agreement with Port: Remediation of
waterfront hinges on deal. December 9-15, 2004
The Bellingham Weekly
" Port of Bellingham officials met in a special work session with members
of the Bellingham City Council on Wednesday. Council members and Port commissioners
discussed in detail the Port's plan to acquire and clean he Georgia-Pacific mill
site. The agency revealed its plans to the public last month."
http://www.bellinghamweekly.com/pdfs/200450.pdf
Cruise ship company to admit spilling raw sewage in Juneau. December
9, 2004
The Associated Press
" ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A cruise ship company will plead guilty Monday to
discharging 20,000 gallons of untreated sewage from one of its ships while docked
in Juneau harbor, federal prosecutors say. In addition to paying $200,000 in
fines and $500,000 in restitution, Holland America Line Cruise Ships will spend
$1.3 million on a plan to prevent similar accidents."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041209/Business/221338.shtml
Rumor of salmon farm spurs county vote ban. Thursday, December
9, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Amid rumors of a possible new salmon farm in the region, the Whatcom County
Council passed an emergency measure banning salmon net pens. 'There's rumors
of a company that's looking around Puget Sound,' said County Council Chairman
Dan McShane, who proposed the emergency ban with council members Barbara Brenner
and Laurie Caskey-Schreiber."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041209/LocalState/221328.shtml
Council warms to G-P land deal: Port, attorney ease fears of
financial liability. December 9, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Bellingham City Council appears ready to join the Port of Bellingham
in the redevelopment of Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s waterfront industrial property,
if port officials decide to take on the job. At previous public meetings on the
issue, some council members expressed skittishness about the city's still-undefined
multimillion-dollar investment in streets and utilities needed for redevelopment
of the industrial site into residences, shops and offices."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041209/TopStories/221313.shtml
Port hears criticism, support for G-P plan. December 4, 2004
The Bellingham HeraldAbout 75 people showed up Friday afternoon for the third
public comment session on the Port of Bellingham's planned takeover of Georgia-Pacific
West Inc.'s waterfront real estate. Although sharp criticisms of the deal
were voiced during the meeting at port headquarters, most comments from the
22 speakers and the port commissioners were constructive and respectful.
Details about the Port of Bellingham's Georgia- Pacific Acquisition Project
is online at www.portofbellingham.com . Written comments are still being
accepted."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041204/LocalState/220497.shtml
Port to pay insurance company $20.5 million: AIG to cover 50 percent
of costs up to $55 million; lone speaker at Port meeting asks tough questions.
December 3-9, 2004
The Whatcom Independent
" LYNDEN - Only a handful of county residents attended a Port of Bellingham
meeting Tuesday to listen to and comment on the G-P land deal that would transfer
waterfront and county acreage to the Port of Bellingham in exchange for environmental
clean-up costs."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/whatcomindy.pdf
Port hears few queries from county on G-P deal. December 1, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Fewer than a dozen people showed up at Meridian Middle School Tuesday
night to hear Port of Bellingham officials explain the proposed takeover of Georgia-Pacific
West Inc.'s real estate on the Bellingham waterfront."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041201/TopStories/220033.shtml
Commission may retool controversial fishing rule: Whatcom County
case disputes state's authority to bar anglers from returning with B.C.-caught
salmon. November 28, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" In response to a Whatcom County District Court finding in June, the state
fish and wildlife commission, at its Dec. 3-4 session in Ocean Shores, will consider
amending the recreational fishing rule governing the landing of Canadian-sport
caught salmon in Washington ports." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041128/Sports/219687.shtml
November
On the Waterfront. November 25 - December 1, 2004
The Northern Light
" The local fishing fleet has been busy with salmon fishing for chum salmon
out of the Blaine harbor area. There was a successful catch for most salmon fishers
for a couple of weeks in local waters, and they also have been fishing in south
Puget Sound waters from Everett to Hood Canal… The migratory ducks and
geese have been arriving in Blaine waters in large numbers now. Huge flocks of
pintails, mallards, geese and other ducks can be seen off Marine Park, as well
as around Drayton Harbor and Birch Bay."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_november25/inside3.html
And the survey says, no way. November 25 - December 1, 2004
The Northern Light
Results are in from a telephone survey asking citizens if they want more of
Semiahmoo Spit to be public lands, and they do. They just don’t want
to pay for it.
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_november25/fp3.html
Q & A on the Georgia-Pacific site acquisition. November 21,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
On Tuesday, the Port of Bellingham hosted a public meeting to provide information
about its plans to acquire the Georgia-Pacific waterfront property in Bellingham.
The port presentation was followed by public testimony. Some of that testimony
included questions, which port officials have answered below. The port asks
people with additional questions or comments to e-mail gpinfo@portofbellingham.com.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041121/TopStories/218530.shtml
Strait Serenity: Lummi Island defined by slow pace, simple pleasures
and scenic surroundings. November 21, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
The pleasures of Lummi Island are simple. The so-called "Pearl of Rosario
Strait" is not the destination for adrenaline junkies looking to push
their limits or shopaholics needing a fix. Because, here, it's about living
on the slow slide of island time and finding your way to what resident Riley
Starks calls "dolce far niente," an Italian idiom that means the "sweetness
of doing nothing."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041121/TopStories/218340.shtml
GP deal sparks interest: Hundreds arrive with questions on waterfront
proposal. November 18-24, 2004
The Bellingham Weekly
About 300 people came to the Mount Baker Theatre Tuesday night to learn specific
details of the Port of Bellingham's proposed takeover of Georgia-Pacific West
Inc.'s 137 acres of waterfront real estate.
http://www.bellinghamweekly.com/pdfs/200447.pdf
G-P: About 300 attend Port meeting. November 19-25, 2004
The Whatcom Independent
" DOE plans to fund half of the estimated $41.5 million in clean-up costs;
estimate does not include $23.5 million for lagoon clean-up. BELLINGHAM - Within
the classy confines of the Mount Baker Theatre, Port of Bellingham officials
outlined some of the particulars of their proposed deal for Georgia-Pacific,
Inc.'s 137 acres of waterfront property on Bellingham Bay, and an additional
138 acres near everson."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue52.pdf
Oil Spill: Several employees subpoenaed. November 19-25, 2004
The Whatcom Independent
" FERNDALE - A federal grand jury in Seattle has subpoenaed several ConocoPhillips
employees in an attempt to get more information surrounding last month's oil
spill in Puget Sound. This action by the grand jury indicates that the spill
could become a criminal case.
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue52.pdf
Public pipes up on G-P Land deal opinions vary. November 17,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
About 300 people came to the Mount Baker Theatre Tuesday night to learn about
and comment on the Port of Bellingham's proposed takeover of Georgia-Pacific
West Inc.'s 137 acres of waterfront real estate, and the hefty environmental
cleanup costs that will go with it.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041117/TopStories/217842.shtml
Port outlines G-P deal: Proposal puts cleanup costs at $41.6 million.
November 12, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Port of Bellingham would take on about $41.6 million in environmental
cleanup costs if port commissioners agree to accept Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s
137 waterfront acres, according to figures released Thursday by port Executive
Director Jim Darling. Port of Bellingham commissioners have scheduled a special
meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Baker Theatre to explain details
of the port's proposed takeover of Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s 137 acres of waterfront
real estate."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041112/TopStories/217268.shtml
GP deal: Port schedules meeting for public input: Deal would be
the first in GP history; Clean-up estimated to top $60 million. November
12-18, 2004
The Whatcom Independent
" BELLINGHAM - In what could be one of the most notable land deals in Bellingham
history, the Port of Bellingham is moving to acquire Georgia-Pacific's 137 acres
of waterfront property and over 100 acres near Everson."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue51.pdf
Cherry Point tanker may be source of spill. . November 12-18,
2004
The Whatcom Independent
" FERNDALE - Coast Guard officials boarded a Conoco oil tanker last Friday
in Ferndale's Cherry Point area in an attempt to find the culprit of last month's
spill in Puget Sound."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/issue51.pdf
Whatcom County's Salmon Heroes: Five inspiring locals dedicated
to salmon restoration. November 11-17, 2004
The Bellingham Weekly
" The forces pushing salmon runs toward extinction, and the bureaucratic
murk engulfing it, are so great that any sensible individual with an urge to
make a better world might be well advised to look elsewhere. There are, however,
growing numbers in our local community who haven’t between discourage who
indeed must relish the challenge, and have risen to advocate for, protect and
restore the area's wild salmon."
http://www.bellinghamweekly.com/pdfs/200446.pdf
Habitat protection focuses on groundfish. November 09, 2004
The Seattle Times / Associated Press
" GRANTS PASS, Ore. — West Coast fisheries managers are focusing on
kelp and sea-grass beds and rocky reefs as places needing protection from damage
caused by fishing boats that drag nets along the bottom.Meeting in Portland last
week, the Pacific Fishery Management Council endorsed alternatives that will
be evaluated to update the plan that guides management of the groundfish fishery."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002085864_groundfish09m.html
Poll: Blaine worries about spit, hedges on money. November 10,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Blaine residents are worried about development on Semiahmoo Spit and interested
in protecting the land, but do not want to pay more to do so, according to a
new city survey."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041110/LocalState/216933.shtml
Oil spill probe looks at tanker at refinery. November 9, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Coast Guard investigators looking into the source of last month's oil
spill in Puget Sound boarded a tanker at the ConocoPhillips Ferndale Refinery.
ConocoPhillips spokeswoman Lara Dilley confirmed investigators boarded the tanker
Polar Texas on Friday in relation to the spill investigation but have not told
the company they have narrowed their search to a particular suspect."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041109/LocalState/216800.shtml
Local briefs: G-P property hearing set. November 8, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Port of Bellingham commissioners have scheduled a special meeting beginning
at 6 p.m. Nov. 16, at the Mount Baker Theatre to explain the details of the port's
proposed takeover of Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s 137 acres of waterfront real
estate."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041108/LocalState/216635.shtml
Port ready to accept G-P land: Insurance policy will cover unanticipated
cleanup costs. November 3, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Port of Bellingham commissioners voted Tuesday to take the final steps
needed to close a deal with Georgia-Pacific West Inc. for 137 acres of waterfront
real estate. The vote means commissioners are on the verge of accepting the offer
G-P made last summer to give over the property if the port would agree to pay
the costs of environmental cleanup."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041103/LocalState/215605.shtml
October
City imposes conditions on Seagrass. November 4 - 10, 2004
The Northern Light
" Blaine community economic development director Terry Galvin issued a determination
last week outlining 27 conditions the Trillium Corporation must meet to mitigate
the environmental impact of its proposed 72-unit Seagrass Cottages development
on Semiahmoo spit. He stopped short of requiring a new Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) to replace one Trillium did when their original project was approved in
1986."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_november04/fp3.html
Disputes raise possible threats to B.C. salmon. October 28, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" VANCOUVER, B.C. - British Columbia salmon runs could become endangered
because the federal and provincial governments can't agree on how to sustain
them, provincial Auditor General Wayne Strelioff has warned."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041028/Business/214575.shtml
G-P waterfront land decision to be on deadline. October 26, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Port of Bellingham isn't likely to make a decision on acquisition
of Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s waterfront real estate until the Nov. 2 decision
deadline, port Executive Director Jim Darling said Monday. Darling said he expects
to present the port commission with a recommendation during a public meeting
on that date."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041026/TopStories/214361.shtml
Blaine harbor wins environmental award. October 21 - 27, 2004
The Northern Light
"The Port of Bellingham’s Blaine Marina has been honored with a five-star
rating by Whatcom County’s EnviroStars program. This program certifies
businesses for their efforts in preventing pollution and reducing hazardous waste.
Participating businesses are inspected to determine how proactive they are being
in managing hazardous waste issues. A five-star rating is the highest rating
the program awards.”
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside10.html
Court rules whales have no standing to sue Navy. October 21,
2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"SAN FRANCISCO - A federal appeals court decided Wednesday that marine mammals
have no standing to sue to stop the U.S. Navy from using sonar. In upholding
a lower court decision, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals said the world's cetaceans - whales, porpoises and dolphins - have no
standing under the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act or
the National Environmental Policy Act."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041021/TopStories/213649.shtml
Killer whales, newborns go south for salmon feed: Researcher
hopes animals will avoid effects of oil spill. October 20, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"SEATTLE - Washington state's resident killer whales - with two newborns
in tow - are heading south for the fall "chum festival," says a whale
researcher in the San Juan Islands. If the orcas had departed a week earlier,
they could have run into dangerous pollution from the 1,000-gallon oil spill
near Tacoma, noted Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041020/TopStories/213428.shtml
Squid wash ashore; die-off cause unclear. October 19, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"LONG BEACH - When hundreds of giant squid washed up dead on the Long Beach
Peninsula last weekend, Dean Marsh knew exactly what to do: He stocked his freezer.
'No sense letting them go to waste,' said the 57-year-old bait salesman, who
planned to cut them up and sell them to fishermen. An estimated 1,000 to 1,500
Humboldt jumbo flying squid - typically found off the coast of Mexico - have
washed up on southwest Washington beaches in the past few days, said Greg Bargmann,
a marine fish manager with the state Fish and Wildlife Department. What's killing
them isn't clear."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041019/LocalState/213163.shtml
Oil spill cleanup costs top $750,000 October 18, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"TACOMA - A seal pup found oiled on a Tacoma beach was examined Sunday to
determine whether its death was caused by a 1,000-gallon oil spill in south Puget
Sound.
Cleanup costs for the spill have topped $750,000 so far, said Larry Altose,
a spokesman for the joint information center of the state Ecology Department,
U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041018/LocalState/213058.shtml
Spill spreads across South Sound: Crews work to protect shorelines.
October 16, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"TACOMA - A spill of an estimated 1,000 gallons of heavy industrial oil
has left deposits on 21 miles of South Sound shoreline. More was floating in
open water - the rule of thumb is that an ounce of oil covers an acre of water
- and state and federal agencies were scrambling to limit the damage."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041016/TopStories/212789.shtml
Oil spill sullies Tacoma waters. October 15, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"An oil spill stained a stretch of Tacoma's Commencement Bay and spread
to beaches on nearby Vashon and Maury islands on Thursday, polluting an ecologically
rich area where grebes, ducks and other birds spend their winters. State Department
of Ecology investigators were working to determine the source of the spill, the
type of oil and how much had spread over several miles, Ecology spokesman Larry
Altose said. Officials estimated at least 1,000 gallons were spilled, perhaps
from a ship."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041015/TopStories/212589.shtml
County Council to make GSX pipeline decision: County Hearing
Examiner encourages Council to grant permit, residents to fight with
petition. October 15-21, 2004
The Whatcom Independent
"Following a public hearing held two weeks ago, Whatcom County Hearing Examiner
Michael Bobbink has ruled that the County Council should be responsible in determining
whether the proposed GSX pipeline project should be granted a County permit.
He further recommended the Council approve the project."
http://www.whatcomindy.com/2004/whatcomindy.pdf
Land steward formed community oyster farm: Getting to know Geoff
Menzies. October 13, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Geoff Menzies claims he's a victim of the lure and magic of Drayton Harbor.
His love affair with it began more than 15 years ago as he worked in the harbor,
first for Neptune Aquafarms, later as co-owner of a shellfish business. Since
1990, Menzies has worked with community committees and government agencies to
clean up the harbor and make it safe for shellfish." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041013/TopStories/212232.shtml
Natural gas pipeline: Examiner backs shoreline permit, Whatcom
County Council must give final approval. October 13, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Whatcom County Hearing Examiner Michael Bobbink has recommended approval
of a county shoreline permit for the $248 million Georgia Strait Crossing natural-gas
pipeline, sending the project on to the Whatcom County Council for final approval.
But those familiar with the project say the county's regulatory process could
wind up being irrelevant to the project's fate for two reasons."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041013/LocalState/212171.shtml
Invading sea squirts are 'sliming' the Sound. State acts to eradicate
species off Edmonds. October 12, 2004
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Invasive sea squirts threatening to "slime" Puget Sound are being
ousted from their underwater perches off Edmonds' shores -- or so state authorities
hope.
Volunteer divers applied chlorine tablets Saturday to a site at Edmonds Underwater
Park in an effort to kill a recently discovered, highly invasive species of "colonial
tunicate," or sea squirt, that is of great concern to the shellfish industry."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/194828_tunicate12.html
Kayaker sees seals, not cars, on his commute: Getting to know
Mike Massey. October 8, 2004
"When a seal blinks at him as he paddles to work, Mike Massey is reminded
that he's one of the luckiest commuters in Washington. It's one of those only-in-Bellingham
stories: Less than two years after learning how to kayak, Massey often eschews
his car for a leisurely trip from Fairhaven across Bellingham Bay to his job
as a computer science instructor at Bellingham Technical College."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041008/TopStories/211111.shtml
Plover ferry: Looking towards the next 60 years. October 7 - 13,
2004
The Northern Light
"Blaine’s beloved old passenger ferry Plover turned 60 this past summer,
counting nearly 7,000 passenger boardings over its 47 day run. Thanks to recently
begun renovations, it can look forward next year to landing at the pier it once
used for 20 years when it carried workers from Blaine across the Drayton Harbor
entrance to the Alaska Packers Association (APA) Cannery."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_october07/inside2.html
DOE places strict environmental controls on GSX. October 7 -
13, 2004
The Northern Light
"The Washington state Department of Ecology (DOE) issued stringent conditions
last week for the Georgia Strait Crossing (GSX) natural gas pipeline being proposed
by Williams Pipeline and B.C. Hydro. “We are not endorsing GSX,” said
Jeannie Summerhays, DOE’s regional shorelines manager, adding that the
action “ensures that the federal government will include state environmental
standards and protections if this project does go forward.”
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_october07/fp2.html
Port still bullish on G-P land: City Council members uneasy about
potential costs October 7, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Environmental cleanup costs for Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s waterfront
real estate will likely exceed the value of the property, port officials told
Bellingham City Council Wednesday. But Port Executive Director Jim Darling and
Port Commission President Scott Walker said they still believe that it will serve
the public interest if the port is able to acquire the 137-acre property from
the company."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041007/TopStories/210964.shtml
Waterfront site casually called 'New Whatcom'. October 7, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"The name isn't official yet, but the redevelopment envisioned for Georgia-Pacific
West Inc.'s real estate on the central Bellingham waterfront is now being called
'New Whatcom." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041007/TopStories/210970.shtml
Finding moorage for rent not easy. October 3, 2004.
The Bellingham Herald
"As Port of Bellingham officials weigh the costs and benefits of taking
over Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s 137 acres of waterfront real estate, one of
the biggest potential prizes is the company's wastewater treatment lagoon, envisioned
as a site for a new pleasure boat marina." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041003/LocalState/210383.shtml
Researcher dates Bellingham Bay map back to 1792. October 3,
2004.
The Bellingham Herald
"Bellingham researcher Tim Wahl has identified what he's sure is the earliest
known European map of inner Bellingham Bay - a rough sketch made by Spanish explorers
in 1792.Wahl's discovery meshes nicely, and coincidentally, with an upcoming
exhibit in Seattle called 'Spain in the Age of Exploration, 1492-1819.'
See the 1792 map of Bellingham Bay: http://www.cob.org/gis/maps/historic.htm"
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041003/LocalState/210384.shtml
Bering Sea pollock gets eco-label. October 2, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The largest fishery in the United States has received
final approval for an eco-label that tells customers the seafood they are buying
is environmentally friendly."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041002/TopStories/210279.shtml
Change coming for shoreline, critical areas rules. October 1,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Whatcom County officials and consultants are revising rules governing shorelines
and critical areas. They hosted a workshop Thursday evening to explain what they
are doing and what it could mean. Visit www.whatcomcounty.us/ shorelines or call
676-6907."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20041001/LocalState/210066.shtml
September
G-P land advisors suggested: Futures group drops idea for elevated
tramway connecting WWU, waterfront. September 30, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Redevelopment of the Bellingham waterfront may not require a separate "waterfront
renewal authority" if the Port of Bellingham winds up owning Georgia-Pacific
West Inc.'s property, members of the Waterfront Futures Group agreed Wednesday." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040930/TopStories/209926.shtml
A GSX decision expected in 10 days. September 30 - October 6,
2004
The Northern Light
"Whatcom County Hearing Examiner Michael Bobbink concluded the second of
two public hearings Tuesday over the proposed GSX natural gas pipeline that would
cross Whatcom County on its way from Aldergrove B.C. to Vancouver Island."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september30/fp3.html
On the Waterfront. September 30 - October 6, 2004
The Northern Light
"The local fishing fleet is getting ready for the commercial all-citizen
crab season, which starts October 1… Salmon fishing is pretty slow now,
until the chum season starts up next month… I was saddened to see the old
seiner Mars in the Westman Shipyard a couple weeks ago, its tophouse cut off,
mast gone, and lying on its side with the hull split open."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september30/inside3.html
Survey to gauge citizens’ willingness to ‘put money
where its mouth is’. September 30 - October 6, 2004
The Northern Light
"Trillium’s Seagrass Cottages development proposed for Semiahmoo Spit
is expected to be presented to the planning commission by the end of October,
and city council hopes by then to have a better idea of how much community opposition
really exists to development on the spit.
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september30/inside1.html
County council approves Birch Bay community plan. September 30
- October 6, 2004
The Northern Light
"After nearly four years of work and a great deal of talk and revision,
the Birch Bay Steering Committee’s Community Plan was approved by the Whatcom
County Council Tuesday night on a series of procedural votes."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september30/fp2.html
Huge toxic algae bloom sighted off coast. September 30, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"SEATTLE - A toxic algae bloom 30 miles wide has been detected 15 miles
off the northwest coast of Washington state, the largest and most potentially
lethal yet found by scientists in the region. Pseudo-nitzschia algae in the Juan
de Fuca eddy can release potentially deadly domoic acid, which accumulates in
the tissue of razor clams and other shellfish and, if ingested by humans, attacks
areas in the brain responsible for learning and memory."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040930/TopStories/209925.shtml
Plover heads closer to historic home berth. September 29, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Richard Sturgill, skipper of the Plover ferry in Blaine, hopes to renovate
the dock at the northeast end of Semiahmoo Spit. Information: www.mvplover.org/index.html"
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040929/LocalState/209682.shtml
Judge to rule on pipeline shoreline permit: Separate case to
decide state, local authority goes before appeals court today. September
29, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Whatcom County Hearing Examiner Michael Bobbink said Tuesday that he would
issue a ruling within 10 days on a shoreline permit for a $248 million natural
gas pipeline that would cut across Whatcom County on its way to Vancouver Island."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040929/TopStories/209675.shtml
County OKs Birch Bay plan: Outline adds 9,612 people by 2022.
September 29, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"Whatcom County Council approved an updated Birch Bay community plan Tuesday,
3 years after a citizen committee started work. The plan projects that Birch
Bay will gain 9,612 people between 2002 and 2022, requiring 3,457 new homes.
The plan and associated changes to other county rules set up new commercial acres,
add 100 acres to the Birch Bay growth area, and address issues such as traffic,
environmental protection, beach improvements and parks." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040929/TopStories/209669.shtml
G-P land transfer decision delayed: More time is needed to test
waterfront soil's toxicity. September 27, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"The timetable for striking a deal on the transfer of Georgia-Pacific West
Inc. real estate to the Port of Bellingham has been pushed back a bit, but port
and company officials say they have uncovered no obstacles to the deal so far."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040927/TopStories/209393.shtml
Menzies honored for harbor work. September 23 - 29, 2004
The Northern Light
"Whatcom Land Trust has named Geoff Menzies Land Steward of the Year for
his dedication and work to clean up the water and watershed of Drayton Harbor.
According to the land trust, Menzies developed the Drayton Harbor oyster farm
as a unique, community-based shellfish restoration project that gives the community
a hands-on stake in the health of Drayton Harbor."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september23/inside11.html
County hearing examiner to rule on pipeline. September 23 - 29,
2004
The Northern Light
"Whatcom Count Hearing Examiner Michael Bobbink will hear closing arguments
in an appeal of a county decision denying Williams Pipeline’s application
to build a 33-mile pipeline from the Canadian border to Cherry Point. The hearing
takes place next Tuesday, September 28 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing examiner will
make his decision known 10 days after closing arguments."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september23/fp2.html
G-P plan is echoed in Everett. September 23, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"The Port of Everett expects to break ground next year on a 65-acre waterfront
redevelopment project that bears a strong resemblance to the future envisioned
for Bellingham's central waterfront in the wake of the shutdown of Georgia-Pacific
West Inc.'s pulp and chemical operations."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040923/TopStories/208864.shtml
Scientists study orcas' decline: Drop in numbers coincides with
increases in whale-watching. September 20, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
"TACOMA - Are whale-watching operations increasing pressure on the state's
dwindling population of resident killer whales? University of Washington researcher
David Bain and a partner, Jodi Smith, are trying to find out… Scientists
believe the orcas' decline is caused by marine traffic, human encroachment, faltering
salmon runs and pollution. It isn't clear whether whale watching is part of the
equation."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040920/TopStories/208394.shtml
Fall razor clam digs in the offing: Shellfish managers say coastal
razor populations are increasing under current management regime. September
19, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
"In a series of five public meetings starting Monday, Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials will put their heads together with diggers
and coastal community leaders to craft a fall/winter schedule for recreational
razor clam digs." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040919/Sports/208297.shtml
Bay water district nicks big grant. September 16 - 22, 2004
The Northern Light
"Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen’s office announced Monday that
an $850,000 grant to install sewers and associated waste water collection apparatus
in the 40-acre Birch Bay View neighborhood has been awarded to the Birch Bay
Water and Sewer District (BBWSD). When completed, the project should eliminate
a chronic source of pollution that occurs when the septic systems in the neighborhood
periodically overflow…. "
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september16/fp3.html
Citizens provide input into parks plan September 16 - 22, 2004
The Northern Light
"Continuing on the recent trend of neighborhood solidarity, close to a dozen
Montfort Park area residents came before city council to voice their opposition
to a public-use trail in their neighborhood. The trail is part of the city’s
new comprehensive parks and recreation plan, introduced to city council August
23. The plan is intended to be a “guide to the acquisition, planning, and
development of parks and recreation in the city of Blaine,” an inventory
of what the city has, and recommendations for what it needs. Council scheduled
a public hearing for September 27, leaving a month to let residents give their
feedback on the plan."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/archives/2004/tnl_september16/inside5.html
Project targets derelict yet lethal fishing gear: Group takes
on dangerous job of removing debris from Sound. September 14, 2004
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Fishing nets keep fishing, even when abandoned on the bottom of Puget Sound.
That fact was illustrated yesterday when ocean researchers aboard the Bet-Sea
hauled up a 130-foot-long gillnet and found dead crab, lingcod and a still struggling
rockfish trapped in the mesh. It was one of two dozen entangled nets hauled off
a sunken barge near Shilshole Marina the past few days, and a demonstration of
the work of the Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Project."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/190693_gear14.html
Victoria
still treats Strait of Juan de Fuca as its toilet. September 10, 2004
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"While the future is impossible to forecast, we can assume two Northwest
goings-on in the year 2104: Seattle will be debating transportation options,
and Victoria will be cooking up 'feasibility studies' to avoid calls for treating
the sewage it dumps into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.' The only city in Canada
that still discharges all of its sewage raw, and has not taken steps to improve
in a meaningful way is Victoria,' said the latest National Sewage Report, a grading
of treatment by 22 Canadian cities released this week."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/connelly/190255_joel10.html
County promises more clean water money. September 9 - 15, 2004
The Northern Light
Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen has pledged to include funding for shellfish
protection in his 2005 budget proposal to county council, money the local shellfish
district advisory committee says is critical to maintaining the harbor’s
tentative rebirth as an oyster producing area.
Student lands plane upside down in harbor. September 9 - 15,
2004
The Northern Light
Flight instructor Tyler Glahn, 20, of Blaine and his student, 50-year-old John
Becker of Eastsound, were injured Friday evening when a Piper Cub floatplane
they were flying flipped over in Drayton Harbor during a training flight. The
aircraft belongs to Glahn’s father, Air Canada pilot Guy Glahn.
Public cool to Semiahmoo plan: "This is just about the last
place ... we should be having residential development". September
8, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" BLAINE - There may be nothing Trillium Corp. can do to mollify concerns
about its plan to build 72 homes on Semiahmoo Spit, judging from comments at
a public meeting Tuesday. "I'm sorry, I would like to have this just left
the way it is," said Phyllis Graham of Birch Bay." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040908/TopStories/206564.shtml
A tour of the Port of Bellingham: Agency working on what could
be biggest change in city's history. September 5, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" It's hard to fathom how enormous the Port of Bellingham shipping terminal
and Georgia-Pacific site really are until you are standing there, tilting your
head back as far as you can to stare up at a "small boat" moored at
the terminal. The shipping terminal and G-P site are part of the waterfront land
the Port of Bellingham is seeking to redevelop if it is able to negotiate a deal
with the paper-products company. The Port of Bellingham as an entity is kind
of like the property it owns - hugely important to our economic future and so
big it's hard to wrap your mind around its operations."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040905/Opinion/206145.shtml
Spare a Thought for the Pink Salmon. September 2004
Whatcom Watch
Pink salmon get little respect, they are too easy to catch and lack the manly
bravado of the greater game fish, and being mild and delicate, are valued less
by fish buyers. Yet the ecology of all Pacific salmon species in our region
is interconnected with that of the lowly pink, and what threatens the survival
of pinks today, may threaten all in the near future.
http://www.whatcomwatch.org/php/WW_open.php
Alaska ferry to add 2nd weekly run: Idea could help plug budget
hole. September 3, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Alaska Marine Highway officials have included a second weekly run from
Bellingham on their fall schedule, and have reached an agreement to keep the
ferry coming here for five more years."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040903/TopStories/205727.shtml
August
City folk turn out for a first walk on Taylor Avenue Dock. August
29, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" It didn't take long for many Bellingham residents to take advantage of
the city's newest waterfront walkway Saturday. The Taylor Avenue Dock, which
provides a long-awaited footpath link between Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham,
opened unofficially Friday after vandals reportedly removed construction fences
from the dock's entryway."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040829/LocalState/204896.shtml
Portland's loss of big shippers will raise costs on West Coast
ports. August 27, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" PORTLAND, Ore. - West Coast shipping costs could increase and U.S. agricultural
exports are likely to suffer unless the Port of Portland finds a way to replace
two departing steamship lines that carry container cargo, officials said Thursday."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040827/Business/204692.shtml
Tanker fuel spills investigated: Authorities confirm investigation
of possible unreported incidents on ConocoPhillips ships. August 27,
2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" ANCHORAGE - Authorities are investigating possible unreported fuel spills
and other violations involving three ConocoPhillips oil tankers. The U.S. Coast
Guard, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the state Department of Environmental Conservation
are participating in the investigation. But none would discuss specifics."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040827/Business/204694.shtml
Dowtown-Fairhaven link is up: Dock to open to all within 2 weeks.
August 25, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The long-awaited boardwalk connecting Boulevard Park with Fairhaven is
expected to open to the public within the next two weeks, Bellingham Parks and
Recreation Department employees said Tuesday at the first formal tour of the
new structure along Bellingham Bay.The project includes a refurbished wood trestle
at the end of Taylor Avenue in Fairhaven that extends over the water to the newly
constructed 1,150-foot boardwalk."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040825/TopStories/204335.shtml
Plover Days this Saturday, Sunday. August 18, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Blaine's annual Plover Days events include the Wood on Water display of
vintage wooden boats and steam launches from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
at gate 2 at Blaine Harbor. For details, call 332-5742 or 332-4200."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040818/LocalState/203291.shtml
WWU student to study impact of farmed fish. August 20, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Brooke Penaluna, 25, a Western Washington University graduate student
and a recipient of a Fulbright fellowship, will be leaving for Chile at the end
of the month to study the impact farmed salmon."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040820/LocalState/203626.shtml
County pipeline hearing extended: Pipeline officials say they
may not need permits for Sumas-Cherry Point line. August 19, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Whatcom County officials and representatives of a proposed natural gas
pipeline disagreed Wednesday over possible impacts of the line and over whether
the county had already granted it permits. The proposed Georgia-Strait Crossing
Project, a partnership of Williams Pipeline Co. and B.C. Hydro, would run from
Sumas to Cherry Point, then to Vancouver Island to supply power plants."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040819/LocalState/203528.shtml
Duck, goose hunters settle into groove: Sea ducks added to list
of migratory birds for which a permission-to-hunt slip is required. August
15, 2004
the Bellingham Herald
" A mostly upbeat appraisal of migratory bird populations in or headed toward
Washington State this fall prompted fish and wildlife commissioners to stay the
course and adopt 2004-05 duck and goose hunting seasons about the same as last
year's."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040815/Sports/202901.shtml
Water sports group monitors water quality. August 13, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The national Surfrider Foundation wants to make sure that people who use
local beaches are safe from bacteria that can make people sick. The foundation,
a grass-roots, nonprofit organization that monitors the health of beaches around
the country, is starting a beach-monitoring program in Whatcom County."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040813/LocalState/202617.shtml
Developers excited about G-P site. August 13, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The president of a Chicago waterfront real estate development company
says he is excited about the redevelopment potential of the central Bellingham
waterfront.
" There are going to be a lot of people interested, and we will be one of
them," said Bert Meers, president of Maritime Trust Co."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040813/TopStories/202613.shtml
Local and state briefs: Comments can be made for waterfront.
August 12, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Waterfront Futures Group will accept comments through Sept. 10 on
its proposed redevelopment plans for Bellingham's waterfront. The group is scheduled
to meet later in September to discuss final recommendations for consideration
by the city and Port of Bellingham, after considering the final round of public
comments. The city and the port will hold public hearings on the waterfront plan
later in the fall." See See the plan and updates on www.waterfrontfutures.org.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040812/LocalState/202488.shtml
Cutty Sark seeks tourism role. August 12 - 18, 2004
The Northern Light
" Norman Jensen is 81 and figures it’s about time to retire as a fish
packer, but he hopes that his boat can find a new role as a part of the increasingly
tourist oriented Blaine waterfront. “She’s sound,” he said
recently, “having been completely rebuilt a little less than 10 years ago
by the best in the business, Mike Bryant. There’s only one plank left from
the original vessel, kind of like Old Ironsides.”
On the Waterfront. August 12 - 18, 2004
The Northern Light
" One of the popular places for locals and tourists to visit in Blaine is
the Semiahmoo Museum, located in the Semiahmoo County Park. This museum, which
is open through the cooperation of the Whatcom County parks system and the Drayton
Harbor Maritime Association, is staffed by volunteers, and open between Memorial
Day and the end of September. Currently, the hours are 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays
and Sundays."
County clips Birch Bay UGA to protect environment. August 12
- 18, 2004
The Northern Light
" 'I met with and talked to people on both sides of the question,' said
Whatcom County Council member and Birch Bay resident Sharon Roy. 'I kept asking
for facts, and at the end of the day I had to vote for what was best for the
area, for the future. I’m very comfortable with what I did.' Roy voted
with the council majority twice last July 27 to modify the Birch Bay Urban Growth
Area (UGA) by removing two parcels of land totaling nearly 800 acres.
Pipeline won't meet shoreline rules: Proposed project won't benefit
state, planners say. August 5, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
A proposal to build a natural gas pipeline across Whatcom County doesn't meet
shoreline rules and won't provide any benefit to the county or state if built,
Whatcom County Planning Department officials say. County planners are recommending
that Whatcom County Hearing Examiner Michael Bobbink deny a shoreline permit
for Williams Pipeline Co. to build the proposed $248 million pipeline, known
as the Georgia-Strait Crossing Project.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040805/LocalState/201567.shtml
And the Lady sails on. August 5 - 11, 2004
The Northern Light
When Ivy Gwost takes the helm of the state’s replica tall ship Lady Washington
she perches on the end of the tiller like a kid resting on a large branch of
a favorite climbing tree. Even though the diminutive seventh-grader’s
feet don’t even come close to touching the deck she’s fully in
control of the 176 tons of wood, rope, tar and sailcloth known as the good
ship Lady Washington, rocking gently southward from Blaine to Bellingham, her
next port of call.
Fraser River sockeye give state waters August 4, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Sockeye salmon bound for British Columbia's Fraser River are coming back
in healthy numbers this year, but most of the fish aren't coming through Washington
waters, and local fishers are coming up with empty nets."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040804/TopStories/201290.shtml
Local and state briefs: Marine Park beach work set. August 4,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Callen Construction Co. has been awarded a $259,377 contract to install
a small beach and improve the shoreline at the Port of Bellingham's Marine Park.
The park, which is the setting for the ending of the annual Ski to Sea race,
now has a shoreline rimmed by jagged concrete slabs. After years of planning
and environmental study, port engineer Adam Fulton told port commissioners
Tuesday that the first phase of park improvements is ready for completion this
year."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040804/LocalState/201342.shtml
State pondering cleanup of waterfront park site. August 3, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The state is trying to determine how to clean up a contaminated waterfront
property, envisioned as a future public park. The 6-acre site is on Bellingham
Bay beyond the corner where Cornwall Avenue intersects with Wharf Street. The
property had been used to treat and dry wood using pentacholorophenol, a chemical
listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as probably cancer-causing. It
is also next to a former city landfill, another area the state Department of
Ecology officials are working to clean up." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040803/TopStories/201189.shtml
Local and state briefs: G-P land deal to be discussed. August
3, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Port of Bellingham has scheduled two open house sessions to brief
interested community members on the port's proposed acquisition of 135 acres
of Bellingham waterfront now owned by Georgia-Pacific West Inc. The sessions
will be on two Thursdays, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 12 and Sept. 9, in the Harbor
Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Ave."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040803/LocalState/201195.shtml
Gas terminal plan shifts south: Developer abandons plan for Cherry
Point in favor of Oregon. August 3, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" A New York company wants to build a $300 million facility at a dock near
Clatskanie, Ore., to import liquefied natural gas - an alternative to a facility
once envisioned for Cherry Point. Spiro Vassilopoulos, the would-be developer
of the liquefied natural gas terminal, said he abandoned the idea of building
such a facility at Cherry Point because of a March ruling by a federal appeals
court. Responding to a lawsuit filed by environmental groups, the court ruled
that the U.S. Army Corps of engineers should have required an environmental review
of a pier expansion at the BP Cherry Point Refinery."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040803/Business/201205.shtml
Story Update: Creation of Squalicum Harbor fisherman's wharf proving
to be quite a catch. August 1, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" More than a year ago, the Port of Bellingham set aside a convenient wharf
where fishermen could pull up their boats and sell fresh fish caught from the
sea. "It's been so far, so good," said Pete Granger, a program leader
for the Washington Sea Grant program, which is using a $15,000 grant to promote
the sales of fresh fish on the dock near gate 7 of Squalicum Harbor. This weekend
people can buy Fraser River sockeye from several fishermen at the wharf, who
caught the fish during openings late last week."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040801/LocalState/200983.shtml
July
Bivalve Farming on Samish Bay. July 29 - August 4, 2004
Bellingham Weekly
" Samish Bay is relatively still today. It's overcast but the ambient light
makes me squint. Surrounding me are naked tidelands and the oyster and clam beds
of Taylor Shellfish Farm. My guide James Hall has worked here over twenty years
and is now trying to impart some of his experiential knowledge to me and my tape
recorder."
http://www.bellinghamweekly.com/pdfs/200431.pdf
2 areas cut from Birch Bay growth
GROWTH: Planners hope to have a revised proposal in September.July 29, 2004
The Bellingham Herald.
" Reversing an earlier decision, Whatcom County Council has voted to take
Birch Point and much of Point Whitehorn out of Birch Bay's growth area. The plan
projects that Birch Bay will gain 9,612 people between 2002 and 2022, requiring
3,457 new homes. The plan allows space for 4,327 new homes - more than the plan
says are needed. But County Planning Division Manager Sylvia Goodwin noted that
if development continues at the same pace as it has maintained since 2000, Birch
Bay would need space for 5,560 new homes."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040729/LocalState/200477.shtml
Birch
Point, Point Whitehorn draw concerned comments: County Council takes
no action by presstime. July 28, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Whatcom County Council discussed the Birch Bay community plan Tuesday
night, but did not make a decision before press time. Almost every one of the
dozens of people who spoke at a public hearing Tuesday talked about Birch Point
and Point Whitehorn, which are at each end of Birch Bay and have about 800 acres.
The question of whether to keep the two points in Birch Bay's growth area ultimately
will dictate whether they develop at four homes per acre or one home per five
acres."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040728/LocalState/200306.shtml
Boating
limits likely to stand: Case law sides with ban on 2-stroke motors. July
30, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Whatcom County has the authority to regulate pollution from boating, a
lawyer with the state Attorney General's Office said. Ron Lavigne, an assistant
attorney with the state Attorney General's Office said several state laws and
state Supreme Court cases appear to back the county's ability to regulate pollution
and place restrictions on boating. Lavigne pointed to two cases, including a
1998 decision upholding a San Juan County law barring the use of motorized personal
watercraft, such as Jet Skis, on all marine waters and one lake in that county."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040730/TopStories/200675.shtml
Pesticide
regulations revised: Administration streamlines review process Friday,
July 30, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Environmental Protection Agency will be free to
approve pesticides without consulting wildlife agencies to determine if the chemical
might harm plants and animals protected by the Endangered Species Act, according
to new Bush administration rules." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040730/TopStories/200676.shtml
Volunteers.
July 22, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Whatcom County Council-appointed boards and commissions vacancies: The
Address and Road Name Citizen Appeals Committee, Whatcom County Community Network,
Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee, Open Space Advisory
Committee, Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee, Solid
Waste Advisory Committee, Surface Mining Advisory Committee and Whatcom County
Utilities Planning and Advisory Committee. Details: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/boards/boards.jsp
or 676-6690."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040722/LocalState/199472.shtml
Birch Bay growth hearing may end in vote. July 26, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Opponents of development on Birch Point and Point Whitehorn are gearing
up to try to convince the Whatcom County Council to take the areas out of Birch
Bay's growth area."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040726/LocalState/199998.shtml
Vacations are lessons in waiting: Make history, math and science
naturally part of summer break. July 26, 2004
the Bellingham Herald
" SCIENCE ON THE BEACH: Robert McKenzie hands a dead crab to his daughter,
Sara, and asks her how many legs crabs usually have, as his other daughter, Lisa,
and his wife, Karen, watch. The Coquitlam, B.C., family was in Birch Bay Wednesday
on vacation.
Editor's note: The Schools page this summer features advice for parents on
how their kids can keep learning while school's out, and how to get ready for
school in the fall."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040726/LocalState/200003.shtml
Neighborhoods briefs: SAMISH BAY: 'Bivalve Bash' set for July
31. July 21, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The second annual Samish Bay Bivalve Bash, Oyster Shell Castle Contest
and Low Tide Mud Run will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 31 at Taylor Shellfish
Farm, 2182 Chuckanut Drive."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040721/LocalState/199362.shtml
Study: Land in coastal areas breathing. July 19, 2004
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
" WASHINGTON -- The millions of Americans enjoying beach vacations this
summer may not be aware of it, but the land beneath their feet is breathing.
As tides come and go, the water causes changes in underground air pressure, forcing
air and moisture in and out of the ground along the shore.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apscience_story.asp?category=1501&slug=Breathing%20Shoreline
2,587 Atlantic salmon flee B.C. fish farm: Company says workers
used net with holes to sort salmon. July 17, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" VANCOUVER, B.C. - Hundreds of Atlantic salmon escaped from a fish farm
through holes in a net, resulting in renewed demands by Indians and environmentalists
for a shutdown of the industry. Stolt Sea Farm officials confirmed that 2,587
fish escaped last weekend from the Sargeaunt Pass operation in the Broughton
Archipelago off northern Vancouver Island."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040717/LocalState/198761.shtml
Washington salmon fishers get federal subsidies for losses. July
17, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" ANCHORAGE - Pacific salmon fishermen in Alaska and Washington will soon
be getting federal subsidy checks of up to $10,000 to make up for foreign farmed
fish driving down market prices." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040717/LocalState/198815.shtml
On the Waterfront. July 15 - 21, 2004
The Northern Light
" The harbor is pretty quiet right now, no major fishing going on during
the month of July. The local draggers are fishing for bottom fish in Puget Sound,
and the bigger draggers are fishing off the coast of Washington, most bringing
in their fish to K-C Fish Co, (formerly Sea-K Fish). Salmon boats - both gillnetters
and seiners - are getting ready for the summer season, which usually starts the
end of July or early in August."
Changing the face of Blaine. July 15 - 21, 2004
The Northern Light
" The way Blaine planning director Terry Galvin sees it, in a decade you’ll
have trouble finding parking along Blaine’s waterfront. There will be busy
stores, galleries and cafés lining Peace Portal Drive, with sought-after
apartments above. As they sit on their balconies the apartment-dwellers will
look out over moored boats and parkland, towards a replica of the Semiahmoo Lighthouse
perched on what looks like a turn-of-the century fish-packing house, but is actually
the city’s cleverly disguised sewer plant. In the evening they will walk
out the door and stroll along a boardwalk hugging the back of Peace Portal Drive
businesses, and listen to a jazz band or taste locally-brewed beer."
County boat firms adding jobs 2 Bellingham companies providing
boost for industrial work force. July 13, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Two Bellingham boatbuilding companies say they are adding employees and
have visions of even bigger things in the years ahead - providing a welcome source
of high-wage industrial jobs in the wake of big layoffs in county industries
in recent years."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040713/TopStories/198190.shtml
Trillium resubmits Seagrass Cottage proposal. July 8 - 14, 2004
The Northern Light
“ 'We’re being very careful about this process,' said Blaine’s
director of community Development Terry Galvin, after representatives of the
Trillium Corporation spoke at the Blaine Chamber of Commerce meeting yesterday
about their 22-acre Seagrass Cottages project. Trillium plans to develop 36 duplex
cottages, or a total of 72 units, southwest of three existing condominium units
that are next to Semiahmoo Resort."
Waterfront industries pose a redevelopment dilemma: Fishing,
marine jobs may clash with revitalization plans. July 8, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Once or twice a week, as barges full of rock from a Lummi Island quarry
unload their cargo at Colony Wharf at the foot of C Street, crashing noise resounds.
In the days when the shores of Bellingham Bay hummed, rattled and clanged with
salmon canneries, lumber mills, shipyards and coal terminals, nobody would have
noticed. But today, Peter Gaasland, the owner of the wharf at the northern end
of Whatcom Waterway, says he gets the occasional phone calls from disgruntled
residents of the nearby Lettered Streets neighborhood. That conflict may be an
example of what lies ahead as Bellingham struggles to preserve the remaining
industrial jobs along the bay while also encouraging redevelopment of the central
waterfront as a new neighborhood with residences, shops and offices."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040708/TopStories/197490.shtml
Port OKs money for G-P study: Bulk of $669,000 to research potential
revenue of waterfront land. July 7, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Port of Bellingham commissioners voted Tuesday to spend $669,000 to lay
the groundwork for possible purchase of Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s 137 acres
of waterfront real estate."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040707/TopStories/197242.shtml
Cruise ships discover Northwest Business pumps $208 million annually
into the Seattle economy alone. July 5, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" ASTORIA, Ore. - On Sept. 27, when three cruise ships moor here, there
will be enough passengers to nearly double the population of Astoria, a historic
port whose population has dwindled to 10,000. Astoria's resurgence as a port
is a sign of an overall shift in the Northwest cruise industry."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040705/Business/197026.shtml
Creations show sand craftsmanship. July 4, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" BIRCH BAY - Residents from throughout Whatcom County came to the Birch
Bay shore Saturday morning with shovels and buckets in hand. They built, sculpted
and shaped at an annual all-ages sand castle contest."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040704/LocalState/196819.shtml
Port carefully moving ahead with plan to acquire G-P land: A
different view of the waterfront. July 1, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Port of Bellingham commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday afternoon
on funding for a study of the costs of cleanup associated with the Georgia-Pacific
West Inc. property along Bellingham's waterfront… The port now has 120
days to assess the potential costs of cleanup and determine if the cost of the
cleanup is more than the value of the property.
But environmentalists said Wednesday night during a public boat cruise
of Bellingham Bay that they are watching the potential deal closely to
ensure that the several tons of mercury deposited by Georgia-Pacific in
the bay over the years are disposed of safely."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040701/LocalState/196466.shtml
County looks at how Birch Bay will grow: Council leans toward
keeping Birch Point, Point Whitehorn as part of growth areas. July 1,
2004
" The Whatcom County Council has decided to keep Birch Point and Point Whitehorn
in Birch Bay's growth area, although the council has not made a final decision...
Two of the three council members on the council's Planning and Development Committee
wanted to take the two areas out of the growth area because they worried that
urban development could harm wildlife habitat and destabilize bluffs. The council
is considering the issue as part of an update to Birch Bay's community plan."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040701/LocalState/196470.shtml
June
Oyster festival a big hit. June 24-30, 2004
The Northern Light
" Organizers estimate several hundred people visited the June 19 Drayton
Harbor Shellfish Protection District open house last weekend, eating 90 dozen
oysters, 60 dozen fresh out of the Drayton Harbor community oyster farm and 30
dozen smaller ones donated by Blau Oyster Farm. Visitors also got to learn about
the work of dozens of organizations chipping away at the convoluted problem of
how fecal coliform pollution ends up in Cratyon Harbor and how to stop it from
getting there."
Clam survey finds plenty of clams in the sand. June 24-30, 2004
The Northern Light
" The first organized survey of clams found in the sand of Birch Bay was
carried out Saturday, June 12, by 22 volunteers organized by the county's Marine
Resources Committee (MRC) under the leadership of Erika Stroebel. The purpose
was to provide baseline information about the types, numbers and sizes of clams
found in Birch Bay as a first step toward both community education about the
resource and future attempts to establish sites for restoration and enhancement
of desirable clam species."
Largest whale survey ever undertaken gets under way. June 26,
2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" SEATTLE - Researchers will head out into the North Pacific this weekend
on a four-month mission to learn more about humpback whales, acrobatic crowd-pleasers
up to 50 feet long whose eerie, plaintive songs have been recorded for CDs. The
voyage of the federal research ship McArthur II marks the big-bang kickoff of
a three-year, $3 million multinational effort to assess the region's humpback
population, which was decimated by more than a century of commercial whaling."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040626/LocalState/195718.shtml
Futures group reports on its spending: City, port representatives
say mostly volunteer group used research money well. June 26, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Waterfront Futures Group has presented its vision for Bellingham's
waterfront to the government officials who created the group 18 months ago, but
the group, and its director Patricia Decker, don't plan to disappear just yet." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040626/LocalState/195714.shtml
Waterfront plans get cautious welcome. June 25, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Bellingham City Council members and Port of Bellingham commissioners praised
the Waterfront Futures Group's efforts Thursday, but cautioned that turning its
plans for the Bellingham waterfront into reality will not be easy. 'Almost any
one of these action items will take a lot longer than you think it will,' Port
Commission President Scott Walker told futures group members after they presented
their recommendations to a joint meeting of the commission and City Council."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040625/TopStories/195576.shtml
Blaine oyster feed marks first harvest since 1999. ENVIRONMENT:
Efforts to reduce pollution in Drayton Harbor have paid off. June 20,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
" BLAINE - Residents and boaters feasted on free barbecued oysters Saturday
afternoon to celebrate the reopening of oyster harvesting in Drayton Harbor.
Oyster grower Geoff Menzies and volunteers harvested dozens of them on Tuesday,
the first day it was legal to do so. Many of those oysters were eaten Saturday
by a steady stream of people who came to the celebration at the Blaine harbor
office."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040620/LocalState/194731.shtml
B.C. officials delay bid to capture whale: WILDLIFE: Move gives
Indian tribe members more time to interact with orca they believe embodies
the spirit of their late chief. June 19, 2004
Bellingham Herald / associated press
" GOLD RIVER, B.C. - Efforts to reunite a lone killer whale with its family
pod have been postponed to allow Indians in this remote Vancouver Island community
to spend more time with the orca they say they have a spiritual connection with."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040619/LocalState/194653.shtml
Toxic lagoon is key to G-P cleanup plans. Sediment near mill must
be removed: Port officials study dredging cost, eventual use for site.
June 18, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The cleanup costs for the Georgia-Pacific West Inc. waterfront site are
still unknown, but much of the expense will depend on what happens with G-P's
wastewater lagoon.The biggest part of the cleanup will be dealing with mercury-laden
sediment in the Whatcom Waterway shipping channel next to the mill. This could
cost $14 million, if those sediments are put in the lagoon and covered with clean
soil, G-P senior environmental consultant Chip Hilarides said."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040618/TopStories/194519.shtml
Deal part of new G-P market strategy. June 18, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s deal to hand over its Whatcom County properties
to the Port of Bellingham would make little if any difference to the company,
but fits with its overall corporate strategy, analysts said. G-P's waterfront
Bellingham property had been listed for sale at $35 million." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040618/TopStories/194517.shtml
Port, G-P reach waterfront accord Site offered free in exchange
for environmental cleanup. June 17, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Visions for a redeveloped Bellingham Bay waterfront took a giant step
toward reality Wednesday when Georgia-Pacific West Inc. officials announced they
are prepared to hand over their entire 137 acres of waterfront real estate to
the Port of Bellingham.
While the port would pay nothing for the land - G-P had been asking $35 million
for the site - under the terms of the tentative deal, the port would agree
to take over the still-undetermined cost of cleaning up environmental contamination
on land and in the bay - a cost that will run into millions of dollars."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040617/TopStories/194392.shtml
Port districts play key role in waterfront development. June 17,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Port districts in the state often play a key role in redeveloping contaminated
industrial sites, officials said Wednesday after the Port of Bellingham reached
a tentative deal to take ownership of Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s waterfront
land."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040617/TopStories/194398.shtml
Officials, merchants praise deal. June 17, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Business leaders and federal officials reacted warmly Wednesday to the
opportunities that may open up if the Port of Bellingham acquires Georgia-Pacific
West Inc.'s 137-acre property on the central waterfront. G-P has agreed to turn
over its property to the port, which would assume responsibility for environmental
cleanup of the site. Port officials have 120 days to finish an environmental
review of the G-P property."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040617/TopStories/194391.shtml
Neighbors welcome new development. June 17, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Some Bellingham residents who live and work near Georgia-Pacific West
Inc. said they approve of the Port of Bellingham acquiring G-P's waterfront property.
Here's what they had to say…"
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040617/TopStories/194393.shtml
Alaska fishery wins eco-label: The majority of Bering Sea pollock
processors are based in Seattle. June 16, 2004
The Associated Press
" ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The $750 million Alaska pollock fishery - the largest
fishery in the world - has been approved for an eco-label, an industry group
said Tuesday."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040616/Business/194198.shtml
Woodstock Farm - an inspired Purchase: Bellingham moves ahead
with plans for 16-acre park. June 15, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Ray and Gladyce Lee, had been debating the idea of buying Woodstock Farm
for some time when Ray Lee came home one day in 1943 and announced he had done
the deal for $14,500, family members say… The property, also known as Inspiration
Point, features 3.5 acres of tidelands along Chuckanut Bay, and connects 88 acres
of public tideland and 60 acres of other public land on the north with 14 acres
of public tideland and 9 acres of other public land to the south."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040615/TopStories/194040.shtml
Local and state briefs: Cruise looks at bay cleanup. June 15,
2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The environmental cleanup of Bellingham Bay will be the subject of an
educational boat cruise aboard Island Mariner Cruises' Island Caper, being offered
from 6 to 9 p.m. June 30. Reservations for this event are being taken now by
the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department. The $15-per-person cruise
includes light snacks. Beer and wine can be purchased separately." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040615/LocalState/194052.shtml
Environmentally sound boating seminar next week June 9, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" West Marine and RE Sources are teaming up on a seminar about environmentally
sound boating on both marine and fresh water."What we want to do is demonstrate
that people can do a lot on their own to help clean up the (Puget) Sound and
that doing the right thing can save them money," said Fred Weir, general
manager of West Marine."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040609/LocalState/193119.shtml
Court blocks Makahs from a quick return to whaling. June 9, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" SEATTLE - It may take years to determine whether the Makah Tribe may resume
hunting gray whales, lawyers say following the latest in a series of federal
appeals court rulings.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040609/LocalState/193122.shtml
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday
for the third time that the federal government must conduct a full environmental
assessment and that an exception to the Marine Mammal Protection Act be
granted before whaling can resume. "
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040609/LocalState/193122.shtml
Public mostly receptive to waterfront plans: Attention to community
access reflected in proposals. June 9, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Waterfront Futures Group's proposals for redevelopment of Bellingham's
waterfront got a mostly warm reception from the public Tuesday. " http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040609/TopStories/193112.shtml
Whatcom business notes: Port association kiosk features Squalicum
cleanup. June 8, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Washington Public Port Association's traveling museum exhibit, which
features an "environmental stewardship" kiosk on the $4.1 million environmental
cleanup project at Squalicum Harbor, will remain on display in the lobby at the
Bellingham Cruise Terminal until June 24 before being moved to Bellingham International
Airport for AIRFEST. http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040608/Business/192989.shtml
Extremely low tides lure thousands to tidepools, mud flats. June
5, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" SEATTLE - From barnacles to limpets, crabs and sea stars, the lowest tides
in 19 years are revealing all sorts of unusual creatures trapped in Puget Sound
tidepools - to the delight of flip-flopped, galoshed and sandal-clad masses."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040605/TopStories/192535.shtml
Toxic red tide closes beaches to clamming. June 5, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" This weekend offers some of the lowest tides in decades, but it is not
a good time to hit some beaches for clams and mussels. Beaches from Birch Bay
State Park north to Canada are closed indefinitely to shellfish harvest, the
result of a bloom of dangerous red tide detected Friday near Semiahmoo by the
state Department of Fish and Wildlife."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040605/TopStories/192536.shtml
First look offered at waterfront plans: Redevelopment proposal
envisions dramatic changes for G-P site. June 5, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" In a framework plan released Friday, the Waterfront Futures Group envisions
public ownership of the Georgia-Pacific West Inc. property and the creation of
a "public renewal authority" to oversee its redevelopment.
The proposals for the 137-acre G-P site adjacent to downtown Bellingham forms
the centerpiece of a plan that brings the group's vision of a redeveloped Bellingham
shoreline, from Little Squalicum Beach to Chuckanut Bay, into sharper focus.
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040605/TopStories/192534.shtml
Local and state briefs Farm to sell bivalve 'seeds.' June 4, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Taylor Shellfish Farms of Bow will sell shellfish 'seeds' to private tideland
owners on Saturday to help publicize the need for clean water in the region."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040604/LocalState/192415.shtml
May
Crabs lag; sport opener in doubt: OUTDOORS: Timetable in greater
Skagit Bay thrown off by delay in spring shell molt. May 30, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" It seems the Dungeness crabs of Skagit Bay and the north end of Saratoga
Passage have decided to have something to say about the move to pre-determined,
guaranteed opening dates for the sport crab season."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040530/Sports/191644.shtml
Feds' stand on hatcheries opposed: SALMON: Critics say efforts
should focus more on habitat to restore wild salmon. May 29, 2004
The Bellingham Herald / Associated Press
" SEATTLE - The Bush administration's proposal to count hatchery fish along
with wild stocks is not a government attempt to inflate endangered or threatened
salmon and steelhead runs so they can be stripped of federal protection, a top
NOAA Fisheries official said Friday."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040529/LocalState/191452.shtml
Port celebrates cleanup at boatyard site: Two new boatlifts are
part of improved water-filtration system. May 25, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Port of Bellingham officials are inviting the public to celebrate the
completed environmental cleanup of a boatyard on Bellingham Bay. The port will
host water taxi rides and bagpipe players this afternoon along the $4 million
cleanup site at Seaview North, the port's new boatyard tenant in the former Weldcraft
Steel and Marine site on Squalicum Harbor. Cleanup included removal of 6,700
cubic yards of sediments contaminated with metals and other materials." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040525/LocalState/190955.shtml
WWU favors bayside location: Western would put graduate programs
on the waterfront May 22, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Western Washington University officials envision Bellingham's central
waterfront as a new location for a significant portion of the school's graduate
and professional programs, making more room for undergraduates on the main campus,
retired university vice president Bob Edie said Friday." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040522/TopStories/190583.shtml
News in Brief: Drayton Harbor to open for shellfish harvesting.
May 20 - 26, 2004
The Northern Light
" For the first time in almost 10 years, Drayton Harbor is open for shellfish
harvesting. To celebrate the occasion, the Drayton Harbor shellfish advisory
committee will be hosting an open house on Saturday, June 19 from noon till 4
p.m. at the Harbormaster’s conference room at Blaine Harbor, 235 Marine
Drive."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside1.html
News in Brief: Public works department to hold design charette
for Marine Park water reclamation facility. May 20 - 26, 2004
" Progress continues to be made on a sewage plant as the Blaine public works
department will be holding two meetings next week on the conceptual design of
how the plant would work within the park."
http://www.thenorthernlight.com/inside1.html
Natural gas pipeline proposed for Whatcom county. May 20 - 26,
2004
The Northern Light
A planned natural gas pipeline, built by the Williams Company and operated
by B.C. Hydro, will travel through San Juan and Whatcom counties and could
be operational by October 2005, according to the Williams Company. When the
pipeline is functional, it will be used to get natural gas to Vancouver Island
and potentially Whatcom County.
The pipeline, though, is of great concern to the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE). 'There are a bunch of environmental concerns with both the construction activity and the impact on marine life,' stated Richard Grout, manager of the Bellingham DOE office. 'Things like Dungeness crabs, which are migratory, are a concern.'
Sunset tours hits the bay. May 20 - 26, 2004
The Northern Light
" Dale and Tanya Johnson’s Sunset Sailing Charters are back for their
ninth season in Blaine with a new location, added crew and, as always, more stories
from their off-season work running airboat tours in the Florida Everglades."
Officials hopeful for G-P deal: Condemnation threat often nudges
negotiations forward, experts say. May 20, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Port of Bellingham's move to condemn Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s wastewater
treatment lagoon may spur both parties to make a deal, rather than drag the issue
through the courts."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040520/TopStories/190235.shtml
Cables to show ocean secrets online: Fiber optic cables would
afford views of whales, shifting ocean floor. May 20, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Imagine watching streaming video of a group of blue whales migrating in
open ocean waters, or getting real-time information about the shifting floor
of the Pacific Ocean, on the Internet.That's the goal of John Delaney, a University
of Washington oceanography professor who wants to build a network of fiber optic
cables along the ocean floor just off the Pacific Coast."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040520/LocalState/190240.shtml
Trendy fish nets hefty price: Aficionados hooked on Copper River
salmon. May 20, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Alaska's Copper River salmon run is bringing record prices for commercial
fishers, leaving some Bellingham retailers scrambling for the prized catch, and
others wondering how much consumers will pay for it." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040520/TopStories/190233.shtml
Port votes to condemn G-P lagoon Company questions whether marina
is best use for waterfront site. May 19, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Brushing aside Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s request for a delay, Port of
Bellingham commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to start condemnation proceedings
to acquire the company's wastewater treatment lagoon for possible use as a marina." http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040519/TopStories/190016.shtml
Port of Bellingham's declaration of condemnation http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040519/TopStories/190013.shtml
Georgia-Pacific West, Inc.'s letter to the Port of Bellingham http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040519/TopStories/190015.shtml
Officials eye expanded ferry connecting city, San Juan Islands.
May 19, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Government and business officials are exploring ways to expand ferry service
from Bellingham to the San Juan Islands, and possibly serve stops from Point
Roberts to Sea Tac."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040519/LocalState/190019.shtml
City Council agrees to buy Inspiration Point. May 18, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Bellingham City Council on Monday unanimously approved the purchase
of a 15-acre farm on the northeast end of Chuckanut Bay.The property - known
both as Inspiration Point and Woodstock Farm - features water views, trails,
the site of a former American Indian village, several homes and other buildings,
and 3.5 acres of tidelands, said Greenways Coordinator Tim Wahl. The property
will connect to city and county tidelands and other park land to the north, south
and east, he said."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040518/LocalState/189880.shtml
Opinion: Drayton Harbor success a credit to community's effort.
May 18, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" If, as planned, state officials decide to open shellfish beds in Drayton
Harbor on June 15, the date will long be remembered as a significant marker in
Whatcom County residents' dealings with their environment."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040518/Opinion/189894.shtml
G-P land development could come by '07: Waterfront group optimistic
about attracting a major corporate tenant. May 17, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Fast forward to the fall of 2006: Contractors have completed the task
of digging out or covering up contaminated sites on Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s
downtown waterfront property. Now, how soon will the former pulp mill site blossom
into the "processional connection to the cultural center of the city" that
community leaders call for in the Waterfront Futures Group's "Waterfront
Vision?"
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040517/TopStories/189775.shtml
G-P FOR SALE: As idled portions of the paper mill are dismantled,
Bellingham sees its future in a transformed waterfront. May 16, 2004.
The Bellingham Herald
" For the first time since his company moved to 203 W. Chestnut St. in 1977,
Blackburn Office Equipment co-owner Jim Olson has a view of Bellingham Bay. That's
because workers at Georgia-Pacific West Inc. have removed the enormous chemical
tanks that were part of the company's pulp and chemical plant, just south of
Chestnut Street, and cut them up for scrap. G-P shut down its pulp and chemical
operations in March, 2001, putting more than 400 workers out of jobs that many
had held for decades. The shutdown cost the city of Bellingham more than $1.9
million in tax losses the first year, but the county's robust economy has more
than made up the difference."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040516/TopStories/189665.shtml
G-P timeline: Highlights of Georgia-Pacific's operations in Bellingham.
May 16, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" 1963: Georgia-Pacific Inc. takes over waterfront mill from Puget Sound
Pulp and Timber Co., which traces origins on Bellingham waterfront to 1926. 1965:
Builds caustic and chlorine plant… 2004: G-P places its 137 acres of waterfront
real estate on the market for $35 million and begins negotiations with the Port
of Bellingham."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040516/TopStories/189670.shtml
Cleanup effort comes first Before redevelopment, G-P plant's toxic
legacy must be addressed. May 16, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Waterfront Futures Group envisions a reborn downtown Bellingham waterfront
that will be "the place of coming together ... a processional connection
to the cultural center of the city." But before that rosy vision of the
future can take shape, the community and Georgia-Pacific West Inc. will have
to cope with the not-so-rosy environmental legacy of the past. State Department
of Ecology officials say it may take until the end of 2005 to simply develop
a plan to remove mercury and other contaminants from the mill site - and that's
only if the process moves at top speed."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040517/TopStories/189669.shtml
Waterfront walk raises issues, answers questions. May 16, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Local residents toured Bellingham's seaside streets and neighborhoods
Saturday afternoon with members of the Waterfront Futures Group to get a first-hand
look at the group's plans for redevelopment of the city's waterfront."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040516/LocalState/189674.shtml
Waterfront Futures Group rethinks use of G-P lagoon. May 15, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" Waterfront Futures Group members went on record Friday against use of
Georgia-Pacific West Inc.'s wastewater treatment lagoon as a contaminated sediment
disposal site. But they also backed away from a strong endorsement of the Port
of Bellingham's plan to use the lagoon as the eventual site for a marina."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040515/LocalState/189539.shtml
City has option on Inspiration Point. May 15, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The Bellingham City Council on Monday will consider buying the 15.4-acre
Inspiration Point property on the northeast side of Chuckanut Bay. The property,
also known as Woodstock Farm, features marine views, trails, tidelands and more
than one-third of a mile of shoreline, and would connect publicly owned tidelands
and upland areas to the north and south, according to city officials."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040515/LocalState/189540.shtml
Salmon to remain protected: Bush administration says ruling on
hatchery fish won't change threatened, endangered status. May 15, 2004
The Associated Press
" GRANTS PASS, Ore. - The Bush administration told Congress on Friday that
all but one of the 26 runs of Pacific salmon listed as threatened or endangered
species are likely to retain federal protection, despite a proposal to count
hatchery fish as equivalent to wild ones."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040515/TopStories/189534.shtml
Drayton Harbor may reopen for limited shellfish harvests State
will continue to monitor water-pollution levels. May 14, 2004
The Bellingham Herald
" The state Department of Health has proposed reopening a portion of Drayton
Harbor to shellfish harvesting nine years after much of the area was deemed polluted."
http://news.bellinghamherald.com/stories/20040514/TopStories/189449.shtml
Birch Bay water district wins award. May 13 - 19, 2004
Th