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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2961-339 January 30, 2009 GMA w-el., &OI1\tW,J https:/Imail.olympus.netlcgi-binlsqwebmaillloginlpschnI12%400lympus.... Message To: The Jefferson County Planning Commission From: Phyllis R. Schultz ~ Via e-mail: planning@co.jefferson.wa.us Re: updating the Shoreline Master Plan to ANY mining activities 10 ZI1 {p I , ~3W prevent:~[~~tila~t!l<bI~ <. 'Ie" ..\.\..~" Jl'<~Jl i .,-1 Dear Members of the Jefferson County Planning Commission: As I have been informed, Jefferson County is currently updating its Shorelin~ Master Plan. The preliminary draft has been released. Unfortunately, that draft permits mining activities, including conveyor belts, piers, and barges on the conservancy shoreline of Hood Canal. Please note: THE ENTIRE HOOD CANAL SHORELINE IS DESIGNATED AS SHORELINE OF STATE-WIDE-SIGNIFICANCE. !! Some forty years ago, Mason County issued a permit for such an operation at the mouth of the Hamma Hamma River. This action was overturned by the Shorelines Hearings Board which stated that: "Intensive land uses or developments within the shoreline of Hood Canal, a shoreline of state-wide significance, should be discouraged or prohibited. It is difficult to perceive a use more intensive and incompatible with the present shoreline and aesthetics of Hood Canal than the construction proposed by the Company. The pier, conveyor and barge facility will intrude upon the magnificent grandeur that is now existent, converting the natural characteristics and beauty of the existing shoreline into one marred by this proposed industrial enterprise." That decision by the Shorelines Hearings Board was the correct one back then; it would be correct TODAY for the part of Jefferson County that abuts the Hood Canal shoreline. All of us who love puget Sound for its beauty and for its life-sustaining climate and food have witnessed massive expense of tax payer $'s to restore the sound to its original health along its full length. Restoration was made imperative due to dangerous decisions by contiguous governments and private interests. In short, development for private financial gain by a few individuals will short-circuit the clean-up efforts and put the Hood Canal at extreme risk for all of us. Please note: I am not opposed to development in Jefferson County nor do I think my neighbors throughout the county are. In fact, on every plebiscite over the past 10+ years, the voters of Jefferson County have supported ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. However, mininq activities less than 150 feet of the lof2 1/30/2009 8:19 AM Message . 2of2 https:/Imail.olympus.netlcgi-binlsqwebmaillloginlpschulti>/040olympus.... - shoreline is NOT environmentally safe and sustainable. Any mining companies who want to expand their enterprise in ways that do not meet the above criterion MUST be restrained. And, they should be encouraged to use their creative and entrepreneurial talents to find new ways to grow their companies. Sincere~~/~<- ..' ~.. PhYl~~ f Jefferson County resident for 12 years 771- ~3 '1-;::;- 1/30/2009 8:19 AM