November 28, 2006
For Immediate Release
For More Information: Mike Hogan 360-676-2500
[Bellingham, Wash.] The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has rescheduled both a public hearing and a public meeting on draft cleanup documents for the Whatcom Waterway cleanup site (Site) and extended the public comment period due to heavy snowfall in Whatcom County. These cleanup documents include a draft Supplemental Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) and a companion draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Whatcom Waterway site in Bellingham, WA.
The Supplemental RI/FS incorporates the results of environmental investigations conducted since completion of the original RI/FS in 2000, updates previously evaluated cleanup alternatives, describes and evaluates new cleanup alternatives that reflect changes in land use, and identifies a preferred cleanup approach. The EIS supplements the original impact analysis completed in 2000 and evaluates the environmental impacts, benefits and potential mitigation actions associated with the updated and new cleanup alternatives for the Site.
RESCHEDULED PUBLIC MEETING LOCATION
Thursday, December 7, 2006; 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Bellingham Municipal Court, 2014 C Street, Bellingham, WA
RESCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING LOCATION
Monday, December 11, 2006; 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED
The October 10 to December 9 public comment period on the draft Supplemental RI/FS and draft Supplemental EIS has been extended to December 18.
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION
At the public hearing interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to present data, views, or oral testimony relative to the draft Supplemental RI/FS and draft Supplemental EIS. Written comments may be submitted at the hearing or at any time until December 18 by directing the same to Lucille McInerney, Site Manager, WA Department of Ecology, 3190 160th Ave., Bellevue, WA 98008-5452, or by phone at (425) 649-7272, or by email to
DOCUMENTS FOR PUBLIC REVIEW
The draft Supplemental RI/FS and draft Supplemental EIS are available for review at the following locations:
• Bellingham Public Library, Main Branch, 210 Central Ave., (360) 676-6860, Bellingham
• WA Department of Ecology, Bellingham Field Office, 1204 Railroad Ave. #200, (360) 738-6250, Bellingham
• WA Department of Ecology, Northwest Regional Office, 3190 160th Ave. SE, (425) 649-7190, Bellevue, WA 98008
• Ecology’s web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/TCP/sites/whatcom/ww.htm
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
Please direct questions or comments concerning the draft Supplemental RI/FS, draft Supplemental EIS or Public Hearing to Ecology’s Whatcom Waterway Site Manager: Lucille McInerney, WA Department of Ecology, 3190 160th Ave., Bellevue, WA 98008-5452, or by phone at (425) 649-7272, or by email to
