Sequalitchew is under threat!

We urge all concerned people to voice their opposition to the proposed expansion of the CalPortland Gravel Mine by submitting comments to the City of DuPont’s Hearing Examiner below!

The Final Environmental Impact Statement reveals alarming consequences: dewatering the Vashon Aquifer could reduce groundwater levels by up to 30 feet, threatening the health of Sequalitchew Creek and its tributaries. This would result in the loss of up to 79% of the creek's flow, disrupting salmon habitat and undermining decades of restoration efforts. Additionally, the expansion threatens to eliminate Edmond Marsh, a Class I wetland, and destroy over 170 acres of forest, 10.8 acres of the Kettle Wetland, and at least 90 landmark trees. These impacts violate DuPont’s Critical Area Ordinance and Growth Management policies, which mandate no net loss of wetland and stream functions. The proposed mitigation measures are insufficient and temporary, leaving the environment vulnerable in the long term. Please take action now to protect our water, forests, and salmon!

Impacts to the Nisqually Tribe

The Nisqually Tribe has expressed concerns about the potential desecration of ancestral graves and sacred sites within this landscape. Hereditary Chief Leonard Squally has highlighted the importance of protecting these areas, which have sustained the Nisqually people since time immemorial. The proposed mining activities pose risks of disturbing these sacred sites, leading to irreversible cultural losses. The Nisqually people have inhabited the Sequalitchew area since time immemorial, with archaeological evidence indicating human presence in the broader Puget Sound region for at least 8,000 to 12,000 years.

The Nisqually Tribe's concerns are substantiated by their formal comments submitted to the City of DuPont's Hearing Examiner, emphasizing the adverse impacts on cultural resources and urging for the protection of these irreplaceable sites.

In light of these considerations, it is imperative to oppose the proposed mine expansion to safeguard the cultural heritage and environmental integrity of the Nisqually Tribe.

Threat to Groundwater

Lowering the groundwater table can reduce the pressure that keeps saline water from encroaching into freshwater aquifers, especially in coastal areas. If the Vashon Aquifer experiences significant drawdown, it could potentially allow for the upward movement of saline water from deeper layers or lateral intrusion from nearby saline sources, leading to salination of the aquifer.

Moreover, dewatering could impact nearby wetlands and marshes, such as Edmond Marsh, by lowering groundwater levels, which may lead to ecological degradation. The loss of these wetlands could further alter the natural recharge and filtration processes that protect aquifer water quality.

An Assualt on Salmon and Orca Recovery

The mining project's dewatering activities are expected to lower groundwater levels, diminishing the flow from springs that currently feed Sequalitchew Creek. This reduction will lead to decreased streamflow, particularly during dry periods, adversely affecting salmon habitats. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) notes that "the contribution from springs with the Proposed Action and Sequalitchew Creek Restoration Plan would be lower than under existing conditions," potentially impacting fish migration and spawning.

Lower groundwater inputs can result in higher stream temperatures, which are detrimental to salmon, especially during summer months. The EIS anticipates that "creek temperatures in the summer—particularly June through August—are expected to rise to 21°C," a level that can stress salmon populations.

Changes in groundwater levels are expected to alter the hydrology of nearby wetlands, such as Edmond Marsh, which serve as critical rearing habitats for juvenile salmon. Disruptions to these wetlands could impair their ability to support salmon life stages.

The Sequalitchew Creek Restoration Plan is proposed to mitigate some impacts of the mining project, but it is ultimately more of a re-engineering plan designed to foil public outcry over the destruction of so much habitat. Its implementation is closely tied to the mining proposal, raising concerns about potential delays or dependencies that could hinder timely restoration efforts. Most importantly, a more robust and accurate restoration plan could be created and funded without dependency on the gravel mine.

The combined effects of reduced streamflow, increased temperatures, and altered habitats could cumulatively impact salmonid species, including coho and chum salmon, as well as cutthroat trout. These species rely on specific habitat conditions that may be compromised by the proposed mining activities. With planning begginning to allow the Sequalitchew estuary to flow freely and rebuild, this project is in direct contradiction. Salmon are a vital food source for the endangered Southern Resident Orca, and the Sequalitchew system once supported thousands of fish. This project would greatly impair our ability to rebuild this break in the food chain.

A Climate Catastrophe

The project's expansion would lead to both direct and indirect GHG emissions

• Direct Emissions: Arising from on-site activities such as excavation, processing, and transportation of materials.

• Indirect Emissions: Resulting from electricity consumption and the production of materials used in operations.

While the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) acknowledges that these emissions would constitute a small percentage of the state's total GHG inventory, they are nonetheless additive and contribute to cumulative climate impacts.

The expansion entails clearing approximately 188 acres of previously undisturbed forest and shrubland. This vegetation currently acts as a carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Its removal not only releases stored carbon but also diminishes the area's future carbon sequestration capacity.

The project is anticipated to extend mining activities by approximately 14 years. This prolonged period of operation means sustained emissions from machinery and vehicles, as well as ongoing habitat disruption, which can have long-term ecological and climatic effects.

When combined with other regional developments and industrial activities, the project's emissions and environmental disturbances contribute to broader cumulative climate impacts. These include exacerbated local air quality issues, increased regional temperatures, and strain on local ecosystems already vulnerable to climate change.

The mine expansion threatens to degrade and fragment critical habitats for bats, birds, and the western gray squirrel, leading to declines in these wildlife populations.

A Threat to Community and Recreation

The proposed expansion of the Pioneer Aggregates South Parcel Project poses significant threats to the Sequalitchew Creek Trail, a cherished recreational asset in DuPont, Washington.

The expansion would bring mining operations closer to the trail, leading to increased noise and visual disruptions. The construction of a 20-foot-high berm on the south side of Phase 2C is planned to mitigate noise, but the proximity of mining activities may still detract from the trail's natural ambiance.

Dewatering activities associated with the mine could lower groundwater levels, affecting the flow of Sequalitchew Creek. Frequent trail walkers will notice the groundwater seeps that sustain the lush hillside, including a rare native Chain Fern, that grows out of this specific habitat. De-watering would eliminate these cool-water seeps likely in their entireity.

The removal of forested areas and wetlands for mining will lead to habitat loss for various wildlife species. This degradation may reduce opportunities for wildlife observation along the trail, impacting the experience for nature enthusiasts.

The project is anticipated to extend mining activities by approximately 14 years. This prolonged period of operation means sustained disturbances, potentially affecting trail accessibility and enjoyment over a significant timeframe while increasing localized air pollution and heat island affects.

The mining activities are expected to elevate levels of particulate matter (PM), particularly PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, due to operations such as excavation, blasting, and transportation. These fine particles can travel long distances, affecting air quality in surrounding communities.

Exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter is linked to various health issues:

• Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of fine particles can lead to reduced lung function and exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Air pollution contributes to heart diseases and can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Neurological Effects: Long-term exposure has been associated with cognitive decline and neurological disorders.

• Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution.