SeaPort Sound Terminal, a fossil fuel storage and shipment facility located along the Hylebos Waterway in Commencement Bay, Tacoma recently released the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for their proposed expansion project. This was required because the City of Tacoma determined that this project would have major, harmful environmental impacts as defined by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The proposal entails demolishing seven storage tanks and replacing them with eight new, bigger storage tanks and two new process water tanks. This would increase their capacity by 11%. The proposal also includes demolishing old refinery equipment, and replacing wastewater treatment infrastructure and a stormwater line.

Upon reviewing the draft Environmental Impact Statement, Communities for a Healthy Bay determined that SeaPort Sound failed to comply with the legal requirements of SEPA. They failed to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential impacts to air quality, greenhouse gases (GHGs) the risks associated with an increase in rail, vessel, and vehicle traffic.

SeaPort Sound must thoroughly reevaluate their environmental impact before moving forward. We have the bestopportunity to obtain the best environmental outcomes by commenting on the draft EIS, up to and including the City denying Seaport Sound their permit request.

Let's ask the City Planners to make SeaPort Sound redo their EIS. Please submit a comment to make sure a proper environmental review is done. All comments are due Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

If you'd prefer to submit your own comments, you have two options:

Email your comments to: SeaportPlantModernizationDEIS@cityoftacoma.org

Mail your comments to:

Shirley Schultz, AICP

Attn: LU20-0107

747 Market Street, Rm 345

Tacoma, WA 98402

To submit comments using our template letter, fill in your information on the right and click Start Writing.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email or call 253-383-2429.