Concerns over DuPont’s water supply remain as discussions continue with the 2011 Settlement Agreement

The restoration of Edmond Marsh is a primary feature of the 2011 Settlement Agreement.

Time is running out for the public to comment on the 2011 Settlement Agreement. The sixty-day public comment period ends Friday, September 9, 2011 at 4 p.m. In addition to this deadline, the City has scheduled a public meeting to discuss groundwater issues the morning of Thursday, September 8. The public is encouraged to attend.

The 9 a.m. meeting, scheduled for DuPont City Hall, is designed to provide an opportunity for state licensed hydro geologists, who study and regulate groundwater uses, to discuss the local geology, groundwater conditions and water supply sources and systems.

A public notice on the city’s website states: “The experts plan to discuss these issues in relation to potential expansion of the existing sand and gravel mine in DuPont and a potential restoration plan for the Sequalitchew Creek Watershed.”

Council members asked for this special technical meeting as part of their review of the 2011 Settlement Agreement.  Based on the public comments and presentations from the August 30 DuPont City Council Workshop, a meeting with the water experts is greatly needed. There are still concerns about the impact of dewatering a portion of the Vashon Aquifer as part of the CalPortland sand and gravel mine expansion.

During the August 30 council workshop, Lakewood resident Don Russell gave a presentation that cited several potential conflicts between the 2011 Settlement Agreement and DuPont’s Comprehensive Plan. Russell pointed out that the infiltration of potentially polluted runoff water into the mine pit floor will alter the quality and quantity of groundwater discharging into Puget Sound via underground springs and shoreline seeps. Russell also raised a red flag about DuPont’s domestic water supply.

Don Russell of Lakewood gave his thoughts on the 2011 Settlement Agreement during the August 30 DuPont City Council Workshop. Other presenters seated with him are Don Dresser, Laurie Fait, Darrell Reeck and Rev. Dr. James Lewis.

“There is a potential for the degradation of the City of DuPont’s domestic water supply as exposed sediments from Edmond Marsh mineralize and release their organic bound nitrates and toxic metals to water infiltrating into the sea level aquifer below.”

DuPont resident Darrell Reeck stated during his presentation that many DuPont residents oppose the proposed 2011 Settlement Agreement. He came to this conclusion after doorbelling over 100 homes in DuPont.

“One resident summed it up perfectly by saying ‘with an aquifer, you only get one chance,’ said Reeck.

Puyallup resident, Rev. Dr. James D. Lewis, representing the Archives and History Commission of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church, presented concerns about protecting any artifacts buried in the ground beyond the 189 foot protection of the Methodist Mission marker.

“One of our concerns is that there may well be artifacts that have historical significance well beyond 189 feet. We would want to be consulted on any action that might impact the prospect of mining that close to the historical site. We would also want the CalPortland Company to have an archaeologist available when actual mining was to be done that close to the historical site,” said Lewis.

DuPont resident, Laurie Fait gave a presentation on behalf of the Sequalitchew Creek Watershed Council. Like Russell and Reeck, Fait’s comments were focused on water.

“Draining the aquifer will cause a minimum of a 50 percent flow reduction along the entire reach of Sequalitchew Creek. This 50 percent flow reduction is a conservative number,” said Fait.

Fait further testified that “draining the aquifer will decrease the freshwater discharge to Puget Sound via the springs at seeps located along the nearshore at the base of the mining property.”

The springs Fait was referring to can be seen at low tide on the far north end of DuPont’s beach where large boulders are located. In 2006, Pacific Groundwater Group outlined in CalPortland’s Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) that dewatering will reduce spring flows at Puget Sound by 25 percent, causing a significant decrease in the nearshore habitat functions provided by springs.

“We are right next door to Nisqually where this great restoration program for fish has been done. The fish leaving their estuary need the springs along our shoreline fully functioning in order to live,” she said.

Firing a warning shot, Fait told the council, “We (SCWC) understand that the city attorney does not feel a SEPA review is required before signing. Our group has consulted with two top environmental attorneys in our region, and both have said, absolutely, that the city should be requesting a full SEPA review before signing a new settlement agreement.”

None of the signatories of the 2011 Settlement Agreement gave presentations during the August 30 council workshop. All of the presentations from the August 30 council workshop can be found on the city’s website. A quorum of city council members may attend the September 8 public meeting. The city is encouraging the public to attend and ask questions. Anyone wishing to comment on the 2011 Settlement Agreement can send their comments to DuPont’s City Clerk, Erin Larsen, at 1700 Civic Drive, DuPont, WA 98327 or via email at elarsen@ci.dupont.wa.us.