Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Important Port Angeles Shoreline Meetings this Week
Hi all, two important opportunities to provide public comment to the City of Port Angeles on Shoreline Management are scheduled for this coming week:
1. City of Port Angeles Shoreline Master Program open house and public hearing, 6 pm Monday, March 18, Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth Street, Port Angeles WA 98362. Public Hearing begins at 7 pm.
2, The City of Port Angeles is considering next steps for managing a closed landfill located on the shoreline west of Port Angels and east of the Elwha River mouth. Erosion is degrading existing efforts to maintain the old dump site which contains decades of historic garbage. The City installed a seawall earlier this decade to try and slow erosion. Not surprisingly, the seawall is already showing signs of failure and accelerating erosion on the neighboring bluff, jeopardizing one of the closed garbage cells.
Please consider signing onto this letter (attached) to the Port Angeles City Council asking them to adopt an alternative approach to additional shoreline armoring.
The City will be hearing Public Comment on Tuesday, March 19, at 6 pm at the City Council Chambers at 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles WA 98362.
Please distribute your comments to any and all of the following:
City council: http://www.cityofpa.us/citycouncil.htm.
Email is council@cityofpa.us
citymanager@cityofpa.us
Board of county commissioners:
http://www.clallam.net/bocc/board_contact.html
E-Mail Addresses
commissioners@co.clallam.wa.us
Commissioner Jim McEntire, District 1 jmcentire@co.clallam.wa.us
Commissioner Mike Chapman, District 2 mailto:mchapman@co.clallam.wa.us
Commissioner Mike Doherty, District mailto:mdoherty@co.clallam.wa.us
Administrator Jim Jones, jjones@co.clallam.wa.us
Email sent to Clallam County will not be received if total file attachments exceed 10MB (see more information).
Wa State Legislators:
Senator Hargrove
Representative Van De Wege
Representative Tharinger
https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/Default.aspx
Additional questions can be directed to:
Jody Kennedy
Washington Policy Manager
Surfrider Foundation
jkennedy@surfrider.org
206.940.6509
Help keep the coastline clean, healthy and accessible >>> join the Surfrider Foundation
beachapedia.org
your coastal knowledge resource
DRAFT LETTER
March 6, 2013
Mayor Cherie Kidd
Deputy Mayor Brad Collins
Councilmember Sissi P. Bruch, PhD
Councilmember Dan Di Guilio
Councilmember Patrick Downie
Councilmember Max Mania
Councilmember Brooke Nelson
RE: Landfill bluff stabilization project
Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councilmembers:
We believe the City of Port Angeles has a unique opportunity with the closed landfill to restore a section of marine shoreline that offers habitat for forage fish and juvenile salmon, rich recreation opportunities, and a chance to enhance productivity and health of the Elwha River nearshore.
We appreciate that the City of Port Angeles is attempting to address the complicated issues presented by the erosion of the historic dumpsite. Please consider these comments as you make a decision about how best to move forward in managing this site.
The closed landfill presents numerous challenges. The site is part of an active drift cell, where wave impacts continually pull at the shoreline, threatening measures to contain decades of garbage, including toxic materials. Since inheriting the landfill, the City has been confronted with challenges in containing the garbage and addressing the leaching of toxins into marine waters. Now, the City must also address new seawall complications including accelerated erosion of the bluff adjacent to the wall.
Historically, the City has prioritized low cost alternatives for managing problems associated with the landfill. The decision to build a temporary seawall has now caused more problems and greater costs to the community. We are asking that the City take a new approach -- rather than adopt the lowest cost alternative for another short-term fix which guarantees future management problems.
The solution to the problem of erosion of the existing closed beach cell at the Port Angeles landfill is not additional shoreline armoring. The preferred long-term solution to the erosion of the closed beach cell is complete removal and appropriate off-site disposal of all of the municipal solid waste on the existing hill-slope and restoration of the marine bluff. This approach would re-establish natural rates of sediment delivery to the nearshore environment, enhancing habitat for forage fish and salmon. In addition, this would allow for public to enjoy the high recreation values of the site, which could lead to new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in our City.
cc: city manager, county commissioners and state legislators
1. City of Port Angeles Shoreline Master Program open house and public hearing, 6 pm Monday, March 18, Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth Street, Port Angeles WA 98362. Public Hearing begins at 7 pm.
2, The City of Port Angeles is considering next steps for managing a closed landfill located on the shoreline west of Port Angels and east of the Elwha River mouth. Erosion is degrading existing efforts to maintain the old dump site which contains decades of historic garbage. The City installed a seawall earlier this decade to try and slow erosion. Not surprisingly, the seawall is already showing signs of failure and accelerating erosion on the neighboring bluff, jeopardizing one of the closed garbage cells.
Please consider signing onto this letter (attached) to the Port Angeles City Council asking them to adopt an alternative approach to additional shoreline armoring.
The City will be hearing Public Comment on Tuesday, March 19, at 6 pm at the City Council Chambers at 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles WA 98362.
Please distribute your comments to any and all of the following:
City council: http://www.cityofpa.us/citycouncil.htm.
Email is council@cityofpa.us
citymanager@cityofpa.us
Board of county commissioners:
http://www.clallam.net/bocc/board_contact.html
E-Mail Addresses
commissioners@co.clallam.wa.us
Commissioner Jim McEntire, District 1 jmcentire@co.clallam.wa.us
Commissioner Mike Chapman, District 2 mailto:mchapman@co.clallam.wa.us
Commissioner Mike Doherty, District mailto:mdoherty@co.clallam.wa.us
Administrator Jim Jones, jjones@co.clallam.wa.us
Email sent to Clallam County will not be received if total file attachments exceed 10MB (see more information).
Wa State Legislators:
Senator Hargrove
Representative Van De Wege
Representative Tharinger
https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/Default.aspx
Additional questions can be directed to:
Jody Kennedy
Washington Policy Manager
Surfrider Foundation
jkennedy@surfrider.org
206.940.6509
Help keep the coastline clean, healthy and accessible >>> join the Surfrider Foundation
beachapedia.org
your coastal knowledge resource
DRAFT LETTER
March 6, 2013
Mayor Cherie Kidd
Deputy Mayor Brad Collins
Councilmember Sissi P. Bruch, PhD
Councilmember Dan Di Guilio
Councilmember Patrick Downie
Councilmember Max Mania
Councilmember Brooke Nelson
RE: Landfill bluff stabilization project
Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councilmembers:
We believe the City of Port Angeles has a unique opportunity with the closed landfill to restore a section of marine shoreline that offers habitat for forage fish and juvenile salmon, rich recreation opportunities, and a chance to enhance productivity and health of the Elwha River nearshore.
We appreciate that the City of Port Angeles is attempting to address the complicated issues presented by the erosion of the historic dumpsite. Please consider these comments as you make a decision about how best to move forward in managing this site.
The closed landfill presents numerous challenges. The site is part of an active drift cell, where wave impacts continually pull at the shoreline, threatening measures to contain decades of garbage, including toxic materials. Since inheriting the landfill, the City has been confronted with challenges in containing the garbage and addressing the leaching of toxins into marine waters. Now, the City must also address new seawall complications including accelerated erosion of the bluff adjacent to the wall.
Historically, the City has prioritized low cost alternatives for managing problems associated with the landfill. The decision to build a temporary seawall has now caused more problems and greater costs to the community. We are asking that the City take a new approach -- rather than adopt the lowest cost alternative for another short-term fix which guarantees future management problems.
The solution to the problem of erosion of the existing closed beach cell at the Port Angeles landfill is not additional shoreline armoring. The preferred long-term solution to the erosion of the closed beach cell is complete removal and appropriate off-site disposal of all of the municipal solid waste on the existing hill-slope and restoration of the marine bluff. This approach would re-establish natural rates of sediment delivery to the nearshore environment, enhancing habitat for forage fish and salmon. In addition, this would allow for public to enjoy the high recreation values of the site, which could lead to new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life in our City.
cc: city manager, county commissioners and state legislators
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Anne Shaffer of Coastal Watershed Institute wins Conservationist of the Year Award
NEWS RELEASE 3/5 /2013
The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter has awarded its 2013 Conservationist of the Year Award to Anne Shaffer, Executive Director of the Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI), "in recognition of over 20 years of efforts to preserve, protect, restore or enhance environments necessary
for healthy ecosystems." CWI is a non-profit working since 1997 to promote long term, ecological, and community based stewardship of marine and terrestrial ecosystems through scientific research and local partnerships. Over the last sixteen years CWI has supported applied research of nearshore habitats of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, partnered with the City of Port Angeles and Peninsula College on public education, and partnered with the Olympic national Park and Olympic Peninsula Tribes cataloging historic use
and contemporary priorites for nearshore cultural natural resources. Anne's work in ecological restoration has spanned greater than 20 years, and has shown an unwavering commitment to her field and the Region's restoration efforts, particularly in the field of nearshore restoration. She coordinates large and complex restoration and science initiatives, including the Twins Nearshore Restoration, the Elwha Nearshore Management Plan, and the Elwha Nearshore Consortium.
OPC Surfrider often partners with the Coastal Watershed Institute and wants to wish Anne all the best with her award. Great Job!
The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter has awarded its 2013 Conservationist of the Year Award to Anne Shaffer, Executive Director of the Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI), "in recognition of over 20 years of efforts to preserve, protect, restore or enhance environments necessary
for healthy ecosystems." CWI is a non-profit working since 1997 to promote long term, ecological, and community based stewardship of marine and terrestrial ecosystems through scientific research and local partnerships. Over the last sixteen years CWI has supported applied research of nearshore habitats of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, partnered with the City of Port Angeles and Peninsula College on public education, and partnered with the Olympic national Park and Olympic Peninsula Tribes cataloging historic use
and contemporary priorites for nearshore cultural natural resources. Anne's work in ecological restoration has spanned greater than 20 years, and has shown an unwavering commitment to her field and the Region's restoration efforts, particularly in the field of nearshore restoration. She coordinates large and complex restoration and science initiatives, including the Twins Nearshore Restoration, the Elwha Nearshore Management Plan, and the Elwha Nearshore Consortium.
OPC Surfrider often partners with the Coastal Watershed Institute and wants to wish Anne all the best with her award. Great Job!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Call To Action: Port Angeles Landfill Meeting
We need your help!
What: Port Angeles City Council Meeting-Landfill Stabilization Options
Where: City Council Chambers, 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
When: Tuesday, March 5th, 6:00 pm
The City Council will be deliberating options for stabilization of the Port Angeles landfill.
We need you to Oppose any new shoreline hardening and to find alternative solutions to further armoring of
the shoreline associated with the landfill.
We need your support to ask the City Council to pull back the municipal garbage associated with the closed landfill cells and put in place a long-term solution to coastal ersosion at the City Landfill.
Please help us encourage them to adopt a long-term solution and prevent further hardening of our shoreline.
This affects not only City residents, but County residents who use the City landfill.
Over the years, the City has been paying for temporary seawalls that damage nearshore habitat and accelerate shoreline erosion. It is time for a long-term solution that restores the habitat and recreation values of the beach, benefitting local businesses and our quality of life.
Please come to the next City Council Meeting and show your support for restoring the Port Angeles City Landfill Shoreline.
Tuesday March 5th
6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
City Hall, 321 East 5th Street
Port Angeles WA 98362
Surfrider Foundation's position on the PA Landfill:
We oppose any new seawall construction. Instead, we would like to work with the City to find alternative solutions that will restore the site and enable public access to the beach.
Armoring the shoreline with seawalls disrupts natural beach processes changing wave dynamics, accelerating erosion, and impairing juvenile salmon and forage fish habitat.
There is a lot of value in restoring Puget Sound shorelines, not just from restoring salmon populations but also from fostering recreation opportunities that support local businesses and economic development.
We support removing the existing seawall which was constructed without appropriate permits, and restoring the shoreline.
We will hold the City of Port Angeles accountable for any additional shoreline degradation that results from shoreline armoring associated with the landfill
What: Port Angeles City Council Meeting-Landfill Stabilization Options
Where: City Council Chambers, 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
When: Tuesday, March 5th, 6:00 pm
The City Council will be deliberating options for stabilization of the Port Angeles landfill.
We need you to Oppose any new shoreline hardening and to find alternative solutions to further armoring of
the shoreline associated with the landfill.
We need your support to ask the City Council to pull back the municipal garbage associated with the closed landfill cells and put in place a long-term solution to coastal ersosion at the City Landfill.
Please help us encourage them to adopt a long-term solution and prevent further hardening of our shoreline.
This affects not only City residents, but County residents who use the City landfill.
Over the years, the City has been paying for temporary seawalls that damage nearshore habitat and accelerate shoreline erosion. It is time for a long-term solution that restores the habitat and recreation values of the beach, benefitting local businesses and our quality of life.
Please come to the next City Council Meeting and show your support for restoring the Port Angeles City Landfill Shoreline.
Tuesday March 5th
6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
City Hall, 321 East 5th Street
Port Angeles WA 98362
Surfrider Foundation's position on the PA Landfill:
We oppose any new seawall construction. Instead, we would like to work with the City to find alternative solutions that will restore the site and enable public access to the beach.
Armoring the shoreline with seawalls disrupts natural beach processes changing wave dynamics, accelerating erosion, and impairing juvenile salmon and forage fish habitat.
There is a lot of value in restoring Puget Sound shorelines, not just from restoring salmon populations but also from fostering recreation opportunities that support local businesses and economic development.
We support removing the existing seawall which was constructed without appropriate permits, and restoring the shoreline.
We will hold the City of Port Angeles accountable for any additional shoreline degradation that results from shoreline armoring associated with the landfill
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