Published: Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Coal trains
Everett must join fight against plan
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The proposal to build the largest coal export terminal in the U.S. at Cherry Point north of Bellingham should be of concern to Everett citizens.
This new Pacific Gateway Terminal would mean that at least 18 trains, each 1½ miles long will be rumbling through our city every day. The coal trains would pass along Puget Sound through Seattle, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Everett, Marysville, Mount Vernon and finally Bellingham, where the coal would be shipped to China.
Except for Everett, all these cities have had discussions about increased air and noise pollution as well as traffic problems and most have taken strong positions opposing the coal trains. Everett residents will experience that same noise and air pollution, plus increased vibrations along the bluffs. The result would be even more barriers between us and our waterfront with no economic benefit or jobs for our community.
At a time when we are discussing proposals to accommodate new businesses and light industry, along with recreation and living opportunities on our unique waterfront, do we really want to create more obstacles between our city and our waterfront? Surveys show that Everett's citizens value shoreline access, including pedestrian access, as a part of future recreational and economic development of its shorelines. More dirty coal traffic will impede waterfront access and should not be our choice.
For more information, check out coaltrainfacts.org and attend monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Marysville.
Mary Belshaw
Everett
This new Pacific Gateway Terminal would mean that at least 18 trains, each 1½ miles long will be rumbling through our city every day. The coal trains would pass along Puget Sound through Seattle, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Everett, Marysville, Mount Vernon and finally Bellingham, where the coal would be shipped to China.
Except for Everett, all these cities have had discussions about increased air and noise pollution as well as traffic problems and most have taken strong positions opposing the coal trains. Everett residents will experience that same noise and air pollution, plus increased vibrations along the bluffs. The result would be even more barriers between us and our waterfront with no economic benefit or jobs for our community.
At a time when we are discussing proposals to accommodate new businesses and light industry, along with recreation and living opportunities on our unique waterfront, do we really want to create more obstacles between our city and our waterfront? Surveys show that Everett's citizens value shoreline access, including pedestrian access, as a part of future recreational and economic development of its shorelines. More dirty coal traffic will impede waterfront access and should not be our choice.
For more information, check out coaltrainfacts.org and attend monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Marysville.
Mary Belshaw
Everett
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