LUMMI RESERVATION, Wash. — The Lummi Nation has hired a law firm to help in its efforts to stop the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issuing a permit for a coal terminal at Cherry Point.
The Bellingham Herald reported the tribe asked the Corps in January to reject permits for the terminal. They say the almost 3,000-foot dock and 500 ships berthing there each year will interfere with traditional fishing areas.
Lummi Chairman Tim Ballew says there’s a high probability of a lawsuit. He says they want to be prepared so the tribe announced on Thursday that they’ve hired the law firm Dentons.
They made the move after they delivered what they said was their final answer in the back and forth with terminal applicant SSA Marine.
A company spokesman declined to comment on the conflict over the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal.
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