EVERETT – Residents living near a proposed barge pier and rail spur for the Boeing Co. are asking federal officials to conduct their own environmental study of the project.
While the state and the Port of Everett promised to build the pier if Boeing decided to assemble the new 7E7 jetliner at its Everett plant, several area residents said Thursday they are worried about environmental effects on the beach and sea life.
“I’ve never seen so much political influence to get a project done,” said David Mascarenas of Mukilteo. “We’ve got to get some protection back for the environment and the citizens of this state.”
He and 14 others – divided for and against the pier – spoke at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hearing in Everett on Thursday. The federal agency has to issue a permit for the pier before the $15.5 million project can be built.
The Port of Everett plans to construct a 250-foot-long rail trestle, a main pier that will be more than 350 feet long and 100 feet wide, and two long, narrow finger piers. The piers would allow Boeing to unload large parts for the 7E7 and other jets made in overseas plants. The parts then would be transported to the Everett plant by rail.
To offset some of the environmental effects, about 11,800 yards of sand and stones would be used to restore part of Edgewater Beach, and eelgrass beds also would be planted, according to the port’s proposal.
The piers would be on the line between Everett and Mukilteo, but residents of the smaller city say they would be more directly affected by noise from both the construction and operation of the piers.
“While we fully support actions to keep Boeing in our state, we can’t fully support actions that will have a significant effect on the public enjoyment of our beaches and on our property values,” said Pat Kessler of Mukilteo.
John Mohr, the port’s executive director, said public access to Edgewater Beach would be improved by the project and other mitigation efforts. He said the location was specially chosen to minimize environmental effects.
Robin Pollard, who leads the state’s effort to help launch the 7E7, called the rail barge piers a “cornerstone” of the state’s $3.2 billion incentive package for Boeing.
“For us, it is vital we move ahead on the proposed pier,” said Snohomish County Labor Council secretary and legislative candidate Mike Sells. He said he believes the port properly considered the environment in designing the project.
Col. Debra Lewis, district engineer with the Army Corps, will consider the public comments on the project and then decide whether a federal permit should be issued and whether a federal environmental impact study is needed.
If allowed, construction of the pier and rail spur would begin in 2005 and be finished in 2006.
Reporter Eric Fetters: 425-339-3453 or fetters@heraldnet.com.
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