Regarding a Jan. 31 Seattle Times article, “Gravel yard warns Snohomish County school to stop speaking out; or else,” a non-permitted mining company and gravel yard is making so much noise and dust that it is interfering with the health and learning of the Mukilteo School District’s Fairmount Elementary school kids next door. What’s more, the mining company hired lawyers to send a “cease and desist” letter to school staff just for wanting an environment conducive to their students’ learning. Furthermore, Snohomish County is allowing this non-permitted operation to continue.
For too long, Snohomish County has prioritized developer and corporate profits at the expense of its citizens and the environment. But this is egregiously unacceptable. Since when should a non-permitted business be allowed to interfere with the health and education of public school kids?
Mountain Loop Mine is bullying a school community that has been there longer than the gravel yard. I’m sure that the mine company is betting that they can afford more lawyers than the school district.
Snohomish County claims that the company was in the process of applying for a permit. That means they don’t have a permit, and therefore should not be operating. The county needs to send a “cease and desist” letter to Mountain Loop Mine and shut down their disruptive operation now. County leaders must show their citizens that they actually prioritize the well-being of their citizens, especially kids, and they need to prove they are not in the pockets of big business.
We’re watching and waiting.
Julie Buetow
Edmonds
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
