On March 11, 1998, Friends of Grays Harbor (FOGH) and the Washington Environmental Council reached an agreement with the Department of Corrections, City of Aberdeen and the County of Grays Harbor regarding long standing issues over Corrections' proposal to construct the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in the County of Grays Harbor. The agreement is subject to formal ratification by all appropriate parties.
FOGH expresses its support of the Stafford Creek project, as it has been revised and strengthened environmentally. The agreement results in a better environment to the Grays Harbor estuary, to the citizens of Grays Harbor and to the State of Washington. Through the mediation process, the parties have agreed upon a revision to the original plans for the facility, including a reduction of wetland impacts from 17.4 acres to less than 2.4 acres. The plan also provides for an enhanced wetland mitigation plan along Newskah Creek and SR 105, as well as significant commitments by the City to improve the performance of its wastewater treatment plant.
Pursuant to the agreement, FOGH and the Washington Environmental Council have dropped all opposition to the Corrections project and its necessary permits, with the understanding that state and federal regulatory agencies will continue to provide appropriate review of the revised project. This Agreement is a significant victory for both the economy and the environment of Grays Harbor, as well as for the mission of the Department of Corrections in meeting our State's growing inmate population with the Stafford Creek Corrections Center.
"Friends of Grays Harbor deserves credit for emphasizing important environmental issues to the DOC and regulatory agencies. FOGH's work has helped us to come up with a revised proposal which creates important economic oppuntities for Grays Harbor County without sacrificing the local environment or the County's important aquaculture industry. In fact, with the upcoming improvements to Aberdeen's wastewater facility there will likely be a net environmental benefit from the project."
Kent Nuget, SCCC Project Manager.
"We were pleased that the DOC was willing to listen and work with us to address our environmental concerns. For many years our aquaculture industry has been concerned about the treatment plant. We were excited to learn that the DOC's project will help facilitate much needed improvements to that system. This agreement identifies lasting solutions to some of our central environmental concerns. As a result of this cooperative process, we are satisfied that the interests of environmental quality and public safety can coexist in Grays Harbor County."
Brady Engvall, FOGH Board member.
CONTACT PERSONS:
- Tails Abolins, Assistant Attorney General, for DOC (360) 586-1445
- Knoll Lowney, Attorney, for FOGH (206) 682-5958
- Eric Nelson, City Attorney, for Aberdeen (360) 533-4100
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