Call for a complete cleanup of the Rayonier mill site

At the public meeting earlier in July, I provided written comments to the Department of Ecology regarding the Rayonier Mill Cleanup. Here is what I told Ecology:

Ecology has a remarkable opportunity to “renature” the Port Angeles waterfront. I worked for Ecology for over 30 years as an environmental engineer, mostly in EAP. I moved here several years ago. Almost immediately, I discovered the Olympic Discovery Trail and adopted a section as a volunteer steward. As such, I ride my bicycle through this area regularly. 

It is a remarkable area with so much potential  to restore its natural capital and environmental services. It has cultural importance – the former location of a Native American village. It has importance as the mouth of Ennis Creek, the most important salmon stream between the Elwha River and Morse Creek. It has waterfront and nearshore marine habitat or priceless value. 

I call this “renaturing” because we have an opportunity to create a magnificent natural area. This would be an investment in our community. It also represents this area’s shift from a mill economy to a tourist and retirement economy. I’m sure I speak for my son and his wife, their children, and many other local businesses and residents. We need the best cleanup possible. Ecology should require the highest level of restoration.  Rayonier can afford it. The community and our environment need it. Leave no toxic materials on the site. Complete removal is necessary. Do this for us, and for future generations.

It is critical that all of us in the Port Angeles community comment on the cleanup of the Rayonier Mill site. Ecology is accepting comments until August 12th. You can learn more here: Ecology's Port Angeles Rayonier Mill webpage. Also, read my blog Re-naturing our waterfront – the Rayonier clean-up.




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