by Kirk Kirkland
We have had huge success in our fundraising effort to stop the CalPortland gravel mine’s expansion from impacting our aquifer. We were quoted $15,000 for an attorney to represent us at the first hearings. Roughly fifty people have stepped forward, many giving small gifts.
Now we have contributions of $11,300 — enough to get us to the county court review. Many of the donations are from community leaders who had hoped for a group to step forward and bring justice after the Hearing Examiner made his decision..
While the Audubon Society and Nisqually Delta Association made the initial appeal 30 years ago, they were no longer able to carry the case forward, leaving it to the Clover Creek Restoration Alliance. This was daunting for our small team, but we wanted to ensure that we had done everything possible to stop this gravel mine from dewatering the creek.
We had no idea how much the community would support us.
An important thing to know is that we are not stopping the mine or taking away jobs for mine workers. We are stopping the mine from doing illegal environmental damage to Sequalitchew Creek. We plan to show the judge that CalPortland has no short term restoration plan for the creek nor a long term restoration plan when the pumps are turned off and the aquifer is drained.
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires no net loss of creek functions. The mining expansion and dewatering, combined with current impacts from climate change, will lead to a long term loss of creek water flows and turn wetlands to muddy fields.
Sadly even if we win in the County Court, we are bracing ourselves to appeal at the State Court of Appeals. CalPortland will be hoping to win by draining our time and money.
Fortunately, at our pace of our fundraising, the community has spoken. These donations are coming from around the county–from hikers wanting to protect their favorite shady trail, to DuPont residents who want to continue enjoying nature nearby with their children, to the birders who understand the special habitats found in DuPont.
Can we win at Appeals Court too?
This appeal is based on the letter of the law. At this stage, there are no longer witnesses interpreting the law. Our argument rests on the silence and stagnation that will result when CalPortland turns off their temporary pumps. State law requires restoration that compensates for the permanent net loss of the forests, the creek and the wetlands.
You can support this appeal in many ways. On September 17 at 6 PM, come meet the team working on this appeal at The Hive Market in downtown Dupont. [and meet your neighbors and people from around the county who care about Sequalitchew Creek.
Here’s how you can help.:
[1] Save the date: Get involved with us. Come celebrate our successful summer fundraising campaign, on September 17, at 6 pm at the Hive Market on 1495 Wilmington Dr #160, DuPont, WA
[2] Secure Online Donation Portal: https://clovercreekra.com/engage-advocate/how-to-save-sequalitchew-creek/
[3] Action Updates & Neighbor Stories Registration: https://clovercreekra.com/engage-advocate/
[4] Quick-Scan QR Code: