8/23 Carbon superhighway, Cornwall landfill, Fraser poachers, Peninsula restoration, compost odor, algae scum, SnoCo land

Banner by Shaun Hubbard

The cumulative effect of coal and oil export projects proposed on the U.S and Canadian sides of the Salish Sea will turn the area into a carbon superhighway, say environmental groups on both sides of the border. Proposals such as doubling the size of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, which would equate to 400 extra tankers a year, as well as the proposed Fraser Surrey Docks coal terminal expansion and the Gateway Pacific Terminal coal export facility, planned for Cherry Point, Wash., should be considered together rather than in isolation, said members of the Wilderness Committee and Georgia Strait Alliance, who held a town hall meeting at Arbutus Cove Wednesday. The meeting, which had scenic Haro Strait as a backdrop, was held simultaneously with a town-hall meeting on San Juan Island, organized by the Friends of the San Juans, and both groups then shared their concerns through a teleconference. Judith Lavoie reports. Projects threaten to turn Salish Sea into carbon superhighway, groups say

Proposed environmental cleanup strategies for the Cornwall Avenue landfill site are available for public review and comment now through Sept. 20, 2013. The 16-acre site is on Bellingham Bay between Boulevard Park and the former Georgia-Pacific pulp mill. It is a key parcel in city and Port of Bellingham plans for a revitalized waterfront. According to preliminary plans, most of the site eventually would be turned into a new city park with a walkway over the water to Boulevard Park. John Stark reports. Public invited to comment on Cornwall Avenue landfill cleanup

Conservation officials are warning poachers to get their nets out of the Fraser River. This year's disastrous sockeye salmon runs have prompted the closure of all commercial and recreational fisheries. But enforcement officials say they've pulled up dozens of illegal nets and seized several vessels in the last week alone. DFO targets salmon poachers on Fraser River

A $1.2 million restoration of a portion of Discovery Bay and a $261,963 cleanup in the area around the former 3 Crabs Restaurant near Sequim are among 20 projects in 10 counties to receive state funding to bring areas back to their natural states. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is distributing $12 million in state capital funds and federal grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to sponsor undertaking projects aimed at protecting and restoring shorelines around Puget Sound. The combined award in Jefferson and Clallam counties is $2,171,476. A total of $1,909,513 is going to four projects in Jefferson County, with the largest — $1,219,912 — to be used to remove a railroad grade and restore 16 acres of salt marsh and estuary near the Snow and Salmon creeks. State awards funds for habitat restoration in Jefferson, Clallam counties

The Capital Regional District faced both praise and criticism Wednesday for suspending the licence of a Central Saanich composting facility due to odour complaints. The lawyer for Foundation Organics Ltd. called the suspension “counterproductive” and warned that taxpayers could be on the hook for financial harm to the company. But Central Saanich residents, who have complained about strong smells emanating from the property, cheered the decision. Lindssay Kines reports. Compost-facility battle heats up after CRD suspends licence over foul odour http://www.timescolonist.com/news/compost-facility-battle-heats-up-after-crd-suspends-licence-over-foul-odour-1.597278

Algae scum is collecting on the north end of Black Lake, creating a smell but no toxins to date, according to the Thurston County Environmental Health Department. Severe algae bloom has been occurring on Black Lake, according to Sue Davis of the county environmental health division. As a result, algae scum has been pushed to the north end of the lake by wind and is decomposing. The Health Department takes samples weekly, but has not detected any toxins. Regardless, Davis urged those who frequent the lake to avoid swimming in areas where algae scum is on the surface or where there is so much algae in the water that they cannot see their feet while wading. Chelsea Krotzer reports. Black Lake algae scum smelly, nontoxic

A developer wants to build 70 houses on 13 acres now covered with cedar, fir and maple. For years, the neighbors have tried to have the area close to bustling Lynnwood annexed to Meadowdale County Park so it remains in its natural state. In Mukilteo, Stanwood and other cities, there are similar stories — large parcels of undeveloped property in urban-growth areas that are destined for development unless purchased as designated open space or a park. This week, the Snohomish County Conservation Futures advisory council began listening to $34 million in proposals from cities, the nonprofit conservation group Forterra, and the Snohomish County Parks Department, all competing for $25 million in public money. Nancy Bartley reports. Conservation panel hears plans to preserve Snohomish County land

Now, your weekend tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 300 AM PDT FRI AUG 23 2013
TODAY
W WIND 5 TO 15 KT THIS MORNING...BECOMING LIGHT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 3 FT AT 9 SECONDS. A CHANCE OF DRIZZLE THIS MORNING...THEN A CHANCE OF RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON.
TONIGHT
SW WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING SE 10 KT AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 3 FT AT 9 SECONDS. A CHANCE OF RAIN.
SAT
SE WIND TO 10 KT...BECOMING SW IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 1 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 3 FT AT 9 SECONDS. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS.
SAT NIGHT
W WIND 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 3 FT AT 9 SECONDS.
SUN
LIGHT WIND. WIND WAVES LESS THAN 1 FT. W SWELL 3 FT AT 9 SECONDS.

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