4/24 Toxic fish rules, BC coal, beach testing, Oly isthmus, Esquimalt crash

Pacific salmon (Diane Worth/Flickr)

Entering her final year in office, former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire found herself in a difficult spot: Indian tribes, powerful supporters of the governor, wanted stricter water pollution rules. Why? Because the current regulations mean tribal members, along with sport fishermen and some other Washington residents, regularly consume dangerous amounts of toxic chemicals in fish from local waterways. But Gregoire’s supporters in the aerospace industry—spearheaded by The Boeing Co.—were dead set against tightening the rules. The Washington State Department of Ecology pushed mightily to strengthen the pollution limits before Gregoire left office, successfully outmaneuvering Republican legislators, only to see the plans dashed one day after a high-level meeting between the former governor and former Boeing Executive Vice President Jim Albaugh, according to newly released government records. Robert McClure and Olivia Henry report. How Boeing, allies torpedoed state’s rules on toxic fish  

Port Metro Vancouver, which has come under fire for approving a $200-million coal terminal expansion in North Vancouver three months ago, is now facing criticism over a proposed new $15-million coal-handling facility for the Fraser River in Surrey. It says open houses will be held in May to hear questions about the Surrey proposal. The details of the open houses have not been worked out, but the plan is for project proponent Surrey Fraser Docks, BNSF rail line and Port Metro Vancouver to be on hand to answer questions. Gordon Hoekstra reports.  Surrey coal-handling project to get more public scrutiny: Port Metro Vancouver

Popular saltwater beaches across the state soon will be tested for bacteria to prevent illness caused by contact with fecal-contaminated water. The Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health program will begin testing at 62 publicly accessible beaches on May 20. The program is federally funded and organized at the state level by Ecology and the Department of Health. Testing by local partners — health agencies, tribal nations, university coordinators, nonprofit groups and volunteers — will continue through September. Mark Stayton reports. Bacteria testing to begin at local beach, boat launch

In a surprise vote, the Olympia City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to pay an estimated $3.3 million to buy two properties on the downtown isthmus, an area that was the site of a controversial proposal to build two upscale condominium buildings. The move, which would allow for a new park, came suddenly; the item was a late addition to the council’s agenda. City staff earlier reached a tentative purchase and sale agreement with Capital Shores Investments for the properties at 505 and 529 Fourth Ave. E., which total 2.3 acres. The proposed price is $3.1 million, plus past and current property taxes, for a full estimated price of $3.3 million. Capital Shores had already signed the agreement, but the council’s vote was necessary to push it forward. All council members attending Tuesday’s meeting voted for it. Council members Karen Rogers and Steve Langer were absent. Matt Bacheldor reports. Olympia council votes to buy isthmus properties for $3.3 million

The American Seafood Company vessel American Dynasty collided with the docked HMCS Winnipeg which has just undergone a massive refit and upgrade in Esquimalt, B.C., Tuesday. The trawler spent most of Tuesday with its bow crumpled into the side of the Canadian warship, but the vessels were finally separated late in the day. The 90-metre trawler was being towed by tug boats when it broke away and hit Winnipeg, which was docked and undergoing a systems upgrade. U.S. fishing trawler and Canadian navy frigate finally separated after collision in B.C.

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 300 AM PDT WED APR 24 2013
TODAY
E WIND 5 TO 15 KT...BECOMING SW IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 2 FT AT 10 SECONDS.
TONIGHT
SW WIND 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 2 FT AT 10 SECONDS.

--
"Salish Sea News & Weather" is compiled as a community service by Mike Sato. To subscribe, send your name and email to msato@salishseacom.com. Your email information is never shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Salish Sea News: Communicate, Educate, Advocate

Follow on Twitter.

Salish Sea Communications: Truth Well Told