Public Comment Period Opens Over Coal-Shipping Terminal

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Now's your chance to tell public officials what you think should be covered in the environmental review of the proposed coal-shipping terminal at Cherry Point.

A 120-day public comment period on the scope of an environmental impact statement for the Gateway Pacific Terminal begins Monday.

Tyler Schroeder with the Whatcom County Planning Department says the lead agencies want people to submit specific ideas on what the EIS should study.

A draft EIS may take at least a year to prepare.

People can comment online at www.eisgatewaypacificwa.gov.

The agencies will also hold public meetings in Bellingham and Ferndale where you can submit comments and learn more about the project.

Public meetings will be held in Bellingham October 27, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Squalicum High School, 3773 East McLeod road; and in Ferndale November. 29, 3 - 7 p.m. at the Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road.