Mr. Dan Stahl July 29, 2002

Port of Anacortes

P. O. Box 297

Anacortes, WA. 98221

Re: MDNS for T. Bailey Steel Fabrication Facility – March’s Point

We wish to submit these comments on the MDNS for the T. Bailey Steel Fabrication Facility – March’s Point.

March Point Heronry – This is the 2^nd largest heronry in the Western United States, the 2^nd largest heronry in Washington State, of the heronries being monitored this is the fastest growing heronry in Washington State, and uses the most diverse tree species. The location is ideal with close proximity to Padilla Bay and Skagit Valley farmlands. Since there are many unknowns in how the herons will react to the noise, pollution and activity of this type of neighbor we urge the Port to carefully design the site plan with a greater emphasis on the heronry.

There is 600 foot buffer between the storage containers and the heronry on the southeast. There should also be a 600-foot buffer between T. Bailey and the heronry. The office building and road should be located closer to March’s Point Road and far from the heronry. Point Roberts is the largest heronry and the Hearing Examiner required 300 meters buffer for the adjoining golf course.

The noise is of great concern. Large bangs such as are produced by dump trucks and clanging of metal can have disastrous results for the herons. The herons are very sensitive to noise from March through July. The herons are incubating eggs by April and sharp noises can flush them from their nests. The eggs can cool to the point they are not viable in 3 to 5 minutes. May and June are hatching and rearing months. During July the heron chicks are just beginning to fledge so any bangs could cause them to fledge early with disastrous results. The metal building is being insulated with R13 and R19 but an open bay door would negate the beneficial effects of insulation. The most sound reducing insulation should be used. What sounds are produced in the yard area and are these sounds fully considered in the Environmental Noise Study? Please provide a more comprehensive noise study.

The answer to question 11 on the SEPA Environmental Checklist states that initially the site will be used for fabrication of steel wind towers for alternate energy production. What else is might be considered for this site and what is the time frame to implement something else?

The bald eagle is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. A bald eagle was sighted in a tree close to the nest a couple of weeks ago. Please show the specific location of this nest and the protections you are providing.

The Traffic Impact Study seems to only account for arriving and departing work with a few other trips for various reasons. It did not take into account that employees might not eat their lunch at the plant. How would employees arriving and departing for lunch affect traffic?

Please discuss all emissions from the warehouse and yard areas and your proposal to control these emissions.

Monitoring is imperative so any disturbance to the herons can be documented. Please develop a monitoring program using a qualified, independent person. The monitoring program should include a plan to react to any disturbances to the herons including stopping work until the disturbance can be controlled. We believe there are monitoring programs in effect for the heronries at Point Roberts and Birch Bay.

Because of our many concerns with the environmental significance of this site, we believe the Port should require an Environmental Impact Statement.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment.

Lyle A Craner Barbara A Craner