I am sure you all now have some opinion on whether you want to have a huge coal terminal built at Cherry Point with the intention of sending over 48 million tons of coal to Asia per year. The Gateway Pacific Terminal project is now entering the scoping phase, where we now have input in to what the Environmental Impact Study will include.

As of Sept. 24, we have an opportunity and obligation to voice our valid concerns about the impact this project will have locally, nationally and globally. This 120-day phase allows us to write letters (comments@eisgatewaypacificwa.gov) or speak publically about concerns this monumental project.

Whether you live near the tracks, work on the waterfront, have a child with asthma, have a farm along the route, fish in the waters, go to school next to the crossings or have concerns about the narrow shipping route (to name a few), now is the time to ask the project managers to study the effects this coal terminal will have on us.

If we don't ask the questions, they may not study the impacts. Please get involved. For accurate information on this topic, try: coaltrainfacts.org. To get assistance in writing a scoping letter, contact gptscoping@gmail.com. To get involved contact: powerpastcoal.org or protectwhatcom.org.

Amy Glasser

Custer