Now is the time for citizen input on the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point. We only have until Jan. 21, 2013 to voice any concerns we have. After that date the public will no longer have input into what topics will be studied for the draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Whether it is the adverse effects of coal dust, the public costs of upgrading tracks and railroad crossings, delays at rail crossings, health effects of train diesel particulates, the possibility of mudslides and hence unstable tracks, the already depleted herring stock at Cherry Point, or the effect of vessels and accidents on the marine life in the Salish Sea, we need to address the significant impacts that we want studied, or "scoped."

Letters, emailed to: comments@eisgatewaypacificwa.gov, should be limited to one concern a letter. You may write several letters. The purpose is not to state an opinion but rather to request that the lead agencies research your concern. It is recommended you state how the impact relates directly to you, if possible.

You don't have to be an expert to contribute your ideas. The agencies need to know what, if anything, you consider adverse impacts from the mining of coal in Wyoming, the transport of it by rail to Cherry Point, the storage of it at Cherry Point, to the shipping of it across the Pacific Ocean. If you have any concerns at all, voice them now.

Kristin Barber

Bellingham