I believe Gateway Pacific Terminal supporters who'd been convinced GPT's coal would be "totally covered" and have "zero emissions" are stunned to learn that, in fact, GPT's entire 80-acre coal stockpile (5 rows, each row one-half mile long and over 60-feet high) would be uncovered. Coal stockpiles spontaneously combust unless sprayed with water -- lots of water. GPT would use 1.9 billion gallons of water per year. To put that in perspective, GPT would use more water than the entire City of Ferndale; half of what Bellingham uses or one-third the water now used by six industrial and 50 irrigation customers in the Cherry Point area. GPT's heaviest water use would be in summer when the Nooksack flow is lowest. In the future, Ferndale residents' main competitor for water would be GPT. Despite massive amounts of water, I believe millions of pounds of toxic coal dust would escape each year from GPT and blow miles in all directions where many thousands live, come to work and to vacation. I believe GPT coal dust contamination of air, water and land resources would imperil thousands of existing jobs in agriculture, commercial fishing and tourism. GPT would be one mile from BP Refinery. I believe coal dust on BP's sensors, gauges, valves, etc. would increase risk to BP operations and 850 BP employees. I believe that individuals will make the best decisions for themselves, their families and their community when they know all the facts and impacts of the proposed GPT.

Paula Rotondi

Blaine