The idea of compromising the Hood Canal for profit to a “ small group of investors” is ludicrous (“‘Pit-pier’ company challenges state-Navy coastline easement on Hood Canal,” Peninsula Daily News, Aug. 6).
Mr. Dan Baskins, Thorndyke Resources project manager, stated the conservation easement between the State Department of Natural Resources and the Navy will collapse under its own “stupidity.” He also stated that it was a “goofy” way to stop the project. Apparently Mr. Baskins is not concerned of the obvious dangers to our national security this would inevitably produce. To use the words stupid and goofy when referring to our United States Navy is shameful.
Bridgehaven is a small community of 212 homes providing water service for nearly 508 people. It is located on the west side of Hood Canal, roughly two miles north of the proposed 990-foot pier.
Our water system is fed by an aquifer adjacent to the excavation sight. There is no guarantee our aquifer will be safe from contamination, diversion, or puncture resulting from the proposed dig. To put our community in harms way is walking on and over the little guy. Mr. Baskins is so intent on obtaining permits, he will not address the possibility of aquifer disasters.
The Hood Canal bridge is the link for thousands of commuters. The ultimate goal of filling numerous ships and barges daily will have a huge impact on our commuters. Six barges are slated to pass under the east end of the bridge every day.
When this bridge is damaged, there are few options for daily commuters. Not that many years ago it did happen. At the time, the state did have a walk on ferry to relieve some of the pressure, which is no longer possible, because the ferry landing was removed.
The projected 4-mile long conveyor will, in its own right, damage the tranquil area that has existed for thousands of years. The constant sound of the conveyor system and the dumping of the rock into ships and barges will carry across the canal, throughout the entire area.
It is time for all of us to stand up and protect our beautiful canal and stand by our Navy as they protect us 24/7.
Lloyd Schulberg
Bridgehaven Community Club Board
Port Ludlow
