UGA Swap policy SEPA Appeal Update

We're discovering that violations of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) are rampant in Thurston County. The purpose of an in-depth environmental review under SEPA is to give the public and elected officials data to make the right decision. But local governments, at least in this county, often do whatever it takes to avoid doing an in-depth environmental review.

The City of Olympia has not done one for over 20 years on any proposed projects. The Port of Olympia also failed to do one on its proposed massive expansion of air traffic. When Thurston County staff failed to do one, we filed an appeal. You can view our appeal here.

We would like to thank all the hard work and joint effort in the appeal contributed by our co-appellants: the Black Hills Audubon Society (especially Betsy Norton and Charlotte Persons) and Gordon White (retired Thurston County planner and Ecology water enforcement specialist). We are hopeful that because of all of us joining forces and clobbering the county's flawed analysis, the DNS (determination of nonsignificance) will die an early death. There are hopeful signs that is happening. Otherwise, attorney Bryan Telegin (who is helping to save the oak tree at the airport), may be able to assist at the hearing. If you are interested in contributing to legal fees if that comes to pass, please let us know.