Smelter proposal dragged at scoping meeting

NEWPORT — Hundreds turned out Wednesday for a Washington Department of Ecology scoping hearing on the proposed PacWest silicon smelter, but only two people voiced support for the controversial facility.

The purpose of the hearing is to help guide the department on what impacts should be considered when it draws up an environmental impact statement for the project, a draft version of which is expected in the summer of 2019.

“We want to hear from you about what you want in that study,” said Grant Pfeifer, director of Ecology’s eastern region.

While there was ample testimony on what should be evaluated — everything from potential impacts to air quality and water quality to impacts to wildlife, fish, fauna and transportation infrastructure — a good deal of the remarks were emphatic declarations that a smelter has no place in Newport.

“I believe it’s the wrong thing for this community,” said Jim Chandler, vice chairman of Citizens Against the Newport Silicon Smelter.

Pend Oreille County resident Roberta Buck acknowledged the need for jobs, but she argued that people’s health is more important than money.

“I feel, personally, like the PUD and the state of Washington railroaded this through and no one asked us,” Buck said.

Another speaker wanted the EIS to specifically acknowledge the deep mistrust the public has with Ecology’s handling of the smelter proposal.

“I think what you’re doing is helping PacWest violate the laws of Washington,” said Phyllis Kardos of Responsible Growth Northeast Washington.

Others maintained that too much about the proposal remains unknown, which is preventing the public from providing meaningful remarks.

Darren Holmes, an administrator for the Kootenai Tribe, said too much of the project’s onus is being placed on the public rather than PacWest.

“It’s like trying to hit a moving target,” said Holmes.

Idaho residents, meanwhile, expressed concern that their views will not be given proper consideration even though they stand to face the impacts.

“It seems like we don’t have a voice in Idaho at this point,” said Sagle resident Steve Johnson.

Idaho Rep. Heather Scott, a Blanchard Republican, called for the project to be reviewed under the federal National Environmental Policy Act rather than under Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act.

“That would Idaho a voice in this,” said Scott.

Idaho resident Christy Huling said good paying jobs are so scarce that younger workers have no choice but to look for greener pastures outside of Bonner and Pend Oreille counties.

“I am for the smelter,” Huling said.

A second scoping meeting is being held today at the Priest River Event Center at 6 p.m. The project’s deadline for written comments has also been extended to Oct. 26, Pfiefer informed the crowd.