Coal Train: The people and process behind Bellingham's coal port decision
鈥淭he long and winding road . . . that leads to your door.鈥 Paul McCartney鈥檚 road could scarcely be longer and more twisted than the process that rolls forth next week as public comment closes (for the moment) on the controversial proposal to build a giant coal-export terminal north of Bellingham.
The Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT) project has prompted the region鈥檚 most-complex environmental review since public agencies began doing environmental reviews in the 1970s. More than 10,000 comments were logged during the four-month period that closes today (Tuesday) at 5 p.m. In seven public meetings, online and via mail, citizens from across Washington and adjoining states told three public agencies what issues they want studied in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will shape the fate of the huge terminal.