A press release from the DNR:
OLYMPIA – The following is a statement from Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark on the letter he sent to NW Aggregate today regarding their lease for a gravel mine within the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve.
“It is the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ responsibility to ensure that this lease is carried out in the best interest of Puget Sound and the people of the state. After a thorough review of the lease, I am not confident that NW Aggregate will be able to comply with the lease in a way that is consistent with both the objectives of the aquatic reserve and the clean-up and recovery of Puget Sound. It is not clear how or if NW Aggregate will implement and monitor actions to ensure compliance within the existing lease. I have asked the company to cease operations on the site until these questions are answered,” said Commissioner Goldmark.
To view the letter sent to NW Aggregate visit:
www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/em_nw_%20aggregates_070709.pdf
Washington State’s Aquatic Lands Management
Washington’s 2.6 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands—including the bedlands under Puget Sound and the coast, many beaches, and navigable natural lakes and rivers—are managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a “public trust” for the people of the state. DNR leases aquatic lands to public and private users both for water-dependent uses, such as boat moorage and shellfish cultivation, and for non-water-dependent uses such as restaurants and office buildings.
