The undersigned request King County deny the Enumclaw Recycle Center Application, or in the alternative require a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as specifically outlined on this document.

The ERC Application fails to adequately address multiple potential adverse impacts as required by Washington State Environmental Protection Act. Those impacts pose a potential permanent threat to adjacent natural resources, wildlife habitat and residential communities. An Environmental Impact Statement is necessary to provide opportunities for the public, and the local, state and federal agencies, and tribal governments to participate in developing and analyzing information relating to the Application. This process will identify the Application’s adverse environmental impacts, reasonable alternatives and possible mitigation measures.

Petition to King County for Denial of Application or Demand of Environmental Impact Statement for Enumclaw Recycle Center (ERC)

Whereas, Ronald Shear and Ronda Sterly (collectively "Applicants"), submitted one or more applications and related studies identified as GRDE17-0075 ("Application") with King County to establish Enumclaw Recycling Center ("ERC") on real property identified by King County Assessor Parcel Nos. 3621069004, 3621069013, and 362106901 (collectively, the "Property").

Whereas, the Application states that the Property is designated Rural Area under currently applicable codes, and is located adjacent to residential and open space properties.

Whereas, the Application describes proposed operations on the Property involving storage and processing of land clearing debris, and estimates approximately 164 daily trips to the Property in relation to the proposed operations, which represents a significant increase in traffic.

Whereas, the proposed ERC operations pose a potential permanent threat to adjacent natural resources, wildlife habitat, residential communities, and natural resources, and the Application fails to adequately address the potential adverse impacts.

Whereas, one or both of the Applicants previously operated other similar operations in King or Pierce Counties that are believed to have resulted in extensive litigation and significant environmental contamination, including the creation of a Level 4 Hazard site in Pierce County. Recently at the Property there has been clearing and grading activity by the Applicants, with no permit approval or authorization from King County.

Whereas, the Washington State Environmental Protection Act ("SEPA") was enacted to ensure environmental values are considered during decision-making by state and local agencies. When SEPA was adopted, the legislature identified four primary purposes: (1) To declare a state policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment; (2) to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere; (3) to stimulate the health and welfare of man; and (4) to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the state and nation."  See RCW 43.21.010.

Whereas, SEPA Rules direct government agencies considering issuing development permits or taking other identified actions to: (1) Consider environmental information (impacts, alternatives, and mitigation) before committing to a particular course of action; (2) Identify and evaluate probable impacts, alternatives and mitigation measures, emphasizing important environmental impacts and alternatives (including cumulative, short-term, long-term, direct and indirect impacts); (3) Encourage public involvement in decisions; (4) Prepare environmental documents that are concise, clear, and to the point; (5) Integrate SEPA with existing agency planning and licensing procedures, so that the procedures run concurrently rather than consecutively; and (6) Integrate SEPA with agency activities at the earliest possible time to ensure that planning and decisions reflect environmental values, to avoid delays later in the process, and seek to resolve potential problems.

Whereas, the Growth Management Act works in concert with SEPA and requires counties and cities to work together to manage population, housing, and job growth, preserve the environment, and protect farm and forest land.

Whereas, the protection of the unique environment along the Green River and Bass Lake Complex in SE King County is essential to maintain the health and natural condition of this scarce, undeveloped habitat in King County.

Whereas, an Environmental Impact Statement prepared in accordance with SEPA would provide opportunities for the public, and the local, state and federal agencies, and tribal governments to participate in developing and analyzing information relating to the Application. This process will help identify the Application's significant adverse environmental impacts, reasonable alternatives, and possible mitigation measures.

Be it Resolved,
The signers of this document request King County deny the above described Application, or in the alternative require a full Environmental Impact Statement of the proposed Enumclaw Recycle Center, pursuant to the provisions of SEPA.