Posted 12:15 AM, April 13, 2008
Submitted to The Columbian, April 1, 2008
Last November 2007, the Columbian published an article “Tussle Over Trestle”. Local citizen, Ed Swindell, noted that a collapsed creosote laden railroad trestle was probably polluting Burnt Bridge Creek and it should be removed. This initiated finger pointing between Clark County and BNSF Railway over whose mess this was. Neither was inclined to claim property ownership.
In January 2008, another Columbian article, (“Trestle’s ‘habitat’ won’t be removed”) mentioned that property ownership still had not been stablished. The state Dept. of Fish and Wildlife observed that the trestle debris served a positive purpose as fish habitat (assuming that it is not leaching pollutants). The state Dept. of Ecology stated that the trestle does not appear to pose a pollution problem, however, no mention was made if any substantive water or soil tests were conducted to support that claim. Clearly no bureaucracy wanted to be saddled with potential responsibility for clean up.
It is alarming that our local officials are so cavalier about creosote toxins. Creosote is identified as a carcinogen and “contamination of concern” by the Puget Sound Action Team. A single piling is estimated to contain 60 gallons of the nasty stuff. In a Jan. 11, 2008 article, (“Old creosote-covered pilings being removed from Port Angeles Harbor”) , the Peninsula Daily News
reported that studies of herring eggs exposed to creosote in liquid solution have shown up to a 95% mortality rate. This doesn’t sound like an ideal fish habitat to me. In fact Governor Gregoire has launched a major campaign to clean up Puget Sound waterways known as the Puget Sound Initiative. This plan hastens the cleanup of toxic chemicals, restores waterways and salmon habitat and helps replace old septic systems and overflowing sewers. Clearly Governor Gregoire understands the urgency to lessen hazards to wildlife and humans. Why doesn’t Clark County? Recently Clark County has finally been identified as the legal property owner of the trestle. Such confusion is confounding in view of a (March 18, 2008) Columbian editorial, (“Railroad Upgrades”) where Clark County is congratulated for their “gutsy $1.2 million expenditure” consummated twenty one years ago in 1987 for rail corridor, some of which adjoins Burnt Bridge Creek.
Clark County wasn’t even aware of property they owned for the past twelve years. (BNSF donated the trestle property in 1996). Now we are told that Clark County has been hatching a 21 year visionary real estate scheme bordering on genius. I am getting dizzy from such spin.
It appears that funds are pouring in to revitalize a 33 mile stretch of railroad including land that adjoins the collapsed Burnt Bridge Creek trestle. A state transportation grant awarded $1.1 million with a potential additional $8.5 million coming. Clark County is kicking in $110,000. These funds are designated for rail upgrades and an extensive recreational trail system.
It is a well established fact that Burnt Bridge Creek is so tainted from a host of contaminants that it is slated for an upcoming study by the Dept. of Ecology. Burnt Bridge Creek flows into Vancouver Lake which many consider beyond salvation due to its high level of pollution. Nevertheless, citizens are drawn to nature and swim, fish, clam and boat in the water. High school kids launch their crew boats close by. These citizens are being exposed to potential health risks and don’t even know it.
Before money is spent on recreational trails and beautification projects, it should go towards enhancing water quality. What is more beautiful than pure water and its happy inhabitants? What is the point of creating a trail intended to appreciate nature when it looks upon an unsightly and dangerous half submerged dump? How wonderful if Vancouver and Clark County were renowned for their pristine waterways rather than the finger pointing, foot dragging, spin doctoring and squabbling of their officials. Clark County leaders will indeed be considered visionaries if they demonstrate the spirit of stewardship and emphasize water quality beginning with the removal of the defunct trestle.
Leslie Zega
