Important Burley Lagoon Updates: April 2024
As shared by Friends of Burley Lagoon on 4/10/24:
Dear Burley Lagoon Neighbors and Friends,
As you are likely aware, the Burley Lagoon EIS and Permit hearings were postponed until the end of May. New dates are below.
Mark Your Calendars:
May 21-31 EIS Appeal: An appeal of the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – only preselected witnesses will testify, but all can observe
May 29 Geoduck Site Permit: The reasons Pierce County should not issue a permit for this proposal – public comments needed
These hearings begin at 9am and end at 4pm
Initially the Hearing Examiner will hear our case appealing the decision of Pierce County to allow the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to stand as written. We anticipate it will take several days to present. During that phase we will argue that the EIS itself is inaccurate and was not sufficiently reviewed. Witnesses will be called to testify during this section, but no public comments will be allowed. However, your attendance via Zoom (link below) is welcome and would show broad interest and concern from the public.
Once the Appeal of the EIS is presented, the Hearing Examiner will hear the case for and against granting the Permit for the geoduck project. The Permit Review Hearing will be held on May 29th, and public comments WILL be heard. We need your help! Please plan to attend either in person or virtually and speak up. We need all concerned about preserving and protecting Burley Lagoon to participate!
Zoom: To participate in either of the above hearings virtually,
visit www.Zoom.com and click “join a meeting” or call (253) 215-8782,
then enter meeting ID: 955 1213 2885, Passcode: 183209
or follow this link:
https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/j/95512132885?pwd=ejBhYkk1OS9KcEttRIBURFFvcUdpQT09
Beyond these important events regarding the hearings, we wanted to alert you to a few more things happening in the community.
1) Pierce County is currently reviewing their Comprehensive Plan and in doing so, is considering retracting Purdy from the Urban Growth Area. UGA zoning supports urban infrastructure. Gig Harbor City has already voted to remove it from UGA zoning. Friends of Burley Lagoon have responded supporting the removal as well. Reasoning is listed in the bullets below. If Purdy remains in UGA, the area is open for major housing development.
Map below shows the Purdy area to be removed from UGA (West of Purdy Dr - South of 144th St). To learn more about this issue review the Gig Harbor Now article.
Protection of the Burley Lagoon ecosystem.
Protection of the Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands Watershed (KGI) which affects the entire region.
Preservation and restoration of salmon-spawning streams that would be impacted by urban development.
Retention of remaining tree canopy in the Purdy area to help combat climate change and provide habitat for wildlife.
Protection of school children and residents from increased traffic and the pollution that urban development would bring.
Concerns about the recurring king tide flooding in the Purdy business district and surrounding neighborhood.
Added infrastructure: fire flow, sewer, public water, roads.
Resident concerns about being required to adopt public utilities (water and sewer).
Increased light and noise pollution.
Keeping the rural sense of place in Purdy.
2) Additionally, on Thursday May 16, from 4-6pm at Burley Hall there will be a Burley Lagoon Community Water Quality Meeting hosted by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept. Join us to learn about the most recent test results from Burley Lagoon.
Burley Hall Address: 14853 Burley Avenue SE, Burley, WA 98322
If you have questions, please reach out to our board at the email board@friendsofburleylagoon.org.
Sincerely,
The Friends of Burley Lagoon Board of Directors
Heather, Janey, Lorrie, Claudia, Bob, Wendy, Lisette
