The recent formal comments meeting held at Mount Si High with regards to Cadman’s proposed Grouse Ridge Gravel operation seems to be indicative of a common point of view lately. I wouldn’t call

it “NIMBYism,” but rather subjective furor with little objective criticism included.

Listening to the tapes, it was very apparent that there were many

concerned residents fuming over the proposal. The speakers had a tough

time holding back their obvious emotion, and I would have to admit, it would

be tough for me to hold back, as well. But I hate to say it, not one development

of any kind has been stopped in King County on subjective emotion alone.

To steer a project this size requires something I always hated, lots of homework.

In reading through the DEIS, which by the way, is one of the most

confusing documents of this type I have ever read, there are several key areas

that come to mind and require further study by concerned citizens and members

of the Cascade Gateway foundation. Look at the number of wells that may

be impacted, look at the amount of increased groundwater runoff, look at

impacts to flow levels on the South and Middle Forks of the Snoqualmie

River. (Flood concerns can raise a whole army of concerned citizens). Would

potential slope instability make the Alternative 4 option less intrusive? All of

these kinds of questions will go a lot farther than the heated comments about

home prices, the aquifer or truck traffic.

I, too, have concerns about the project, and you can bet, as I muddle

my way through the DEIS, many more questions will appear in this

newspapers Editorial section. I urge you all to do the same so that a project of this

magnitude can be altered to make it more acceptable to a larger group of residents.

Jim McKiernan