Subject: [Tweeters] Request for comments regarding UW artificial turfing
Date: Aug 16 19:17:42 2011
From: Zoe Holbrooks - zholbrooks at gmail.com


This project has the potential to DEVASTATE local bird communities.

Frorm Carol Warrior of the UW NASAA group: I just received a letter
from the Environmental and Land Use Compliance officer at the UW. The
University wants to cover the field just across from Laurel Village
(where I live: north end of Lake Washington near a wetland, teeming
with waterfowl) with the leftover turf from the stadium project. (I
heard a rumor from grounds-keepers that the contractor bought too much
of the artificial grass turf, and there are $$$ and contracts at
stake. Somehow, this project was the solution to some fiscal bind, but
I don't know if that's accurate or any more details).
Hundreds, if not thousands of birds forage directly on the field
when people aren't using it, and there is at least one species that
gathers in the hundreds during cold winter evenings, huddling to keep
warm (I wish I knew what kind of bird, and more about their habits,
but they're not the usual city bird). Additionally, the water flowing
next to the field and into the lake is already horribly polluted. The
SEIS states that this project would probably have significant adverse
impact on the environment, and I think that means the health of Lake
Washington, and if so, it will impact salmon. They invite comments
from agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public, and are
giving us 'til 8/31 to do so.
(Please see text below.) If you have any expertise that would
help present a significant argument against the project, please let me
know. I'm worried that immediate fiscal matters for the University
will speak more loudly than the arguments against it. I would love to
have the input and/or expertise from those of you who are from
Washington State tribes as well, and even though the SEIS is already
recommending against the project, I think it's important to put the
nail in that coffin, so-to-speak.

Thanks and well wishes,

Carol E. Warrior
Senator, Native Seat, UW Graduate and Professional Student Senate
Alutiiq (Koniag Sugpiat)/Dena'ina Athabascan/A'aninin (White Clay-Gros Ventre)

M.A., English Language and Literature
PhD Program / English Department
Instructor / American Indian Studies
University of Washington
Box 354330
Padelford B-5E
Seattle, WA 98195-4330
cevl at uw.edu
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

University of Washington
Determination of Significance
and Request for Comments on Scope of SEIS

Date: August 11, 2011

Project Name: Recreational Sports IMA Field #1 Improvements
Proponent: University of Washington

Description of Proposal: Improvements include installation of
approximately 150,000 square feet of artificial turf, curb, pedestrian
paths and light poles providing night time field illumination and
fencing. The total area disturbed will be approximately 200,000 square
feet.

Location of Proposal: University of Washington Seattle Campus, east
campus, 3200 NE Clark Road. The site is bounded by NE 45th Street on
the north, Mary Gates Memorial Drive and Laurel Village on the east,
Clark Road on the south and University Slough and the Golf Driving
Range on the west. (See
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3200+NE+Clark+Road,+Seattle&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=52.372705,79.013672&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=W+Clark+Rd,+Seattle,+King,+Washington+98105&z=16)

Lead Agency: University of Washington

SEIS Required: The Lead Agency has determined that this proposal has
the potential to have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
A Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS*) will be prepared
pursuant to Chapter RCW 41.21C.030. Materials can be reviewed at the
Capital Projects Office (206) 543-5200.

Scoping: Agencies, affected tribes and members of the public are
invited to comment on the scope of the SEIS. You may comment on
alternatives, mitigation measures, probably significant adverse
impacts, and licenses or other approvals that may be required. Please
provide written comments to the contact person by the date specified.

Comment Deadline: August 31, 2011

Responsible Official:
Richard K. Chapman, Associate Vice President
for Capital Projects
Capital Projects Office
Box 352205
Seattle, WA 98195-2205
(206) 543-5200

Contact Person:
Jan Arntz, Environmental/Land Use Compliance Officer
Capital Projects Office
Box 352205
Seattle, WA 98195-2205
(206) 543-5200