The following public letter was submitted to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission on December 13, 2024. The attached project review by the concerned citizens and organizations, including Protect The Coast PNW, is available here: Review (PDF).
Electronically submitted December 13, 2024 to: commission@dfw.wa.gov
Dear Chair Baker, Vice-chair Ragen, Commissioners, and Director Susewind,
At the October 23-24, 2024 meeting, several of us spoke up about our concern with OPALCO’s proposed marine turbines being sited in Rosario Strait, which is critical habitat for the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs). None of the commissioners were aware of this project even though OPALCO states they have notified the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and we were asked by the commissioners to send more information. Attached is a thorough review of the project, including an assessment of harm to species, the carbon footprint of the project, the actual amount of energy that will be generated, the financial costs, and more.
Our understanding is that the commissioners can direct WDFW to deny a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit. Therefore, we are requesting the commissioners to request a full briefing on the harms these turbines will wreak upon salmon, thus also harming the SRKWs, so that if this project moves to the HPA permitting stage, you will be well informed to make a decision that protects wild salmon and the whales since a HPA ensures that construction is done in a manner that protects fish and their aquatic habitats. Since SRKWs are not fish, WDFW can only deny or approve the permit based on the harm to salmon and other fish species. A thorough briefing from WDFW scientists will help to inform you to make the best decision for the whales and for the salmon.
We also respectfully request that the commissioners work with the Washington State Legislature to revise RCW 77.55 so that you have full authority to deny or approve HPAs for all species, including terrestrial, aquatic, and avian. We find it egregious that these turbines can be sited in critical habitat of a critically endangered species and that the commissioners and WDFW can only deny the permit based on fish species, and not the marine mammals that will be harmed the most.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have and/or to provide more information.
Respectfully,
- Shari Tarantino, Executive Director, Orca Conservancy
- David Bain, PhD, Chief Scientist, Orca Conservancy
- Heather Nicholson, San Juan County, WA resident
- Norris Carlson, Concerned Citizen, San Juan Islands
- Elisabeth Robson, Protect the Coast PNW Campaign
- Teri Wright, Forest/Salmon/Orca Advocate