The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed the Lower Duwamish River--a five-mile stretch through South Seattle--as a federal Superfund site in 2001. The Superfund List is a roster of the most contaminated sites in the country.  The key issues of the Lower Duwamish include:

·         The Duwamish sediments contain a “toxic stew” of industrial carcinogens like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); oil and other hydrocarbons; mercury, lead, and other heavy metals; dioxin; pesticides; arsenic; and even raw sewage.

·         PCBs are found in nearly all salmon in the River.

·         Many of these pollutants have the potential to pose serious health risks by building up in the tissues of fish and shellfish, and passing through the food chain to eagles, seals, orcas, and people. People who regularly eat fish and crab from the River are at the greatest risk through their diet. Concentrated toxins also occur in some Duwamish river-bottom mud and people should avoid daily contact.

While thousands of salmon still return to the river and restoration efforts are slowly rebuilding pockets of habitat, historical and ongoing pollution threatens a full recovery. Because of the serious health concerns, the EPA is requiring extensive studies of the risks to people, fish and wildlife and will require the major contributors to the pollution to pay for its clean up.

In 2008-2009, The Duwamish Vision was created with input from over 500 diverse Duwamish Valley stakeholders, who are residents, workers, and visitors. The Duwamish Vision identifies future hopes, concerns, and ideas for making the River healthier for people and the environment.  Come hear our guest speaker discuss its many aspects.

Guest Speaker: 

Join us to hear James Rasmussen, Coordinator of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition / Technical Advisory Group (http://www.duwamishcleanup.org/) and a founding member of DRCC, speak to issues of:

·         A history of the river and a description of the magnitude of the ecological destruction there, and why it occurred;

·         How the clean-up process has gone, where we are at, what we have left to do, and what our likely obstacles are going forward;

·         How we, as individuals, can get involved;

·         An update of the Duwamish Tribe, including their leadership in the clean-up efforts.

James has had a long background with environmental work on the River.  He is a member of the Duwamish Tribe and has served on the tribal council for 25 years.  He is the past president of The Green Duwamish Watershed Alliance and founding member of WRIA #9 that oversees all aspects of Listing of Coho Salmon and putting together the WRIA #9 habitat plan.

Come join us for what should be a very important and interesting evening!!!

About InspireSeattle:

InspireSeattle is a progressive network of Seattle-area people sharing ideas and supporting action.  InspireSeattle's vision is to create connection throughout our community and better community through activism.  InspireSeattle's mission is to provide a fun, supportive gathering for people who care deeply about our community, our country and our planet. We embrace progressive policies that improve our society and protect our environment.  We discuss current issues, share ideas and activism efforts while striving to inspire additional action.  Subscribe (or unsubscribe) to InspireSeattle by visiting www.inspireseattle.org/contact.html

When:  Saturday 6:30pm, February 25, 2012.

Where:  The address will be emailed to you when you join InspireSeattle.

Format 

It's a potluck:  so please help out and bring something to eat and to drink!

6:30 to 7:45:  Social time!  Eat, drink, relax, and catch up with some other local progressives

Formal discussion, 7:45 to 9:30

Official Welcome and Rules of Engagement! Thank you for coming out!

Guest Speakers!

Sharing of Activism Efforts by Folks in Our Group please share with us your actions!

Activism Opportunities for the Next Month what ideas can you share?

Book Club Quick status of Book Club activities

Other Announcements got any?

Plan for Next Event

Rules of Engagement!

1.  So that everyone has a chance to participate, please keep your comments short

2.  Raise one's hand to ask a question in lieu of shouting out

3.  Respect the points of views of others

4.  No arguing of politics during the formal discussion, save that for afterwards!