A good primer for the GPT EIS scoping meeting this Saturday

Sept. 27, 2012 – Crosscut article by Floyd McKay

In a piece written late last month, Crosscut journalist Floyd McKay wrote about the unique format of the public hearings scheduled around the region in regards to the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal.  The first public hearing will be in Bellingham on Saturday, October 27.  The meeting is scheduled to run between 11-3 at Squalicum High School.

In case you missed it, Floyd writes that:

The public meetings will avoid the traditional agenda-driven process by giving attendees a choice of ways to comment. Ecology spokesman Larry Altose described it to Crosscut: “There are no agendas. Each meeting, which is more like an open house than a formal hearing, will have an information area where people can browse posters and speak with staff. The materials at the meetings will be the same as those on line.On line is like a 24/7 meeting. People who want to give comments at the meetings can do so in writing at key-in stations, orally at small tables, or sign in first-to-sign-first-to-speak in a larger seating area. Representatives from the co-lead agencies will be present to listen in these larger areas. People can come and go during the meeting time. Scoping comments will be posted on the website, promptly, but not live.”

Read the full article online:

http://crosscut.com/2012/09/27/coal-ports/110694/guide-upcoming-coal-port-battle/