Anonymous

I am in favor of enacting the proposed rule which establishes a Regulated Navigation Area in Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. By disallowing ships from engaging in activities that could disrupt the integrity of the sediment cap in place in the contaminated area, we ensure that the cap can continue to function as intended by the EPA to keep the industrial pollutants in the seabed from being released into the bay. The benefits of such a rule include ensuring the sediment cap remains in place undisturbed, protecting the cleanup effort made by the EPA and protecting Elliott Bay from the industrial pollutants in the seabed. The sealing of the remaining pollutants in the sediment with the cap was an important step in curbing pollution in this heavily used waterway, which is used by both private industry and the public. This could help to protect the sea creatures that live in Elliott Bay as well as the humans that work and live near the bay from becoming exposed to the toxic byproducts leftover from decades of manufacturing and industry. The possible negative impacts of this rule would fall upon a very small portion of business or the public; those who operate vessels that would trawl, dredge, anchor or in any way disturb the seabed. The rule would not affect travel, recreation or the fishing rights of the Native American tribes of the area. In fact the success of this rule in conjunction with the success of the EPA's sediment cap could improve the conditions of the underwater ecosystem and the quality of the water in Elliott Bay and the entire Puget Sound, which could possibly improve conditions for recreational activities, including the fishing rights promised to the Native American tribes of the area. As the rule would not heavily affect business or the public, while aiming to protect and maintain the environment, there seems to be little reason to oppose such a rule.