Public Forum Planned To Discuss Rayonier Plant Closure Activities

Washington State Department of Ecology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 1997

97-153

CONTACT: Dolores Mitchell (360) 407-6057
Laurie Davies (360) 407- 6381
Chris Hempleman (360) 407-7229

Public Forum Planned To Discuss Rayonier Plant Closure Activities

Olympia, WA - Anyone interested in the demolition activities at the Rayonier pulp and paper mill is invited to attend a public forum on September 23, 1997 at the Vern Burton Community Center, 321 East 5th St. in Port Angeles. The forum will begin with an open house at 3:00 p.m., followed by a short presentation and public discussion at 7:00 p.m.

We're joining together with others to host this forum so that people interested in the closure and demolition of the mill can learn about the various activities taking place and so that we can learn how they would like to be involved in the activities,- said Sue Mauermann, regional director of the Department of Ecology's Southwest Regional Office.

Mauermann said the forum will cover:

How and when demolition and disposal of mill structures and cleanup of the mill site will happen;
Which agency oversees each action;
The process for evaluating potential hazards;
Potential health risks from known or expected contaminants;
How to stay informed about site activities and public involvement opportunities.

The forum is co-sponsored by the City of Port Angeles, Clallam County, Elwha Klallam Tribe, Olympic Environmental Council, Port of Port Angeles, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Ecology and Rayonier.

The forum begins with an open house at 3:00 p.m. where representatives from the responsible agencies and involved citizen organizations will be on hand to talk with people one-on-one. A short presentation and public discussion of key issues will follow at 7:00 p.m.