The Problem: Ferrous metal, to be recycled abroad, is being stored at the Log Pond near the Port of Bellingham’s Shipping Terminal. The metal is moved and loaded onto ships between the hours of 7 am until 3 am, creating stressful sounds of crashing metal and beeping. The metal piles release plumes of dust toward the Waterfront development and Bellingham Bay. Although ‘technically’ in line with the Port’s plans of a ‘working waterfront’, the Metal Pile is an experience unimagined by the community, not widely discussed, and not in line with the goals of the developing Waterfront.
The Solution: The activity of recyclable metal storage falls under a Bellingham Municipal Code (20.37.420 & 20.16.020) that requires the enclosure of the metal pile, stopping work by 7 pm, and proof by the metal owner that the material does not include or create hazardous waste.
Signed: We, the undersigned, do not approve of the current situation at the Log Pond, of the metal recycling storage and late night ship loading. We call on the Port of Bellingham, and ABC Recycling to enclose the metal piles to mitigate noise, air, and water pollution. We also request that if the sorting or loading noise permeates surrounding residential areas, work is to cease after 7 pm.