April 13, 2006

By JENNIFER GORE
Contributing Writer

For the 25,000 commuters who ride the Seattle ferry daily, the $225 million remodel of the Colman Dock slated to begin this spring means an increase in safety and comfort during their travel. And they’re not the only ones with a potential to benefit from the project.

According to Heather Trim, urban bays coordinator for the People for Puget Sound, between two and 12 million juvenile salmon migrate through the corridor near Terminal 48 every year. With environmentally sound planning incorporated into their remodel, the Washington State Department of Transportation could enhance the marine habitat along the waterfront.

“ The central waterfront is the most suitable area to create a habitat because the water is shallowest there,” says Trim, adding that the biggest threat to juvenile salmon is large predators that hide in darkened water. By creating what she terms a “fish swimway,” wherein the pier is pushed back and connected to the dock by a grated roadway, the increase in sunlight would provide a better opportunity for salmon survival.

“ Overwater coverage is creating environmental problems because you’re shading out habitat,” says Trim. According to her, salmon steer clear of shadowed areas because it takes their eyes nine to 15 minutes to adapt to the dark. Her hope is that the current overwater coverage of the pier would be modified, not expanded.

“ In talking with the staff so far, we have definitely felt that they are willing to be environmentally active,” says Trim.

Hadley Green, customer and community relations director for Washington State Ferries, confirms that the WSDOT is indeed working to create an environmentally friendly facility that not only protects the marine life but is also constructed to “green building standards.”

Part of their environmental endeavors includes replacing over 2,000 creosote-treated timber pilings under the north trestle with concrete and steel structures, which will reduce contamination of marine life.

However, according to Green, the $225 million only covers a basic upgrade of the terminal. In order to incorporate additional eco-friendly amenities to the project, WSDOT must generate further funds.

The creation of a commercial multi-use facility along with the remodel of the dock may provide the answer. According to Green, associated development will allow WSDOT to stabilize fares for passengers and to generate revenue for an eco-friendly facility. While there are no specific plans on the drawing board, Green states that all money generated from any commercial development would be put back into the ferry terminal.

“ Our business is ferries and creating safe, reliable transportation, but if we could do more down there, then we will,” she says.

Trim agrees with the creation of a multi-use facility so long as it does not include further overwater coverage along the shoreline. A large multi-story building at the edge of the waterfront might increase shadowing, says Trim, adding that there is also a concern with the non-marine use of a building that close to the waterfront.

WSDOT is aware of some of these potential problems with development along the pier. Concerns over building use and the legality of collecting revenue from commercial facilities will be addressed as the initial scoping period begins.

“ Right now we don’t have any specific layout; we’re looking at all different possibilities,” says Green. WSDOT is working on generating a dialogue among community members about their goals for the ferry terminal, she says.

“ This is the time for public and state agencies to comment and give us ideas, alternatives, and strategies for the project,” says Green, stating that a community advisory group will be created to oversee the process.

Green urges community members to attend the public open houses. “We have had a discussion with public groups like the People for Puget Sound,” she says, “but we want to hear from the commuters.”

“ We do see the redevelopment as an opportunity to create environmentally sustainable practices,” says Trim. “We are optimistic that they are going to do a great job that will reinvigorate the rest of the waterfront.” n