A number of business and industrial groups filed an appeal Dec. 17 to derail the city's plans to complete the missing link of the Burke-Gilman Trail.

On Nov. 26, the Seattle Department of Transportation determined that the completion of the trail will not have a significant impact on the environment and the project could move forward.

Salmon Bay Sand and Gravel, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, Ballard Oil, the Ballard Interbay Northend Manufacturing and Industrial Center, the North Seattle Industrial Coalition and the Seattle Marine Business Coalition are appealing that decision, claiming the transportation department's decision does not comply with the State Environmental Policy Act.

The missing link of the Burke-Gilman Trail is the section between 11th Avenue Northwest and the Ballard Locks, including segments along Shilshole and Ballard Avenue.

According to the appeal, the transportation department's decision does not protect the rights of citizens and businesses to a safe and healthy environment and shows a failure of the department to adequately discuss and analyze the impacts of the trail on businesses.

Areas of concern specified in the appeal include traffic and parking impacts, the impact of the trail on air and water quality, and where liability lies when injuries resulting from the proximity of cyclists and industries occur on the trail.

The city attempted to deal with industrial concerns in part by moving the trail from Shilshole to Ballard Avenue for the segment running from 17th Avenue Northwest to Vernon Place Northwest.

The City Hearing Examiner will review the appeal March 23.

Construction on the missing link is set to begin this spring.

Michael Harthorne may be reached at 206.783.1244 or michaelh@robinsonnews.com.