information from Seattle City Council

The Seattle City Council on May 11 unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Port of Seattle to reconsider its lease at Terminal 5 to host Shell Oil’s Arctic drilling rigs. The action also officially put the City of Seattle on record in opposing federal permits and leases relating to Arctic drilling.

“Maintaining a healthy working waterfront and maritime economy are essential for Seattle’s long-term success. But we can achieve that without contributing to the catastrophic and irreversible impacts to our climate that Arctic drilling represents,” said Councilmember Mike O’Brien, the legislation’s sponsor. “I am willing and able to sit down with the Port to identify alternative operations at Terminal 5 that would better serve Puget Sound residents.”

On May 9, the Council and Mayor Murray asked the Department of Planning & Development (DPD) to investigate terms of the Shoreline Master Permit that the City issued the Port in 1996 allowing certain operations to occur at Terminal 5. DPD found that repairing and mooring Shell Oil’s rigs at Terminal 5 was inconsistent with the existing shoreline permit for container operations. Foss Maritime has appealed DPD’s ruling.

The Port of Seattle meets tomorrow to discuss the Terminal 5 lease.