Northstar Chemical's Old Problems Feed New Worries

Editor's note: This is the second in a three-part series examining Nothstar Chemical Inc. attempt  to build a chemical storage plant in Sumner. In, we looked at the project's history and the looming fight. Read here.

When Northstar pitched the idea of converting a yeast plant into a chemical storage and transfer facility, it cited its strong record for safety. 

And public records request to the Department of Ecology, for the most part, corroborate the company's claims. In the 60 pages of government documents relating to Northstar, there are no documented fines and little else critical about Northstar-run properties.

Except for the reports dated March 26, 2008.

On that date, an inspection at the Tacoma tideflats plant showed several violations of the state’s Dangerous Waste Regulations. State regulators send an Immediate Action letter and threatened penalties if the problems weren’t fixed.

Among the findings:

-  Inspectors found leaks in the containment pad and in some pipes.

-  Fire department experts raised concerns about the storage and potential tipping of 55-gallon plastic drums that spew a mixture of hazardous materials into the air.

-  Inspectors concluded that significant risk to human health and environment if “incompatible materials could come in contact.”

Northstar, it should be noted, fixed the problems without incident. But for environmentalists, fears continue to ripple: What if similar violations went undetected in Sumner? What might be the effects?

For the current project, the draft report studied air quality, geology, soil and water resources, vegetation and wildlife, transportation, land use, noise, aesthetics, cultural resources, public services and utilities, among other things.

Potential problems in each of those areas would be mitigated by Northstar.

For example, the draft report says residents’ exposure, in case of a spill, would be limited by a chemical containment system. Other measures include an on-site containment team and misting sprays to capture and neutralize vapors.

Sara de Soto Hoime, part of a local opposition group, wonders if it is enough.

She said if an earthquake happens, like the 7.1 magnitude one in 1949, “liquefaction” would occur, with the land “turning to Jell-O.” The tanks could collapse and release poisonous gas.

In 2006, citizens formed the nonprofit Citizens Against Toxic Chemical Hazards, or CATCH, allowing them to raise legal expenses and to protect themselves from personal liability. Those against the plant continue the fight today, looking for any potential problems that could develop.

Member Kathy Hammond has created an online video for their cause, and Dale Loseth came up with the catchy slogan, “Thanks but NO TANKS.”

Hoime, who lives hear the proposed project, said all of the opponents have a goal. “We are not just little nuisances. We teach others that we do have a voice. It’s not just a done deal if they mitigate,” she said.

But it remains unclear what the opponents or the city council can do. The SEPA process is designed to remove politics from such decisions -- in an effort to rule on pure science. In other words, public fears cannot be measured in parts per million and so can't be counted.

Even so, Hoime said hundreds of locals have signed a petition against the plant so city leaders “know how we feel.”

Sumner City Councilman Randy Hynek said it’s frustrating that the City Council doesn’t have a say in this decision, although he added that he knows the SEPA process is set up to be fair, unbiased and not influenced by politics.

But, Northstar opponents say, what politics and publicity can’t accomplish, the courts sometimes can. 

On Wednesday, Part 3: If the project is appoved, will it head to the courts? Can a compromise be reached?