Seattle sued over oil fleet

The terminal, which is designated as a cargo terminal under the port’s long-range plans and shoreline permit, would be converted to a homeport for Shell’s Arctic drilling fleet. The lease would allow Shell’s drill ships to be housed at the port, including Noble Discoverer, which has been the subject of eight convictions and over US$12m in fines, including for discharging oil-contaminated water in violation of water pollution laws.

Earthjustice, the lawyer group filing the lawsuit on behalf of environmental groups, says the Port of Seattle carried out the lease negotiations in “secret” and only revealed the plans to the public after it was a done deal.

“By making a secret deal to house Shell’s Arctic drilling fleet in Seattle, the Port shut out the public and subverted laws that are designed to foster an informed public assessment of controversial proposals like this one,” said Patti Goldman, managing attorney, Earthjustice.

“Shell’s race to drill in the Arctic has been dirty business and now battered vessels that have leaked oily water are being welcomed into our city,” he added.

In addition, the lawsuit charges that the port “circumvented environmental laws and open debate” over the use of the terminal.

Perry Cooper, a spokesperson for the Port of Seattle, told GreenPort: “Through careful review, the Port of Seattle believes it has complied with all necessary environmental requirements with regard to Foss Maritime’s interim use of Terminal 5. We are committed to fully comply with any/all requirements and regulations.”

“In addition, we have received a shoreline substantial development permit exemption from the City of Seattle for this use,” he added.

The lawsuit has been filed by Earthjustice on behalf of Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, The Sierra Club, Washington Environmental Council, and Seattle Audubon Society.

“Many migratory and breeding bird species that are already in decline call our waters home and are at great risk from oil and other pollutants,” said Susan North, conservation manager, Seattle Audubon.

“We are extremely concerned about the potential for oil and chemical pollution of the Salish Sea due to transit, transport, berthing, and maintenance of weathered, damaged, and contaminated oil industry vessels and equipment in our waters,” she concluded.

Citing both the environmental impacts of leaking oil and repairing damaged vessels and lack of public process, the groups have asked the Port Commissioners to block the lease, urging the port to find a new tenant that creates “high-quality, sustainable jobs that reflect the community’s values”, further specifying the need for a “full vetting and public process”.