Editor,
While being a relatively recent addition to Whidbey Island, I have come to love and respect the many bright, caring, creative and passionate people this unique island seems to attract. What I can’t understand is the vitriol that surrounds the issue of the Navy and community it is a part of. Nor can I understand the sarcastic personal attacks on people who are pointing out facts and expressing opinions on what those facts mean.
Case in point is the response to the letter to the editor by Maryon Attwood, who expressed her displeasure regarding the Navy’s plan to increase its presence at Ault Field by 36 Growlers and increase flight operations at OLF from a baseline of 6,100 per year to 35,100 under the option that “impacts the fewest people.”
Ms. Attwood correctly stated simple facts using Christmastime metaphors, but received quite slanted responses for her efforts from Jim Pace and Robert Schoening.
Fact one being disputed: Coupeville water is contaminated.
“Contaminated” is technically correct since the water contains substances that aren’t desirable at any level. While not rising to the EPA’s advisory level of 70 ppt, the test results showed the presence of the PFOA at 62 ppt and 59 ppt in two wells serving Coupeville. It should be pointed out that other agencies set much lower levels. New Jersey, currently with a limit of 40 ppt, is proposing a level of 14 ppt and Vermont has a limit of 20 ppt.
These limits are somewhat arbitrary, but what is certain is that any level can be harmful depending on the individual.
Fact two is having 35,100 flight operations at OLF for Field Carrier Landing practice up from a baseline of 6,100. Anyone disputing this fact should consult the Navy Draft Environmental Impact Statement at whidbeyeis.com/currentEISDocuments.aspx. Select “Chapter 4 Environmental Consequences” then scroll to page 6. The Navy has a nice summary of the flight operations planned in the EIS.
The letter to the editor tradition is a great tool for citizens to communicate broadly. My request is we use it to debate facts and opinions regarding those facts, not to vilify those bringing the facts to public attention.
Larry Morrell
Langley
