🎣 Protect Stillaguamish River Fish

Stop the Miles Sand & Gravel Mine Expansion

📋 What's at Stake for Anglers

Miles Sand & Gravel is seeking approval to expand mining operations (Permit #24-113107-CUP) adjacent to the North Fork Stillaguamish River near Arlington. This 85-acre expansion would create permanent pit lakes that intersect the groundwater feeding our river system. The North Fork supports world-class runs of Chinook, Coho, Chum, and Pink salmon, plus Steelhead, Cutthroat, and threatened Bull Trout - cold-water species already stressed by climate change that cannot survive additional impacts.

🚨 Critical Threats to Your Fishing:

  • Water Temperature: Mine pit lakes will raise river temperatures by 8-17°F for 40+ years - lethal to salmon that need water below 60°F
  • Toxic Chemistry: Recycled concrete processing creates pH levels of 13-14 (battery acid is 14) - instantly fatal to fish eggs and juveniles
  • Heavy Metals: Hexavalent chromium, arsenic, copper contamination bioaccumulates in fish, making them unsafe to eat
  • Flow Reduction: Pit evaporation removes 3 gallons/minute continuously - critical base flow lost during summer when fish need it most
  • Spawning Habitat: Sedimentation and pH changes will destroy gravel beds where salmon and trout spawn

The science is clear: Washington State's 2022 ecology review found that 1980s impact studies "largely underestimated actual impacts." Modern research shows these mines create permanent contamination lasting centuries. Once our fishery is destroyed, it cannot be restored in our lifetimes or our children's.

⚠️ Act Now - Comment Deadline Approaching

At risk in the Stillaguamish:

💡 Tip: Personal stories about fishing the Stillaguamish make powerful comments. Click "Load Sample Argument" for science-based templates you can customize with your own experiences.
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Based on Washington State Department of Ecology 2022 Literature Review, Minnesota DNR studies, and peer-reviewed research. Stand up for our fishing heritage. Your voice matters.