Along the Duwamish: Lafarge ‘Safety Day’; “Eco-industrial” idea

Two notes from and about the Duwamish River industrial corridor tonight:

First – we dropped by the Lafarge of North America cement plant in eastern West Seattle this morning after getting word of its “Safety Day” expo. Workers browsed exhibits discussing safety advice and protective equipment. Several local businesses were there to talk about safety and health, too.

Second – expect to hear more about this next week, but we thought you’d be interested in the media advisory from City Council President Richard Conlin‘s office:

Seattle – The Seattle City Council will be briefed on a new eco-industrial district concept for industrial lands and the Duwamish River corridor.

WHO: Office of Economic Development, Environmental Coalition of South Seattle, Full council, and Andreas Koenig, EcoIndustry
WHEN: Monday, June 14, 2010, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Seattle City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd floor

The Seattle industrial district along the Duwamish River valley and surrounding neighborhoods is one of the largest contiguous industrial areas in the U.S. With approximately 4,000 companies and 70,000 employees and its proximity to multimodal transportation options, this area continues to be a vital economic driver for our region.

The eco-industrial district concept helps industrial sectors and the neighborhoods in which they reside truly coexist, by preparing for future challenges, establishing sustainable development practices, allowing for efficiencies between companies and optimizing business performance and collaboration.

In addition to the full council briefing, Koenig will be part of a more detailed briefing before the Regional Development and Sustainability Committee on June 15, at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

After getting that advisory, we asked a followup – any geographical boundaries yet for this potential “eco-industrial district”? Rob Gala from the Conlin staff says, in short, no – so far, it’s just an idea, but they would love to hear what you think of it. We’ll have more on it next week, and you’ll also be able to watch these briefings via Seattle Channel if you can’t make it to City Hall.

3 Replies to "Along the Duwamish: Lafarge 'Safety Day'; "Eco-industrial" idea"

  • Truth out June 12, 2010 (12:31 pm)

    WOW-
    Has La Farge learned that Orwellian propaganda is working for them? La Farge is one of the states biggest polluters! They are responsible for tons of toxic pollution in highly populated areas with children no less! If this company was serious they would tear down one of the dirtiest plants in the country and build a new facility that actually protected our children and our environment. It is enraging for them to behave as though they aren’t fully aware of the real solution to their threatening our families. They are lying to the public. “Eco industrial” could be taken right out of the BP marketing handbook. La Farge is a public threat and an an active participant in Ecocide. I for one cannot believe they think the public is that dumb. Stopping La Farge’s spewing mercury unregulated should be a priority for our city leaders who were elected to protect the public.

    • WSB June 12, 2010 (12:44 pm)

      Sorry if this is written confusingly. The Lafarge “Safety Day” was completely separate from the “eco-industrial” proposal except for the fact that the latter would likely include the area in which the former is headquartered. We put them together under a roundup umbrella as we often do with stories that have some common tie – Tracy

  • does everyting have to be so serious? June 14, 2010 (11:55 am)

    Lafarge Safety Days was just that- a day to get out information about personal safety and health.
    Can it not just be appreciated for that?

    Manufacturing will stop at the end of the year, so, Truth Out- maybe you can grab all the unemployed people and they can help you.

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