Protest against crude oil on Grays Harbor draws hundreds

Supporters from around the region showed up in full force to protest a proposal to ship crude oil through Grays Harbor and support the Quinault Indian Nation’s Shared Waters, Shared Values Rally in Hoquiam on Friday afternoon.

Hundreds gathered at the 9th Street Dock to welcome the tribe’s flotilla of traditional canoes, kayaks and boats and to band together to protest the proposed expansion of fuel storage facilities at the Port of Grays Harbor.

“No crude oil” was the chant as they embarked on a four-block march to City Hall to make their stand.

“We are at a critical place here in Grays Harbor, a decision is going to be made soon,” said Fawn Sharp, president of the Quinault Nation. “The future of the harbor is going to go in one direction or the other. We need to go in the direction of no crude oil in Grays Harbor … forever.”

Westway, an existing fuel storage facility on Port of Grays Harbor property in Hoquiam, wants to expand its site to accommodate crude oil shipments.

Sharp said the Quinault Nation has an obligation to defend salmon and natural resources that would be affected by a large oil spill in the waters.

Sharp told the crowd it is also the duty of the Quinault Nation to pass on the legacy of pure, unpolluted waters to future generations, and that is why they are taking such a strong stance in the matter.

Hoquiam Mayor Jasmine Dickhoff was on hand to welcome the protesters to City Hall.

“I appreciate all the time and effort put in for this demonstration,” Dickhoff said. “ … This rally is a testament of shared values and I want to thank you all for coming and sharing your voices and concerns to implement change.”

Larry Thevik, vice president of the Washington Dungeness Crab Fishermen’s Association, was also on hand to express his concerns with the proposed expansion of crude oil storage.

“As everyone knows, Grays Harbor needs more jobs, but our members have determined the benefits from the proposed oil terminals simply do not measure up to the risks they bear,” he said. “Grays Harbor is the fourth-largest estuary in the nation, a major nursery area for Dungeness crab, and an essential fish habitat for many species. It is also an area particularly sensitive to the adverse effect of an oil spill.”