MUKILTEO, Wash. — A proposed expansion at Paine Field could pave over nearly three acres of wetlands that neighbors say are vital for protecting salmon habitat.
The airport’s plan calls for up to 32 additional acres of paving. But residents living near Smuggler’s Gulch and Big Gulch in Mukilteo argue one parcel should remain untouched because it helps filter stormwater and protects salmon eggs in nearby streams.
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“Smuggler’s Gulch Creek is in pretty good shape, as is Big Gulch Creek to the south of here,” said Richard Strickland, who routinely tests water quality.
“The salmon will be gone and so will many of the other species. Everything is connected,” said 22-year-resident Bob Tucker.
Airport officials say they anticipated development decades ago by creating two new wetlands to offset any loss. But neighbors contend the mitigation isn’t equal.
“If you preserve a wetland in one watershed to offset damage to another, that’s like saying people are starving in China, and you send food to Afghanistan,” Strickland said.
Airport spokeswoman Kristin Banfield disputed that claim.
“It’s misinformation that these wetlands are not within the same watershed,” she said. “These are located in the correct areas in the direct impacted area right on and near the airfield.”
Residents are also worried about runoff from PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals,” that are being removed from airport soil. Officials say no PFAS have been detected in the proposed project area, but Snohomish County and the state Department of Ecology are still investigating.
“Wherever these chemicals may have traveled to, we will clean those up appropriately,” one official said.
Local residents simply hope to maintain the area’s natural character.
“I want this place to remain part of nature as opposed to a sterile ditch that water flows through,” Tucker said. “I think all we’re asking for is a bit of balance here.”
Airport officials say they are still early in the permitting process and will hold public hearings before moving forward.