PORT ANGELES — Redevelopment of the former Nippon Paper Industries property adjacent to the former graving yard site is continuing with the Port putting the site’s 650-ton wood chip loader up for sale.
The Port began seeking bids on the equipment — estimated at $100,000 — on Aug. 8 and will open them at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Port’s headquarters, 338 W. First St.
The successful bidder will have 90 days to remove the equipment, which includes the elevated chip delivery conveyor and belts, chip storage bins and conveyor tunnel.
Moving operation
Disposal of the chip loader is part of moving the Port’s log handling operations from the Port Fill Dump east of the Port Angeles Boat Haven to the former Nippon property.
That consolidation is the linchpin for future development on the waterfront, said Port Deputy Executive Director Dave Hagiwara.
The chip loader sale and former Nippon property redevelopment is part of the Port’s marine facilities master plan.
“Part of the discussion was whether there is a need for that chip loader and the conclusion was that piece of equipment isn’t suitable for current demands,” Hagiwara said.
Since the chip loader is designed to load ships versus barges, it is much larger than what is needed, he said.
So the Port commissioners asked Port staff to seek offers to buy it, Hagiwara said.
Meanwhile, the Port has built a ramp at the property that allows logs to be placed in the water for storage.
Port commissioners also unanimously approved spending $240,000 to add new electrical and water systems, sprinklers, alarm system, heating system and restrooms to the warehouse on the property.
The former Daishowa America Ltd., later acquired by Nippon Paper Industries USA Co. Ltd., once used the property to pile and export wood chips.
Daishowa shuttered the chip plant in December 2001.
The Port bought the property in May 2004 for $5.4 million, intending to use it to consolidate its log handling operations that were being conducted in two locations.
The sale included the 18 acres plus all the site improvements, buildings, docks and harbor area.
