PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County leaders have agreed to send a letter to Indian Island Naval Magazine’s commanding officer, requesting a public forum about safety issues, such as docking nuclear-powered and armed Trident submarines at the installation’s ammunition wharf.
“The commissioners have agreed to send the letter,” said County Commissioner Phil Johnson, D-Port Townsend.
He has spearheaded the move for a public forum after a petition signed by almost 30 residents was submitted to the board of county commissioners in November.
“There is quite a number of people that are concerned,” Johnson said Thursday.
“The primary concern is what dangers there might be in traffic, trucks coming and going, and whether we, as a community, are prepared for a first response, and that the Navy is [in the event of an accident].
“This is just to get information.”
Johnson has received several letters from Port Townsend Peace Movement members and others, who expressed concerns about the Navy’s plans and in support of a public forum.
Commander wary
The installation’s commander, Capt. Jonathan Kurtz, however, indicated he was not enthusiastic about a wide-open public forum.
In November, Kurtz addressed a Port Hadlock/Tri-Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon audience and is scheduled go before a Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 30.
In November, Kurtz downplayed the chance of any kind of weapons-related accident.
“The risk of anything happening is minimal, but the fallout is so great,” Kurtz said after the Inn at Port Hadlock luncheon.
“The Department of Defense’s policy is extremely conservative. Compliance with explosives safety is paramount.”
As proposed, Trident submarines, typically armed with conventional weapons, such as non-nuclear missiles and torpedoes, will soon be docking at the Indian Island wharf.
The facility is currently undergoing $1.5 million in construction to accommodate submarines. Construction is expected to be completed in February.
Use of the Naval Magazine wharf is necessary because Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, across Hood Canal from the Coyle peninsula, is approaching its capacity, Navy officials have said.
Meeting with PT mayor
Johnson met with recently sworn-in Port Townsend Mayor Mark Welch on Thursday to discuss the content of the letter.
Welch said Thursday that the City Council would further discuss the letter as soon as possible.
“I believe that it’s a good idea for information to flow freely,” Welch said.
“The best outcome is it will massage a lot of concerns, and that there are contingency plans.
“I think that certainly it is a reasonable request.”
