Anti-gravel-mine bill fails to move forward

An effort by environmentalists and residents of Maury Island to kill plans for a gravel mine beside the state's only aquatic reserve failed in Olympia.

The legislation, which would have prohibited the state from allowing mining at the reserve, on Friday missed a required deadline in the legislative process.

Supporters of the bill said the state should not even consider allowing a massive mine next to a portion of Puget Sound shoreline that scientists call crucial to reversing decades-long decline of the Sound.

Glacier Northwest, the mining company, said the mine is a sorely needed source of sand for making concrete. Glacier officials said getting the sand locally could help temper sky-high housing prices and with the environmental precautions envisioned, the mine would be compatible with the aquatic reserve and should not harm the Sound.