Video presentations, displays, publications and events planned for the week of June 8-12 commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Whatcom Creek Pipeline explosion, acknowledging our community's grief, healing and accomplishments. Event sponsors include the Pipeline Safety Trust, City of Bellingham, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, RESources, and the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Ten years ago, on June 10, 1999, the failure of a gasoline pipeline resulted in over a quarter of a million gallons of gasoline pouring into Whatcom Creek. The gasoline ignited, and in the end three of our young people were killed, all wildlife in Whatcom Creek was destroyed, and our community was forced to live through unimaginable grief.
"But here in Bellingham, once the flames and smoke were gone, the dead were buried and the tears had dried, we did something quite unique in the history of such tragedies," said Carl Weimer, Whatcom County Council member and director of the Pipeline Safety Trust.
"We came together as a community to help those most affected, to heal the creek and the land we love, and to try our best to make sure no other community has to experience such grief. Through our successes in these efforts, we have made great progress in healing ourselves."
The City of Bellingham's BTV10 has produced a number of short video interviews with people directly involved in responding to the tragedy as it unfolded on June 10, 1999.
View "Disaster Bellingham: June 10, 1999", a city-produced documentary featuring community members and emergency response personnel recalling the event and how it affected them and their community. Begins airing Tuesday June 9 on BTV10 (view BTV10 schedule) and posted to view on line.
During the week of June 8-12, 2009, photos, videos and displays will be available for viewing in the lobby of the Bellingham City Hall, 210 Lottie Street in downtown Bellingham.
Activities aimed at restoring Whatcom Creek habitat, and monitoring the affects of the fire and subsequent restoration efforts have been led by the City of Bellingham in cooperation with numerous other agencies and individuals. Two significant in-stream restoration projects have been completed; Cemetery Creek and Red Tail Reach. The report below documents those activities:
A number of events are planned for June 10th to help our community commemorate the tragedy of the Whatcom Creek Pipeline explosion.
3 p.m. June 10: Guided Commemorative Walk at Whatcom Falls Park
Assemble at 3 p.m., walk begins promptly at 3:30 p.m. Starting at
the stone bridge in Whatcom Falls Park, interpretive stations will be set up
between Whatcom Falls Park and Racine Street. Information and stories will
be shared by those most involved.
6 p.m. June 10: Community Gathering at Maritime Heritage Park
Local, state and national speakers, local musical performances, sharing
thoughts of the past and hope for the future.
For more information about commemorative events and activities and to read historical accounts, view photos, videos, stories, songs and more, visit the comprehensive Whatcom Creek website at www.pstrust.org/whatcomcreek or contact the Pipeline Safety Trust at (360) 543 - 5686.
Posted: Jun 5, 2009
