Forterra 30 Acres in Roslyn, WA
Forterra purchased the historic No. 4 Mine property — a 30-acre parcel that sits within Roslyn’s city limits and historic district, adjacent to the Coal Mines Trail, and directly behind City Hall and the fire station. The property was originally purchased from Suncadia Resort after the Roslyn Downtown Association reached out to Forterra about the opportunity in 2017.
Potential Negative Impacts for Roslyn, WA Residents
Environmental Concerns – What’s in the Ground?
“…the land polluted with hazardous heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons.“
— Forterra
What Are “Hazardous Heavy Metals and Petroleum Hydrocarbons?”
Forterra secured a $1.78M EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant — which means the federal government itself agreed that contamination at this site poses a risk serious enough to fund remediation. The contaminants at issue likely include:
- Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, chromium) — toxic even in trace amounts, known to cause neurological damage, kidney disease, and cancer
- Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) — including benzene, toluene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer and organ damage
How could you be exposed during cleanup/construction?
- Breathing contaminated dust stirred up during excavation
- Contaminated runoff entering Roslyn’s water or the adjacent wetlands
- Kids and pets playing near active dig zones
- Workers and nearby residents absorbing airborne particles
Increased Tax Burden for Infrastructure Upgrades
- New development will likely require expanded water, sewer, and road infrastructure, which could lead to higher property taxes or utility rates to fund these improvements
- The city may need to invest in stormwater management systems due to the site’s proximity to wetlands
Fire Department and Emergency Services Strain
- Additional housing and commercial space will increase demand on Roslyn’s small fire department and emergency services, potentially requiring new equipment, staffing, or facilities—again, likely funded by local taxpayers
Pressure on Limited City Resources
- Roslyn is a small town with limited administrative capacity. Managing a large-scale development project could divert city staff and resources from other priorities
Gentrification and Displacement Risks
- While the project aims to provide “attainable housing,” the influx of new residents and development could drive up property values and rents, making it harder for long-time residents to afford to stay
Traffic and Parking Challenges
- Increased population and commercial activity may lead to traffic congestion and parking shortages, especially near the historic downtown and Coal Mines Trail
- SR903 is only 2 lanes – What happens if there is a major emergency requiring residents/tourists to vacate on a single lane while first responders have to come in on a single lane?
Uncertain Long-Term Costs
- Even with grants (e.g., the $1.78M EPA grant for cleanup), long-term maintenance and operational costs for new parks, green spaces, or public facilities may fall on the city and its residents
Community Division Over Development
- While some residents support the project, others may oppose it due to concerns about preserving Roslyn’s small‑town character and its historical society–recognized heritage, potentially leading to community tension or political conflict.
Questions Roslyn Residents Should Be Asking Forterra and City Officials:
- What independent environmental testing has been done, and who paid for it?
- Who monitors air and water quality during the cleanup — and will results be publicly posted?
- What happens if contamination spreads during excavation into the wetlands or adjacent properties?
- What is the legally binding cleanup standard required before construction begins?
- Who is liable if residents are harmed by exposure during the cleanup process?
- Will residents be notified before work begins, and will there be evacuation or precaution protocols?
Related: Forterra “nonprofit” and Snoqualmie Indian Tribe:
“The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe has stated that the conservation nonprofit Forterra repeatedly lied in its application for a $20 million federal grant.”
#leaveroslynalone
#peoplebeforeprofit
