Seattlepi.com and the Seattle Times both report that King County Superior Court Judge Chris Washington has ruled that the Gas Works Park July 4 fireworks display doesn't need an environmental review:
The P-I says:
In a decision Friday, Judge Chris Washington said such displays clearly fall under the public-celebration exemption to the state Environmental Protection Agency's assessments.
Lake City resident Benjamin Schroeter claimed in the suit that the city needed to do an environmental review of the fireworks display. Schroeter feared that thousands of people attending the fireworks at Gas Works would stir up contaminated dirt at the former coal-to-gas plant. He sued the city and One Reel, which produces the show, to force the review.
In an e-mailed statement, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Timothy Gallagher said:
“Fourth of July Fireworks at Gas Works Park is a beloved tradition in Seattle, and one that many families look forward to every year. One Reel has been an excellent partner in a providing free holiday event that is open to the general public for many years. They can now begin preparations for the 2010 event, and continue their search for a sponsor.”
Washington Mutual, the long-time sponsor of the Gas Works fireworks display, was closed down earlier in the year by federal regulators. One Reel is now looking for a new sponsor for the event. Cost to the sponsor, according to the P-I, is about $500,000.
