PPTV History
PPTV originally formed in 1992 to oppose the Cadman, Inc. expansion plans at its High Rock quarry operation on Highway 203 south of Monroe. Cadman wanted to have an enormous 24-7 operation, much to the horror of the residents of the valley and the surrounding hills. Cadman did not have a conditional use permit from Snohomish County at that time and was doing many other things that their neighbors were concerned about. Then in October 1993 Cadman broke into the High Rock aquifer, lowering the level of the aquifer enough to destroy the springs and lower the wells of local residents. This disaster gave extra impetus to PPTV's efforts.
History with Cadman
Over the next 6 years PPTV became the voice of the community in
their fight to limit the expansion of the Cadman operation and recover
from the aquifer break. This was a strenuous and expensive process. PPTV
worked with the community, our attorney (David Mann), paid experts,
allied groups, and government agencies. Needless to say, fund raising was
a continual effort.At the end of the 6 years, the Snohomish County Hearing Examiner heard us. The outraged voices of the community, the testimony of our noise and groundwater experts and our attorney's expertise resulted in considerable limits on Cadman's operation.
PPTV also made a separate settlement agreement with Cadman to help oversee the ongoing quarry operations on behalf of the community. Now the Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) meets with Cadman regularly to monitor aquifer levels, water quality, noise levels and other issues arising from the Cadman operation.
Other Activities
- Gathered data and helped inform public regarding hazards of the proposed Cross-Cascade Oil and Gas Pipeline. Project cancelled.
- Monitored and informed public regarding unpermitted motocross on the Hanson Bar Property. Motocross now closed.
- Informed public and county officials regarding the unpermitted Goodnight wood-waste recycling operation. Operation now closed.
- Informed public on environmental issues of the proposed Cherry Valley Quarry. Project cancelled.
- Gathered and disseminated information on 5-Mile Quarry. Quarry closed soon after opening.
- Participated in Snohomish County Mineral Lands Task Force and helped educate participants.
- Prevented Mineral Land Designation of local residential properties through public education and participation in hearings.
- Successfully petitioned for speed reduction on the "murder mile" of Highway 203.
- Worked to bring together all parties in an educational public meeting on the proposed sex offender housing at the State Honor Farm site. Site removed from consideration shortly thereafter.
- Monitored the effects and potential hazards from the recently installed methane digester built on State Honor Farm.
- Helped facilitate and encourage transfer of property for the Centennial Trail extension through the Tualco Valley. Snohomish County now has an additional two miles of right of way available for future trail development.