"Commendably, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe plans to use low-impact development techniques and an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient building design in its new, 52,000-square-foot casino.

But at the same time, they have not provided assurances that they'll apply the same environmental standards to the project that are required for nontribal developments. The tribe must meet standards required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency but, as a tribal nation, it is not bound by more stringent environmental rules of the state of Washington or Kitsap County.

That's particularly relevant because, in recent history, the tribe has expressed concerns about ensuring there would be adequate environmental protections required for a large development in the same area by Olympic Property Group, which must abide by state requirements."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Casino should meet SEPA standards (The Kitsap Sun 8/6)

Also Today:
Construction begins Aug. 15 on new Point Casino; 52,000 square feet, up to 80 more employees (The North Kitsap Herald North End Reporter 8/5)