Council raises concern over plastics blowing from Evergreen site onto bike trail; enforcement options discussed

Several council members on March 18 urged more forceful action after reports and photographs showed plastic materials blowing from a nearby industrial site across the bike trail.

Councilman Chris Shea said the area east along the trail “is horrendous” with plastics and debris blown across the right-of-way. Council members and staff described repeated complaints and said city crews and company contacts have responded but the problem persists. City legal counsel (city civil attorney speaking on the record) said littering enforcement is one tool but that the situation—where shredded plastics and industrial materials are dispersing across an area—may be more complex and could warrant involvement by state or federal environmental authorities.

Council discussion noted the city enhanced its nuisance code last year to allow larger fines for commercial and industrial properties, but members said higher fines have not fully solved the problem because containment and remediation costs for large operators can be small relative to other operating costs. Ideas discussed included stronger enforcement, containment structures or nets, continued conversations with the company, and possible EPA coordination. Staff said they will continue to press the site operator and that county or federal agencies may have jurisdiction in some cases.

Council members framed the issue as both an amenity and public‑health concern: the bike trail is one of the city’s important attractions, and microplastics were raised as a longer-term environmental issue to monitor. No formal motions or votes were taken; council directed staff to continue enforcement efforts and communication with the operator and external agencies as appropriate.