Port of Tacoma - Wetland EB-1B Property: Harbour Facility in Tacoma, Washington

Port of Tacoma - Wetland EB-1B Property is a harbour facility located at 3000 E Alexander Ave in Tacoma, Washington, United States. It operates within the Port of Tacoma, one of the largest container ports in the Pacific Northwest, handling a mix of containerized and bulk cargo. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 488310 (Port and Harbor Operations) and 488320 (Marine Cargo Handling), indicating its role in cargo handling and port services. As a marine utility, the facility operates under U.S. federal regulations including the Clean Water Act and the Vessel General Permit (VGP) administered by the EPA. The Port of Tacoma is subject to stormwater management requirements under the NPDES permit system, which governs discharges from industrial activities. The facility likely employs best management practices for oil-water separation and sediment control to mitigate environmental impacts from cargo handling and vessel operations. The wetland designation (EB-1B) suggests the property includes or is adjacent to wetland areas, which provide ecological benefits such as habitat for local wildlife and stormwater filtration. The facility's location in the Puget Sound region places it in a sensitive coastal environment, requiring careful management of runoff and spills to protect marine ecosystems. Its operational status contributes to the regional economy by supporting trade and transportation infrastructure.

The facility is located in the Puget Sound estuary, a biologically rich coastal ecosystem that supports salmon, orcas, and diverse marine life. As a harbour handling cargo, it faces environmental challenges related to stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants like heavy metals and hydrocarbons into the sound. The wetland on the property likely serves as a natural buffer, filtering runoff and providing habitat. Operations must comply with the Clean Water Act and local stormwater permits to minimize ecological impact.