Nearly 2,000 people packed Squalicum High School in Bellingham to tell officials their concerns over the coal-shipping terminal proposed for Cherry Point.
Most people at the meeting used it as an opportunity to express their opposition.
Ken Oplinger with the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry says people should not be taking a position on the project at this time.
He says the point of the environmental review process is to identify the real impacts of the terminal so people can make an informed decision.
Leaders of groups both for and against the project issued a joint call for civility before the meeting.
Opponents in the crowd were respectful to those who spoke in favor of the terminal.
The next scoping meeting in Whatcom County will be held in Ferndale on November 29 from 3-7 p.m. at the Ferndale Events Center.
Click here to check out our Photo Gallery of Saturday's scoping meeting.
