As you can see from this photo, the Lower Duwamish River is an industrial hub of activity. Cargo ships, scrap yards, highways, shipyards, steel and concrete manufacturers are in competition with the natural flora and fauna that call it home. And the health of this river ultimately affects the health of Puget Sound.  

Reps. Dave Upthegrove (D - Des Moines) and Christine Rolfes (D - Bainbridge Island), members of the Puget Sound Committee, listen as toxicology experts discuss the health of the river.

This crane is unloading scrap metal from a barge along the Duwamish. It's not surprising that some of it ends up in the river. Over the years, this pollution adds up and can potentially harm the river's ecosystem.

One of our next stops was the Ash Grove Cement Factory, located near the mouth of the river. We discussed with the operators their use of old tires as fuel to run the plant, and its emissions.

The factory is an impressive operation and one I plan to remain in contact with as we work to improve the air quality in South Seattle. 

Here I am atop the Ash Grove Cement Factory with my Legislative Assistant, Elizabeth. From this height, we had an amazing bird's-eye view of the Seattle waterfront and much of the 11th Legislative District I represent.