WHEREAS, Creosote, a coal tar derivative, is a conglomeration of 300 different chemicals containing dozens of cancer-causing agents, making it a deadly compound for fish eggs and other sea life and hazardous to humans; and
     WHEREAS, Old telephone poles, bulkheads, docks, pilings, and other creosote-treated wood ooze poison, first killing sea life and then washing up on beaches where they are used to build children's forts, burned in campfires, and played on - all of which can be very dangerous to humans; and
     WHEREAS, In 2001, Tony Frantz, a contractor on Whidbey Island, was hospitalized for four days when his intestines were infected with creosote through inhalation while at work repairing a rock wall; and
     WHEREAS, Frantz has made it his personal mission to clean up creosote, single-handedly setting out five years ago to rid the Puget Sound region of creosote-soaked logs; and
     WHEREAS, Frantz has inspired creosote clean-up efforts from Bellingham to southern Whidbey Island; and
     WHEREAS, Thanks to Frantz's dedication, successful creosote clean-up efforts have started around Whidbey Island; and
     WHEREAS, "Mr. Creosote" created the Puget Sound Creosote Awareness Project to help educate the public about hazards of creosote and what it looks like; and
     WHEREAS, Frantz has gone to great lengths to bring light to the dangers of creosote, including tying 300 red balloons to affected logs and holding a press conference to demonstrate how prevalent the problem is where children play; and
     WHEREAS, His work has earned the praise and support of the ORCA Network, the Whidbey Island No Spray Coalition, the Whidbey Island Environmental Network, and the Department of Ecology;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor Tony Frantz for his dedication and energy in cleaning up creosote on the beaches of western Washington and for proving that one person can be the change they wish to see in the world; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Tony Frantz.