Begrudgingly, it seems, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has extended the comment period on its draft Environmental Assessment for Glacier Northwest’s proposed pier, a draft opinion in which the federal agency said the 400-foot dock would have “no significant impact” on the Island’s marine environment.

After hearing from some 50 Islanders — as well as staff from two members of Congress — that they needed more time to weigh in on what is arguably one of the biggest pending decisions since the debate began 10 years ago, the Corps extended the comment period by one week. The deadline is now March 17.

We call it begrudging, however, because Preserve Our Islands (POI), the Vashon-based group fighting Glacier’s proposed mining operation, had asked for such an extension only a week or two before. Muffy Walker, head of the Corps’ regulatory branch in the Seattle district, declined the group’s request, according to Amy Carey, who heads POI. Walker, Carey said, told her she didn’t think there was any new information for the Corps to consider.

What’s more, it’s hard to know if the additional comments it receives as a result of the extension will make a difference to the Corps, as the agency has allowed itself little time to factor the letters and e-mails it will likely receive into its final decision. In a brief interview Monday, Walker said that the agency hopes to issue its final Environmental Assessment by the end of March. That gives the agency 10 working days to read and consider any additional comments it receives.

So should Islanders throw in the towel? Hardly.

First, the Corps has a legal requirement to consider the public comments it receives. State Rep. Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island) has already suggested the Corps’ permitting of the dock, should it come to that, could end up in federal court. It’s possible that the Corps’ failure to consider public comments — if that is what this latest chapter amounts to — could become a legal matter.

Second, it’s simply right that Islanders should work to make their voices heard. The proposed mine could have an enormous impact on our Island for decades to come. It could affect the health of Puget Sound, an inland sea that many say is in jeopardy. Whether the Corps recognizes it or not, our voices matter; indeed, it’s our obligation as a civic-minded community to weigh in on a decision of this import.

Three years ago, after the Corps came to Vashon to discuss this very issue, more than 1,000 people wrote or e-mailed the agency to express their concerns. Perhaps it’s time they hear from us again.

See the Happening of this week’s Beachcomber for information about how to comment on the Corps’ draft Environmental Assessment.