FERNDALE, WA. – (KGMI.com) A surprise announcement from BP is drawing condemnation from the Lummi Nation.

The company informed Lummi officials about their intent to buy Cherry Point earlier this month.

BP hopes to have the purchase completed by the end of this year.

The 1,100-acre site is considered a Tribal Cultural Property by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is the first recognized archeological site in Whatcom County.

It has been used by Lummi Tribal members as a burial ground since time immemorial.

Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire added that the announcement comes on the heels of another development battle with Phillips 66.

Hillaire wrote to Whatcom County Planning and Development to oppose Phillips 66’s proposed renewable diesel refinery, which could also be located at Cherry Point.