Update from Columbia Riverkeeper:
According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Bradwood LNG project will be formally reviewed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in the coming months. LNG opponents are confident that the agencies will conclude that the Bradwood LNG terminal will harm protected salmon species.
Opponents of the Bradwood project contend that the project obviously harms endangered salmon because of massive dredging, pipeline construction, and other proposed pollution in critical salmon habitat.
Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director of Columbia Riverkeeper, asserts that FERC is pressing for a decision based on inadequate information. “NMFS has repeatedly raised concerns about the project’s harm to salmon. In 2007 and again in late 2009, NMFS asked for additional data on the project’s impacts, and FERC has refused to cooperate. We are confident that FERC’s dismissive approach and this project violate the Endangered Species Act.”
In a December 29, 2009 letter to NMFS, FERC refused to provide the necessary information, stating, “certain other information cannot reasonably be developed or obtained during the scope of the consultation and therefore, will not be provided.”
Local residents near the Bradwood LNG terminal pointed to an uncertain future for the Bradwood project. George Exum, who lives close to the terminal site and acts as Chair of Wahkiakum Friends of the River, described the terminal’s harm to salmon. “For years, we have argued that this project will destroy critical habitat and endanger protected salmon with massive dredging. The tankers, alone, will kill thousands of endangered salmon by withdrawing millions of gallons for ballast and engine cooling.”
Added Exum, “FERC’s refusal to provide the needed data is bad news for Bradwood LNG. This project is in serious trouble.”
Proposed in 2005, the Bradwood LNG project has failed to obtain key permits. The project must comply with the Endangered Species Act in order to proceed.
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