US Army Corps plans review of coal terminal
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has said that it will carry out a narrow environmental review of a proposed coal terminal on the Columbia River.
The corps said that its review would largely focus in and around the Millennium Bulk Terminals site near Longview, in contrast to the wider review of the project currently being undertaken by state and local regulators.
Review impacts
However, the state Department of Ecology and Cowlitz County have said that they plan to review impacts that extend well beyond the project site, including effects from burning the exported coal in Asia, and rail impacts as coal is shipped by train through the state.
The Alliance for Northwest Jobs & Exports, a trade group that includes coal producers and other businesses, has applauded the decision made by USACE.
Millennium Bulk Terminals project at Longview is owned by Ambre Energy. Coal from producer Arch Coal would be carried on trains to the dock, which would be able to handle approximately 44 million tpa of coal.
Create jobs and generate revenue
Supporters of the coal terminal claim the project would create jobs and generate revenue for local governments. Opponents have voiced concerns about coal dust, pollution, train traffic, quality of life and other issues.
The county and state are conducting one review under state environmental law, while the USACE is carrying out a separate one under federal law. The group has said it will take at least a year to complete it draft environmental impact statement.
Edited from various sources by Katie Woodward
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/handling/19022014/army_corps_to_conduct_environmental_review_of_coal_terminal_541/
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