Opponents Hope to Block Dredge-and Fill Permit for Jordan Cove
January 2, 2016
One potential Achilles’ heel for the LNG (liquefied natural gas) export terminal proposed for Coos Bay’s North Spit is the need for dredge-and-fill permits from the state. The project, including its associated pipeline, will have a massive impact on the Coos Bay estuary, due to dredging for both the terminal itself and the pipeline crossing the bay. Oregon Shores has been battling the dredging impacts through Coos County’s land use planning process, but permits are also needed from Oregon’s Department of State Lands (DSL). Opponents, including Oregon Shores, are hoping to persuade the state to use its authority over dredging in state lands (and the bottoms of estuaries are state lands) to put up a barrier to the entire LNG project.
Two public hearings are coming up Jan. 6-7, preceded by rallies, which provide the public with a chance to weigh in with DSL. Members of the public can also submit written testimony through Jan. 8.
- Medford, Jan. 6: Public meeting 4-7 p.m., Rogue Regency Inn, 2300 Biddle Rd., Medford. Anti-LNG rally at 3 p.m., same location.
- North Bend, Jan. 7: Public meeting 4-7 p.m., North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave. Rally starts at 3 p.m., same location.
Members of the public will have two minutes to comment, and can also submit written comments. You will find background information on how to comment, along with suggested talking points, in this guide prepared by the anti-LNG coalition.
Comments can be e-mailed to DSL Coordinator Bob Lobdell at robert.lobdell@dsl.state.or.us, or mailed to WWC Comments, Oregon Department of State Lands, 775 Summer St. N.E., Ste 100, Salem, Oregon 97301-1279.
You can also view the applications for the Jordan Cove LNG terminal and the Pacific Connector pipeline project, and comment, online.
http://www.statelandsonline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Comments.AppDetailLF&id=54908
http://www.statelandsonline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Comments.AppDetailLF&id=54484
