DEQ Jordan Cove Comment Deadline

Proposed Jordan Cove LNG terminal, artist's concept.\Photo courtesy of JCEP.

Oregon Shores has made commenting in opposition to a water quality permit for the Jordan Cove LNG (liquefied natural gas) project and its associated pipeline a major priority this summer.  But individuals can comment as well.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has extended by 30 days the public comment period on the application for water quality certification from the Jordan Cove Energy Project. DEQ received a large number of public requests for an extension. The certification would cover the LNG export facility on the North Spit of Coos Bay and the “Pacific Connector” pipeline that would service it, running roughly 230 miles from a point near Malin to the North Spit, crossing hundreds of rivers and streams in Klamath, Jackson, Douglas and Coos counties, and ultimately through the Coos Bay estuary.

DEQ's public comment period on the Section 401 Water Quality Certification application was originally set to close on July 21. It will now close on Aug. 20.

A Section 401 Water Quality Certification is required for any federally licensed or permitted projects that may result in a discharge into navigable waters. Specifically, this certification is intended to assure that if work is permitted under a federal Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit, it will meet the state's water quality standards.  (The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is engaged in a parallel Section 404 application review.)

DEQ may issue the certification decision on the project as proposed, issue the certification with conditions, or deny the certification. If DEQ develops a draft certification, it will provide an additional public comment period for the public to provide comments on the draft before the final decision.

Written comments on the proposed certification must be received at DEQ by 5 p.m. on Aug. 20. Written comments may be emailed to JCEP401PublicComment@deq.state.or.us, faxed to 541-686-7551 or mailed to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, 165 E. 7th Ave, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon 97401, Attn: 401 Water Quality Certification Project Manager, Chris Stine.

Here is a link to a shortcut for commenting. 

To learn more about the proposed project, see a copy of the public notice, sign up for alerts on the project and see regular updates, view the Jordan Cove Energy Project webpage.