Jordan Cove Scoping Session

LNG pipeline under construction.

Having had their application to build an LNG export facility on Coos Bay’s North Spit denied by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last year, the Jordan Cove Energy Project has started up the application process all over again, hoping for a different result from the new administration.  As part of the new round, FERC will begin preparing a new Environmental Impact Statement for the project, and in preparation for that, FERC will hold a series of public “scoping sessions.”  The scoping period is intended to identify potential environmental issues and other community concerns; comments received must be considered by FERC as it prepares the EIS.

The pipeline that is an intrinsic part of the project crosses Douglas County (including coastal Douglas County), so a session is being held there, although inland.  It takes place on Wednesday, June 28, 4-7 p.m., at Umpqua Community College (1140 Umpqua College Rd. in Roseburg), in rooms 11 and 12 in Jackson Hall.  The plan at present is for participants to testify individually, with numerous stations set up where they can have their comments recorded.  Opponents of the project, including Oregon Shores, have protested this method, as it prevents those in attendance from hearing the concerns of others, but at last report this was how it was going to work.

Opponents will rally outside the scoping session site beginning at 3 p.m.