Astoria
A collection of local governments, private groups and
individuals has filed for the right to appeal in the
application process in NorthernStar Energy’s plans
to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Bradwood
Landing, about 30 miles upriver from Astoria. The controversial
project calls for a 36-mile-long pipeline that would transport
natural gas from Bradwood Landing to Cowlitz County, Wash.,
north of Kelso, beginning in 2009. NorthernStar is the first
company to file for formal approval for such a project in
Oregon. Four other sites — three along the Columbia River
and one in Coos Bay — have also been proposed. The LNG
projects have generated controversy over what opponents say are
the terminal’s environmental and safety risks. Those who
have filed for intervenor status include the cities of Astoria
and Warrenton, the Port of Astoria, Clatsop County in Oregon
and Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties in Washington, and private
groups such as Columbia Riverkeeper and the Columbia River
Fishermen’s Protective Union. The U.S. Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission is expected to rule on the LNG proposal
by next spring.
