Wednesday, July 11, 2007
LNG in Astoria??
Surfrider volunteers on the north coast are working to oppose development of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, pipeline, and other facilities within the Columbia River Estuary. There are currently four different proposals to establish import terminals. The proposed sites include Bradwood Landing, located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River at approximately River Mile 38 (see photo); Tansy Point, within the City of Warrenton, Oregon; and the east and west banks of the Skipanon River mouth, also within the City of Warrenton. A number of concerns about LNG have been raised including threats to: water quality, shoreline access, public safety, local economics, salmon populations, etc. On July 17, the Clatsop County Planning Commission will accept public comments on the Bradwood Landing proposal. To read comments submitted to Clatsop County by local activists, please see first comment to this post. If you are interested in getting involved in this campaign contact pstauffer@surfrider.org. For more info on the proposed project see http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/index.asp
Comments:
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Clatsop County Planning Commission
Community Development Department
800 Exchange St., Ste.100
Astoria, OR 97103
July 7, 2007
Dear Planning Commission:
The Oregon Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation urges you to deny permits and reject land-use amendments related to Bradwood Landing’s proposed development of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, pipeline and other facilities on the Columbia River east of Astoria.
Development of an LNG operation in Clatsop County would result in significant environmental impacts, including stress to local fish and wildlife populations. The western portion of the Columbia River serves as critical habitat for a variety of species, including endangered salmonids, and proposed activities on the shore and in the water would negatively affect these populations. Furthermore, the dredging of the Columbia for tanker access would stir up a legacy of toxins, degrading water quality and posing a threat to both aquatic life and public health.
The Bradford Landing proposal would also threaten recreational opportunities in the Columbia. The waters off Astoria provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing, and fishing. Establishing an LNG operation would comprise the public’s ability to participate in such recreational activities, due to declines in shoreline access, aesthetics, public safety, and a clean environment.
Finally, the proposed LNG terminal would result in negative impacts to local businesses. Many small businesses in Astoria benefit from the beauty of the surrounding environment, as well as the history and heritage of the region. These include businesses that cater to recreational, cultural, and tourism activities. Establishing an LNG facility would marginalize some of Clatsop County’s best attributes, and in the process reduce the related economic benefits.
The Oregon Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation submits these comments on behalf of our members in Clatsop County and throughout the state of Oregon. Our membership includes surfers, divers, fishermen, swimmers, paddlers, and other user groups who spend significant time on the coast and in the ocean.
Sincerely,
Brad & Kris Wentworth
Residents & surfer
Warrenton, OR
Mark Taylor & Maureen Sheffield-Taylor
Cold Water Surf Shop - Owners
Residents & surfer - Astoria, OR
Jim Rafferty
Resident & surfer
Warrenton, OR
Christopher D. Hoover
Resident & surfer
Astoria, OR
Dennis Smith
Seaside Surf Shop – Owner
Resident & surfer - Seaside, OR
Paul Christiansen
Resident & surfer
Hammond, OR
Doug & Laure Penny
Residents & surfer
Ilwaco, WA
Josh Gizdavich
Cleanline Surf Shop – Owner
Resident & surfer - Seaside, OR
Paavo DeLind
Resident & surfer
Seaside, OR
Kari Wilson
Resident & surfer
Astoria, OR
Frank Buck
Resident & surfer
Seaside, OR
Josh Emmerling
Resident & surfer
Gearhart, OR
Pete Stauffer
Oregon Policy Coordinator
Surfrider Foundation
Post a Comment
Community Development Department
800 Exchange St., Ste.100
Astoria, OR 97103
July 7, 2007
Dear Planning Commission:
The Oregon Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation urges you to deny permits and reject land-use amendments related to Bradwood Landing’s proposed development of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, pipeline and other facilities on the Columbia River east of Astoria.
Development of an LNG operation in Clatsop County would result in significant environmental impacts, including stress to local fish and wildlife populations. The western portion of the Columbia River serves as critical habitat for a variety of species, including endangered salmonids, and proposed activities on the shore and in the water would negatively affect these populations. Furthermore, the dredging of the Columbia for tanker access would stir up a legacy of toxins, degrading water quality and posing a threat to both aquatic life and public health.
The Bradford Landing proposal would also threaten recreational opportunities in the Columbia. The waters off Astoria provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing, and fishing. Establishing an LNG operation would comprise the public’s ability to participate in such recreational activities, due to declines in shoreline access, aesthetics, public safety, and a clean environment.
Finally, the proposed LNG terminal would result in negative impacts to local businesses. Many small businesses in Astoria benefit from the beauty of the surrounding environment, as well as the history and heritage of the region. These include businesses that cater to recreational, cultural, and tourism activities. Establishing an LNG facility would marginalize some of Clatsop County’s best attributes, and in the process reduce the related economic benefits.
The Oregon Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation submits these comments on behalf of our members in Clatsop County and throughout the state of Oregon. Our membership includes surfers, divers, fishermen, swimmers, paddlers, and other user groups who spend significant time on the coast and in the ocean.
Sincerely,
Brad & Kris Wentworth
Residents & surfer
Warrenton, OR
Mark Taylor & Maureen Sheffield-Taylor
Cold Water Surf Shop - Owners
Residents & surfer - Astoria, OR
Jim Rafferty
Resident & surfer
Warrenton, OR
Christopher D. Hoover
Resident & surfer
Astoria, OR
Dennis Smith
Seaside Surf Shop – Owner
Resident & surfer - Seaside, OR
Paul Christiansen
Resident & surfer
Hammond, OR
Doug & Laure Penny
Residents & surfer
Ilwaco, WA
Josh Gizdavich
Cleanline Surf Shop – Owner
Resident & surfer - Seaside, OR
Paavo DeLind
Resident & surfer
Seaside, OR
Kari Wilson
Resident & surfer
Astoria, OR
Frank Buck
Resident & surfer
Seaside, OR
Josh Emmerling
Resident & surfer
Gearhart, OR
Pete Stauffer
Oregon Policy Coordinator
Surfrider Foundation
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