County to press for LNG expense funds

Wahkiakum County commissioners agreed Tuesday they need to press the sponsors of a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Bradwood, Ore., harder for commitments for funds to cover potential emergency service management costs.

George Exum and Franz Eykel, Puget Island residents who are members of Wahkiakum Friends of the River, a group opposing the proposed plant, presented for consideration such a contract between a Maryland county and an LNG plant sponsor.

The proposal drew support from Sheriff Dan Bardsley. It has become apparent that local law enforcement and emergency response fire and ambulance departments will have responsibilities under regulations suggested to manage the transportation and processing of the LNG.

“I have had conversations with each of the commissioners about doing stuff that will be required,” he said. “NorthernStar (plant sponsor) has one outlook. I have a different outlook.”

He added that he would like to have contracts with NorthernStar subsidiary Bradwood Landing to cover local expenses related to LNG management.

Commissioner Dan Cothren, who is also a member of the Fire District 4 board of commissioners, said fire districts have been learning about potential LNG fire responses, and they want to negotiate with Bradwood Landing to cover their needs.

“That’s what I’ve told them,” Bardsley said. “If there are things that have to happen to bring in a ship, they have to pay.”

Exum also urged the board to finish the revision of the county’s comprehensive plan. A proposed draft was presented to the board last fall, but pressing issues have pushed its completion aside.