FERC to re-visit Bradwood LNG

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Monday granted a request for a rehearing of portions of the NorthernStar Natural Gas, LLC, proposal to build a liquefied natural gas receiving plant at Bradwood, Ore., across the Columbia River from Puget Island.

The states of Washington and Oregon and other groups had asked for more consideration of aspects of the proposed plant, which would be built by a Northern Star subsidiary called Bradwood Landing, LLC.

Citizen groups opposed to the proposed plant welcomed the decision, while Bradwood Landing officers said the move wouldn't hurt their efforts to move forward.

Brett VandenHeuvel, attorney for Columbia Riverkeeper, which opposes the project, commented Monday that "FERC agreed with us that it needs to take another look at its illegal decision.

"It's rare for FERC to question its own decision, but in light of the evidence that the LNG terminal will increase natural gas prices and kill protected salmon, FERC really had no choice but to backpedal. The continued delay in this project is a very bad sign for Bradwood Landing. Even FERC is admitting the approval was flawed."

Columbia Riverkeeper and others challenged FERC's approval due to economic and safety impacts to Oregon and Washington residents, endangered salmon, and greenhouse gas emissions. Oregon Governor Kulongoski characterized FERC's analysis as "fatally flawed."

George Exum, chair of Wahkiakum Friends of the River and a resident of Puget Island, added that Washington residents strongly support Washington Department of Ecology's petition that was accepted by FERC.

"The project must comply with state and federal laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act," he said. "FERC ignored comments from local, federal and state agencies as well as from concerned citizens on these issues, so it makes sense that they would want to reconsider their decision. This project will kill salmon and put the public at risk."

In a statement also issued Monday, Bradwood Landing Senior Vice President for External Affairs Joe Desmond said, "Bradwood Landing has consistently stated that it will comply with all applicable local, state and federal standards.

“Today’s decision by FERC allows more time for the review process to continue before a final determination is made on recent requests for a rehearing. This is entirely consistent with our motion filed last week that FERC delay taking final action on rehearing requests until state and federal agencies complete their review process.

“During this period, our certificate order granted by FERC on September 18 remains in effect and the project continues to move forward. We’re pleased with today’s decision, which does not delay the project in any way."

Bradwood Landing will begin construction in 2009 and be operational by 2012, Desmond said.