SEATTLE — State and local regulators say a coal-export terminal proposed along the Columbia River in southwest Washington could have some unavoidable significant impacts on greenhouse gases emissions, vessel traffic and rail safety.
A draft environmental review released Friday says carbon emissions would increase by 2.5 million metric tons a year when the proposed facility near Longview is fully operating. Other concerns include increased vessel traffic and the potential for train accidents as up to 16 train trips are added each day.
The Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview facility would handle up to 44 million metric tons of coal a year. Coal would arrive on train from Montana, Wyoming and other states to be loaded on ships for export to Asia.
Millennium CEO Bill Chapman on Friday said the company is a step closer to creating jobs in Longview while meeting the state’s strict environmental standards.
