Game Changing News About Coal Export

DEQ Requires Ambre Energy to Obtain Clean Water Act Certification

On February 12, 2013, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced a new water quality review for Ambre Energy’s (Ambre) flailing coal export project on the Columbia River, requiring Ambre to apply for a Clean Water Act section 401 certification. The 401 certification prohibits the Army Corps of Engineers from issuing a dock-building permit unless the coal terminal meets Oregon’s water quality standards. Previously, Ambre was not required to obtain this permit. The 401 certification process process is rigorous and will provide important scrutiny on impacts to the Columbia River, salmon, and our health. At the same time DEQ announced the permit requirement, unfortunately, DEQ issued three air and water permits for the Morrow Pacific Project.

We are pleased to see the new permit requirement, but the air and water permits issued open the door for Ambre to begin construction of the upland buildings for the coal terminal (not the dock) at the Port of Morrow in eastern Oregon. This is why we need the Governor to act now. We need a real commitment to keep dirty coal out of Oregon. Call Governor Kitzhaber’s citizen representative office TODAY: (503) 378-4582

 

Comprehensive Scope of Review for Proposed Millennium Coal Export Project

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Cowlitz County are taking to heart the public desire for a thorough analysis of the impacts of the Millennium coal export proposal in Longview, Washington, on public health, local businesses, and our river. Ecology and the county announced that the scope of their environmental review will include a broad look at coal train traffic, community health, and greenhouse gas emissions from burning the coal. A record-breaking 215,486 people commented on Millennium coal export proposal with the vast majority asking for a thorough scope of review.

 

For more information or to learn how you can get involved in the campaign to stop coal exports, contact Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky at jasmine@columbiariverkeeper.org.