Supporters of the project have noted that the onshore pipeline would travel almost entirely through Ventura County farmland and not under heavily populated residential areas.The project is needed to shore up energy shortages with a clean alternative fuel.Critics of the proposed project have questioned almost every aspect of the plan including if shortages actually exist, but most of their concerns have focused on the terminal, which opponents claim could provide a terrorist target.According to the revised EIR the terminal poses no danger to Oxnard or other coastal communities - Malibu is also heavily involved in opposing the terminal - and the chances of an accident are remote due to the project’s safety features.But, the report acknowledges, a vapor fire from a “worst-case scenario” like an attack could affect shipping lanes and fishing areas.The Oxnard City Council was set to consider sending a letter on the EIR again expressing its strong opposition to the proposed facility at its Tuesday meeting.Affects on public safety as well as what an Oxnard staff report notes are “significant and unavoidable environmental impacts” are a top concern of the Oxnard Council.The revised EIR does not address whether the terminal can withstand a seismic event or tsunami or its impacts on marine life.
Down to the wire: Hearings on LNG terminal set Wednesday in Oxnard
April 19, 2006
Santa Paula News
Wednesday is the last hearing held by the California State Lands Commission on the revised Environmental Impact Report for the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal that is being planned off the Ventura coast.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWednesday is the last hearing held by the California State Lands Commission on the revised Environmental Impact Report for the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal that is being planned off the Ventura coast.The hearing will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way.BHP Billiton of Australia wants to built its floating Cabrillo Port LNG facility just under 14 miles off the coast.Tankers would carry the LNG - conventional natural gas chilled into liquid form - to the terminal where it would be converted into conventional gas and sent to shore through pipelines.The pipelines would end at Oxnard and a new pipeline would carry the gas to the Southern California Gas Co. facility on Center Road in Somis.“That’s a long way for a very dangerous substance,” said Mary Robbins of Saticoy, who is working with residents throughout the Santa Clara River Valley on LNG project opposition. “Although the pipeline is underground, there’s no doubt that at some point in time they’ll be putting the gas in tankers for rail transport which could expose many areas of Ventura County.”The proposed project has been the focusing of heavy lobbying by BHP Billiton, including appearances by representative Kathi Hann at Good Morning Santa Paula!
