Study finds coal terminal would have significant affects on environment
http://tdn.com/news/local/environmental-study-on-coal-terminal-released/article_d46b28e6-3859-5d0a-bf42-acd61188eac5.html
The government Friday released an immense and long-delayed draft environmental impact study of a proposed $680 million Longview coal terminal, finding that the project would have significant effects on global warming, shipping traffic, rail safety and other human and natural activities.
The draft study evaluates 23 environmental resource areas using analytical methods and information from multiple studies. The areas include the natural environment, the man-made environment, and transportation, the Department of Ecology wrote in a press release. Ecology and Cowlitz County are co-leads in conducting the study.
The study ... found the proposed project could have environmental impacts in 21 of the areas some of them significant. Mitigation that could reduce or offset impacts is also proposed in the study, the press release said. The study identifies impacts from construction and operations to water quality, fish and wildlife, groundwater, and the local communities. The study evaluates the possible impacts to rail and vehicle traffic by adding eight loaded trains plus eight empty trains (each 1.3 miles long) daily.