EIS Results Could Slow Millennium Project in SW Washington

A recent environmental impact study could slow the proposed Millennium Bulk Terminals project in SW Washington.  The project would focus on cleaning up an old smelter along the Columbia River in Longview, allowing for large cargo ships to transport products over seas.  John Stuhmiller with the Washington State Farm Bureau said while the project would focus initially on coal transportation, it would benefit agriculture in the future.

“So, what we’re looking at here is another facility that would handle bulk product, and remember, virtually all ag products are shipped in bulk.  So, it would be another bulk shipping facility.”

However, a recent EIS came back with concerns about the carbon footprint the facility could create internationally.

“How that coal would be consumed, and in that case it could be in the Asian market, burning for electricity, or other uses.  So, the EIS is looking at mitigation for the CO2 that would come, or the greenhouse gasses from consumption of the product that’s passing through.”

Stuhmiller told the Washington Ag Network while the EIS has not put a stop to the Millennium project, it will make it more challenging moving forward.  To learn more about the project or the EIS, visit the Millennium Website.

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