Coast Guard will evaluate suitability of Columbia River for LNG vessels

Coast Guard will evaluate suitability of Columbia River for LNG vessels    The U.S. Coast Guard's Sector Portland will assess safety and security issues associated with liquefied natural gas tankers traveling on the Columbia River.
   The assessment is being made so that the Coast Guard can recommend whether the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) should approve or reject a proposal by Northern Star Natural Gas LLC to build a LNG terminal in Bradwood, Ore., at Columbia River mile 38.
   'We will work very closely with local officials, our Ports and Waterways Safety Committee, and the Area Maritime Security Committee in evaluating this proposal,' Patrick G. Gerrity, the Coast Guard's captain of the port in Portland, said in a statement.
   The Coast Guard will also look at safety and security assessments prepared by Northern Star Natural Gas.
   A public meeting will be held by the Coast Guard and FERC in Portland Sept. 29 to obtain public comments about the proposal. Written comments should be submitted to the Coast Guard by Oct. 6.
   For more information, contact Lt. Shadrack Scheirman, (503) 240-9307.