CB Council plans for potential LNG danger

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Story Published: Nov 4, 2009 at 9:43 PM PST

By Erica Rush, KCBY News

COOS BAY, Ore. -The proposed Jordan Cove LNG Terminal would be placed in North Bend if it even gets federal approval to proceed. But the Coos Bay City Council found it still could impact their city as well, and decided to act now.

Council Members met Tuesday night with Jordan Cove Representatives, to discuss the need for additional training, equipment and emergency response personnel if the project is approved.

Coos Bay's Fire and Police Chief's have already done some basic table-top drills, while also visiting other operating LNG facilities.

But Councilor Mark Daily questioned why any of this concerned the city of Coos Bay. According to the firms consultant, Frank Whipple, the danger is small but still necessary to plan for.

"When the ship is in transiting from sea, coming up the Channel, it does pose a risk to the community of Coos Bay," said Whipple.

City Manager, Roger Craddock said reaching an agreement with Jordan Cove does not give, or deny endorsement, but rather compensate emergency personal in their preparation, if an accident were to occur at the proposed terminal, or in transit.

Mayor Jeff McKeown insisted that's it's better to be safe than sorry. "My read would be, if there is a potential impact on the impact on the public safety personnel, then we want to at least have a conceptual plan, which we can modify according to what I see here in the future," said McKeown

The council voted 5-1 in favor of the emergency training, although the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has still yet to even place Jordan Cover on their agenda.

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