States call for coal train EIS

SANDPOINT — Local environmental groups are celebrating decisions in Washington and Oregon calling for rigorous environmental studies on coal exports.

However, questions still remain on the level of safeguarding measures in play for North Idaho.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is asking for a broad-scoped environmental impact statement on the proposed Longview Terminal, officials announced Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality announced Tuesday that Ambre Energy’s proposed coal export terminal will require a 401 Water Quality Certification permit. The mandates will slow project progress and provide more detailed information on their environmental reach, according to Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper executive director Shannon Williamson.

“The bottom line is that if any of the remaining terminals are permitted, we’re going to see a local impact,” she said.

The Washington decision is the more important of the two to North Idaho, Williamson said. That’s because the broadened scope will require investigation into out-of-state factors like the impact of significantly-increased rail traffic in North Idaho. As for the Oregon DEQ requirements, it adds a water quality permit to those already required for air quality, construction stormwater and internal wastewater.  

While Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper and the Idaho Conservation League mark this as a victory, Williamson said federal investigations would still be the best safeguard for North Idaho. A broadened scope on the EIS requirements from the Army Corps of Engineers would fit the bill. However, the agency did not require more expansive parameters from the planned Gateway Pacific Terminal, also in Washington.

 “While it’s fantastic news that the Department of Ecology intends to take a broad scope, it’s questionable about the extent of their authority to meaningfully address impacts to Idaho,” Williamson added.  

A subject of much concern for local conservation groups, the proposed terminals in Washington and Oregon are slated to ship more than 50 million metric tons of coal to Asia. The coal is planned to arrive at those terminals by uncovered railcars, all of which will pass through Sandpoint. Conservationists worry the effects from coal dust blown away during shipment could lead to air and water quality problems and local health issues. They also fear the potential of an ecological crisis should a train derail.