Proposed Longview coal-export terminal hearings set

LONGVIEW, Wash. – Residents can weigh in on a coal-export terminal proposed near Longview at upcoming public hearings.

The Washington Department of Ecology and Cowlitz County last month released a draft environmental review that found the proposal along the Columbia River could have some unavoidable, significant impacts on greenhouse gases emissions, vessel traffic and rail safety.

Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview is proposing a project to handle up to 44 million metric tons of coal a year. Coal would arrive by train from Montana, Wyoming and other states to be stored and loaded on ships for export to Asia.

The first of three hearings is set for Tuesday in Longview. There’s a hearing Thursday in Spokane and another in Pasco on June 2.

Regulators are taking comments through June 13.