Port of Kalama appeals order nixing methanol project permits

KALAMA, Wash. – The Port of Kalama has appealed a decision by a state board that invalidated two permits for a $2 billion project to manufacture methanol from natural gas and export it to China.

Northwest Innovation Works wants to build the refinery that would produce up to 10,000 metric tons a day of methanol from natural gas piped in from North American sources. The methanol sent to China would be used to make plastics and other consumer goods.

The state Shorelines Hearings Board ruled in September that officials from Cowlitz County and port failed to fully analyze the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions from the project, including emissions from offsite sources.

The port appealed Monday. It said the environmental review fully disclosed potential greenhouse gas emissions and properly concluded it won’t major environmental impacts.

Northwest Innovation Works said Monday it won’t appeal the decision. It will focus on assessing emissions of the project as ordered by the board.