Posted 2010 Sep 5
After all that bluster, Downeast LNG isn't filing its state applications now, after all
Remember how 14 months ago DeLNG didn't want anything to delay their permitting?
After Downeast LNG made multiple claims — even before the Maine Board of Environmental Protection — that they would be filing their Maine permit applications in early July, then late July, and then in August, Downeast LNG finally revealed in a September 2 article in The Calais Advertiser that they will not be filing their state applications until after FERC releases the project's Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Downeast LNG's Rob Wyatt, reportedly stated, 'Downeast LNG believes in a cautious approach to what it is doing,' and is quoted as saying...
"I want the final EIS in hand before we approach the State with our applications. That is because if we learn there are things to change, we will have that in progress before we submit the applications."
Apparently, Downeast LNG's 2007 state permit applications that were withdrawn after going completely through the hearing process "don't count" in the company's "cautious approach." And, what were all those claims about re-entering the state permitting process this past July and August?
Downeast LNG still does not know if it is ready — after being a year and two months late in answering FERC's technical questions arising out of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
The Calais Advertiser goes on to state the Coast Guard gave the project a "favorable" Waterway Suitability Report (WSR) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR), but failed to mention that the WSR and LOR require Downeast LNG to obtain Canada's cooperation for secure LNG transits. How "favorable" is that?
Canada has repeatedly and firmly stated at the highest level that LNG transits are prohibited from Passamaquoddy Bay. There is no chance Canada will cooperate. Downeast LNG cannot comply with the US Coast Guard requirements.
For Downeast LNG to never file state permit applications would be the best strategy for the company and everyone else. It would save a lot of wasted effort and wasted money.