Department of State Lands Raises Concerns and Requests Additional Information for Jordan Cove LNG Export Project Impacts to Oregon’s Waters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 12, 2019

CONTACT: Allie Rosenbluth, allie@rogueclimate.org, 703-298-3639

Stacey Detwiler, stacey@rogueriverkeeper.org, 541-488-9831

Department of State Lands Raises Concerns and Requests Additional Information for Jordan Cove LNG Export Project Impacts to Oregon’s Waters

[SALEM, OR] On Thursday, April 12th the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) published a letter raising significant questions about the Jordan Cove LNG export project’s application for a “removal-fill” permit to excavate millions of cubic yards of materials from Oregon wetlands and waterways to export fracked gas overseas. DSL specifically requested more information about impacts to Oregon’s waters from Pembina, the Canadian-based corporation behind the project. DSL has given Pembina 25 days to respond to substantial public comments.

Out of the 49,000 comments submitted by the public to DSL, the agency specifically requested that Jordan Cove LNG address the following concerns, including the failure to demonstrate a public need for the project, failure to demonstrate the project is consistent with the best use of Oregon’s waters, that the project will likely interfere with fishing, recreation, public recreation public health and safety, and more.

“Dredging out Coos Bay and damming, dredging, and digging below hundreds of waters and wetlands that flow into the Klamath, Rogue, Umpqua, Coquille, and Coos Rivers threatens clean water and the health of our communities,” said Stacey Detwiler of Rogue Riverkeeper. “We urge DSL to hold Jordan Cove LNG to the highest environmental standards that protect Oregon’s waters and deny this permit.”

The public comments were submitted to DSL by impacted landowners, anglers, small business owners, tribal members and Governments, health professionals, and many more Oregonians concerned about the impacts the fossil fuel project would have on nearly 500 waterways. Over 3,000 people, mostly rural Southern Oregon residents, spoke out against the project at overflowing DSL hearings in Klamath County, Jackson County, Douglas County, Coos County, and Salem.

In the letter, the agency also raised questions about whether the project conforms with existing land use regulations. Jordan Cove LNG has failed to obtain critical land use permits for the project in Coos Bay and Douglas County. Additionally, DSL raised concerns that the applicant has not demonstrated that the project conforms to Jackson County’s comprehensive plan.

“It’s encouraging that DSL is paying attention to Jordan Cove’s failure to obtain local land-use permits in the coastal zone management zones,” said Tonia Moro, Medford-based attorney who has represented opponents of the Jordan Cove LNG proposal. “Jordan Cove’s problems with obtaining those permits have just begun.”

DSL requested that Jordan Cove LNG respond to all substantial public comments in the next 25 days. All missing information and responses from Jordan Cove LNG are due to DSL by August 9, 2019. DSL will make a final decision about Jordan Cove LNG’s removal-fill permit in September 2019.

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