The company that wants to build a gas import and export terminal in Washington County says it plans to file new preliminary paperwork with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) early this week.
"We'll also make applications to the Department of Energy for a free trade export authorization to export LNG, and a non-free trade." says Downeast LNG CEO, Dean Girdis.
A project for an import-only terminal has been in the works since 2004, and recently earned a favorable environmental impact statement. But the expansion to export will require another approvals process. Girdis says the original project detailed a plan for 500 million cubic feet of import capacity. The revised project is would feature 300 million cubic feet of export capacity and 100 million cubic feet of import capacity.
"So the volume of processed gas is lower." says Girdis
But opponents of the LNG project have said the chosen site in the town of Robbinston is unsuitable and would create a hazard zone around a number of Downeast communities.
A series of public hearings will be held in the coming months as part of the FERC process.
