Noise, Traffic, Fishing Access Among Impacts of Coal Project

SEATTLE (AP) — A new environmental study says a coal-export terminal proposed in southwest Washington would have major impacts on local communities, access to tribal fishing sites and rail safety.

Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview is proposing a terminal along the Columbia River near Longview to handle up to 44 million tons of coal a year. Coal would arrive by train from Montana and Wyoming to be loaded on ships for export to Asia.

The review released Friday by the Department of Ecology and Cowlitz County analyzed 23 environmental issues and found 19 where there were negative impacts.

Ecology Director Maia Bellon says all of those issue are concerning, but especially the impact on people's health.

Millennium CEO Bill Chapman called the study a "strong step forward."

The review will be used by agencies in deciding permits required for the project.

Meanwhile, project developers have sued the state after they were denied a sublease for state aquatic lands. The case is pending in Cowlitz County Superior Court.