State panel to make recommendation on oil-by-rail terminal

VANCOUVER, Wash. — A state panel reviewing a major oil-by-rail terminal proposed on the Columbia River has released its environmental review days ahead of making a recommendation to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

The review identified several major impacts from the project at the Port of Vancouver that could not be fully offset, such as increased train accidents at crossings and emergency response delays due to increased traffic.

It found other negative consequences but said measures could be taken to minimize those effects.
The Vancouver Energy terminal would handle about 360,000 barrels of crude oil a day. It has been the subject of intense debate in the Northwest.

Vancouver Energy said its initial assessment provides confidence that the environmental review will demonstrate its ability to build and operate the terminal safely and in an environmentally responsible way.

Meanwhile, critics said the review demonstrates that the oil terminal would expose people across Washington state to increased and unjustifiable risks.

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Associated Press