Wildlife Promise » Columbia River Gorge

Sportsmen Target Coal Exports

Nic Callero — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:25:00 +0000

A new report released jointly by the National Wildlife Federation and the Association of Northwest Steelheaders says six port construction projects in Oregon and Washington that would expand U.S. coal exports to growing markets in Asia would bring serious consequences for fish and wildlife. As coal continues to decline as a source of power in the U.S., the report warns the industry’s plan to expand markets abroad will potentially harm the Pacific NW fishery which supports nearly 31,000 jobs in Oregon and Washington, many directly tied to the Columbia River.

photo by Nic Callero

Currently, at least six coal port proposals are being considered in Washington and Oregon, which together would be capable of sending 150 million tons or more annually to Asian markets.

Port St. Helens, Oregon - Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, in partnership with Pacific Transloading, plan a facility to export up to 30 million tons of coal.
Port of Morrow, Oregon - Ambre Energy plans an expansion, a transfer station to off-load coal from rail cars and take them down the Columbia River to St. Helens, to handle 8 million tons of coal a year.
Coos Bay, Oregon - Port of Coos Bay officials have disclosed they are in “discussions” with coal companies, a plan known as “Project Mainstay.”
Longview, Washington - The Millennium Bulk Logistics Longview Terminal on the Columbia River Estuary could balloon into a “mega-terminal,” the largest West Coast export facility in the nation, to ship up to 60 million tons of coal a year.
Cherry Point, Washington - The Gateway Pacific Terminal, proposed by Peabody Energy and SSA Marine, could ship up to 48 million tons of coal per year. Peabody Energy is the country’s largest coal company.
Gray’s Harbor, Washington - An expansion of the Port of Grays Harbor near the Gray’s Harbor National Wildlife Refuge could threaten one of the largest staging areas for migrating birds in the lower 48.

photo by Nic Callero

“There are still too many unanswered questions regarding the potential impact of coal dust on the Columbia River watershed and the health of the river’s salmon and steelhead runs, many of which are federally-listed under the Endangered Species Act,” said Russell Bassett, executive director of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. “At the very least the Army Corps of Engineers should conduct a programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to study the potential impacts fugitive coal dust would have on the Columbia River and the fishery which supports billions of dollars in our regional economy.”

The new report makes a strong case that these port proposals will have a negative impact on fish and wildlife and that the Army Corps of Engineers should conduct a programmatic EIS on all projects to gather hard science on potential fish impacts.

Some of these concerns include:

In the lone biological assessment prepared for any of these proposals to date, numerous ill effects were cataloged for the Morrow Pacific project in Boardman. For example, “The proposed construction at the Port of Morrow will involve piling installation using vibratory and impact hammers, which produce sound levels above the thresholds for fish disturbance and injury.
(Photo: Paulv2c/flickr.com)
The report cites studies from British Columbia in watersheds supporting similar salmon species indicate that coal dust can have negative impacts on fish. A study of juvenile Chinook in British Columbia found that exposure to the hydrocarbons found in coal dust increased the expression of certain genes that play “crucial roles in cellular metabolism,” one of which can convert cancer causing substances found in coal dust hydrocarbons into active carcinogens.
In the marine sediments adjacent to the Westshore Terminals coal facility on Roberts Bank, British Columbia, the concentration of coal residues doubled between 1977 and 1999- the concern is that sediments with high levels of coal will become devoid of the oxygen that bottom dwelling plants and animals need to breathe.

The report, “The True Cost of Coal” represents some of the very first vocal concerns from the sportsmen community regarding the proposed coal export terminals.

The Association of NW Steelheaders is one of Oregon and Washington’s most well respected sportsmen voices with a mission dedicated to enhancing and protecting fisheries and their habitats for today and into the future.

Urge the Army Corps of Engineers to thoroughly review the risks to Northwest fish and wildlife from proposed coal export terminals.

Photo of the Day: Latourell Falls

Rachel Stemen — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:36:30 +0000

Upper Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Photo by Cliff LaPlant.

Happy Nature Photography Day!

It’s a day to explore the outdoors with a camera lens and celebrate how nature photography inspires us to protect wildlife and wild places. Grab your camera and head outside today and this weekend to snap your own nature photos!

Here’s some ways you can celebrate with us:

Enter the National Wildlife Photo Contest or vote for your favorite entries
Get started with our Nature Photography Tips Center
Subscribe to Wildlife Promise’s Photo of the Day series

This Photo of the Day was donated by a participant in the annual National Wildlife Photo Contest. See more photos or sign up for the 42nd Annual National Wildlife Photo Contest.

Moving Forward in the Fight Against Coal Export from the Pacific Northwest

Bryn Fluharty — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:20:22 +0000

Possible Terminals in Washington and Oregon Photo: Dan Aguayo/The Oregonian

What started as a low rumbling has turned into a roar of voices in opposition to the proposed coal export from the Power River Basin in Wyoming and Montana through a possible six terminals in Washington and Oregon. A diverse collection of community members from anglers to doctors and business owners throughout the region are speaking up against these proposed projects. The most recent voice to be heard is that of Oregon governor John Kitzhaber.

Letter from the Governor

Governor Kitzhaber has officially asked the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Land Management for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the projects. The EIS would look at the possible impacts from the projects on the health of the environment and communities of the Pacific Northwest.

There are a number of concerns that the governor outlines in his letter. There would be an increase in barges along the Columbia. There is also the possibility of water pollution from the coal dust as well as the possibility of spills while transporting the coal. Coal dust emissions at the facilities and during transport is an additional issue as well as emissions from mercury, diesel, ozone and other green house gases which will only help fuel climate change. The trains that would carry the coal would be up to a mile and a half long and would cause significant delays for those trying to cross the tracks. This is of particular concern for emergency vehicles which could see significant delays in getting to their destination.

Impacts could also be seen in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, a 292,500-acre tract that stretches the length of the Columbia Gorge. This region offers many recreational opportunities like fishing, biking, hiking, water activities and more. The economy in cities such as Moiser, OR is dependent upon tourism brought in by the recreational opportunities from the Gorge. Cities like Moiser will be affected by the coal terminals, which will have a significant impact on the tourism industry in this area.

The Dark Side of the Light Bulb

In the face of climate change Washington is moving away from dirty energy like coal and towards renewable energy like wind. Photo: Bryn Fluharty

Coal is the leading energy generator in the U.S. and around the world. It is a cheap and accessible source of energy that has powered our homes, offices and streets for many years. While we have thrived off of coal and other fossil fuels for many years, there is a dark side to this light. The emissions from burning coal—such as carbon dioxide—are the leading causes of climate change.

Due to the harmful properties of coal the discussion is turning toward renewable energy, including wind and solar here in the U.S. While we are starting to move towards a cleaner future within our borders, we are still one of the leading producers and exporters of coal in the world. Any coal shipped through these terminals will be burned in Asia, which will in turn have an impact on pollution levels here in the Pacific Northwest and will help continue to drive climate change, two issues addressed by the governor in his letter.

Thank You for Your Support

Thanks to the support of Governor Kitzhaber, local communities and other concerned citizens we are moving forward in fighting for our right to a healthy environment and thriving communities. Want to join in the conversation and learn more about this important issue? Check out Power Past Coal for more information and upcoming events in your area! Let us know what you think!