Army Corps of Engineers staff members are now reviewing and analyzing comments received during the public comment period for the draft Environmental Impact Statement related to operation of the previously authorized and constructed addition of the North Wing to the BP Cherry Point dock, near Ferndale, Wash.
The Army Corps received over 2,000 comments during the comment period for the draft EIS, which began June 6 and closed Aug. 6, 2014. The Corps held public meetings in Bellingham and Seattle on July 16 and 24 respectively. About 400 people attended public meetings in Seattle and Bellingham. Both written and oral scoping comments are being considered in the preparation of the final EIS.
The Corps’ scope of analysis for this EIS includes the potential environmental effects of operating both wings (North Wing and South Wing) of the BP Cherry Point dock compared to operating the South Wing at maximum capacity. The EIS also evaluates the risk of potential accidents and oil spills considering vessels carrying crude oil or refined petroleum product while in transit to and from the marine terminal.
Responses to all comments will be documented in the final EIS, which is scheduled for release to the public in the spring of 2015.
The draft EIS can be accessed online at: http://1.usa.gov/1nSx4Zw.
Release no. 14-042