The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) today approved the Shorelines Conditional Use Permit for the Kalama Manufacturing & Marine Export Facility (KMMEF).
This permit is the result of a long and comprehensive public process through which the community and other stakeholders participated in submitting comments and suggestions for the development.
The Port of Kalama appreciates DOE’s diligence in reviewing the permit application.
The primary shoreline impact of the overall project is a marine terminal which will be built, owned and operated by the Port of Kalama. Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) will be the primary user of the facility, but it will also be available for layberth use by other ships. The Port will charge fees for the use of the terminal by NWIW and other users.
The marine terminal will include a dock, berth, loading equipment, utilities and a stormwater system. Methanol ships calling at the terminal will connect to shore power which reduces emissions to the air from ship engines.
The majority of the emissions associated with the condition are not located in the shoreline jurisdiction. Nonetheless, Ecology is seeking to impose limitations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the overall project in the shoreline/conditional use permit.
“The GHG emissions condition by Ecology appears to be unprecedented and will require further evaluation to understand the implications for development throughout the state,” said Mark Wilson, Executive Director. Port attorneys are reviewing the permit and the conditions.
Greenhouse gas emissions are a worldwide issue. The KMMEF project contributes to a significant net reduction in GHG emissions by replacing coal methanol with Ultra-Low-Emission gas methanol.
