What would be the largest oil shipment port in the Northwest is being considered by the Port of Vancouver this week, according to a story reported by the Oregonian Sunday.
The potential daily volume would be up to 360,000 barrels a day and would require four mile-plus trains per day to service it. Beginning in North Dakota, the trains would run down the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side, and close to Vancouver.
From the terminal, crude oil would be shipped to refineries on the West Coast.
The shipment of crude oil by train has been under increased scrutiny after a train carrying the same North Dakota crude oil exploded in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, destroying 40 buildings. So far, 42 people have been confirmed dead due to the explosion.
If the ten-year terminal lease is approved by the port, both the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee would have to approve the agreement if it is approved by the port’s committee, the Oregonian reported.
Public comment is being heard at the Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners meeting Monday, July 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the commission room at the port’s administrative building, 3103 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver.
Public comment is also accepted during the board meeting Tuesday, July 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The port’s website said that the lease will come before the commissioners for possible action during the meeting Tuesday, July 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Messages to the commissioners can be made here.
For those unable to attend Monday’s workshop, the meeting will be televised live on CVTV (cable channels 21 and 23) beginning at 7 p.m. It also will be streamed live on www.cvtv.org and will be archived the following day on the same website.
Village Portland 