Urge the Delaware River Basin Commission to Deny a Proposed LNG Export Terminal
Submitting Written Comment. Written comment on draft Docket 2017-009-2 may be made through the Commission’s web-based comment system – http://hearing.drbc.commentinput.com/?id=fZR9E – and will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020. Please copy and past the below comment into the Delaware River Basin Commission’s comment form linked above.
Use of the web-based system ensures that all submissions are captured in a single location and their receipt is acknowledged. Exceptions to the use of this system are available based on need by writing to the Commission Secretary, Delaware River Basin Commission, P.O. Box 7360, 25 Cosey Road, West Trenton, NJ 08628-0360.
*Please note: In response to public opposition and a legal challenge from the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) has granted a special legal hearing (called an adjudicatory hearing) and reopened the public comment period for the Gibbstown LNG terminal proposal. Due to a recent change in the comment process for this proposed project resulting from this legal challenge, there is a possibility that anyone who submits a comment between now and April 24th may be called in by either of the parties in the adjudicatory hearing (Delaware Riverkeeper Network and Delaware River Partners LLC) with the approval of the Hearing Officer for formal questioning by both parties about the concerns raised in their comments. The hearing is scheduled for May 11, 2020.
Subject line to DRBC: Delaware River Basin Commission Should Deny the Proposed LNG Export Terminal
Text:
I strongly urge the Delaware River Basin Commision (DRBC) to deny Delaware River Partners LLC’s (DRP) Gibbstown Logistics Center Dock 2 proposal. DRBC should deny this project because DRP failed to disclose critical information regarding the handling and exporting of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its permit applications. Although key aspects of this proposed project are still publicly unknown, it is apparent that the construction and operation of this LNG export terminal will inflict substantial harm on the environment – specifically the Delaware River – and endanger communities close to the site and throughout the region.
DRP’s proposed construction and operation of an LNG export terminal presents numerous environmental risks. The Gibbstown Logistics Center is located on a Superfund site that is contaminated by toxic and hazardous substances, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and nitrobenzene, which the Environmental Protection Agency lists as probable carcinogens. The dock’s construction along the edge of this contaminated site will require dredging 45 acres of the Delaware River. This dredging will negatively impact water quality and aquatic life by disturbing sediment and soils that may be contaminated by toxic pollutants from the Superfund site.
Throughout the permitting process, DRP failed to provide key information to the DRBC and the public regarding handling and transferring of LNG, which is highly explosive. The health and safety of those who live, work and play in areas adjacent to the terminal property, including a daycare center, homes, athletic fields and public parks, would be put at great risk if there were an accident. This project not only endangers those in the direct vicinity surrounding the Gibbstown Logistics Center, but also urban and rural communities throughout the region located along proposed LNG transport routes for the project, which include certain railways, roads and portions of the Delaware River.
For the reasons stated above, I strongly oppose DRP’s proposal and urge the DRBC to deny approval of this project. Thank you for upholding your responsibility to protect the health of the Delaware River and it’s watershed.
