LNG discussions wrap up Down East

As the weeklong series of hearings on a liquefied natural gas facility proposed in Washington County drew to a close, both proponents and opponents of the project said they were satisfied that their cases had been well-argued before state regulators.

“We’re thrilled to death about the public support we got,” said Rob Wyatt, spokesman for Washington, D.C.-based Downeast LNG, which proposes to construct an LNG terminal and import facility in Robbinston and a pipeline that would run from Robbinston to Princeton. “These people, from Calais to Robbinston, they’ve gotten involved, they’ve reviewed it [the project] and they’re satisfied that this project can work here without unreasonable impacts.”

Downeast LNG received support from the town of Robbinston, a group of Robbinston residents and the Professional Mariners and Water Users of Passamaquoddy Bay, who testified as legally recognized parties during the daytime sessions before the state Board of Environmental Protection.

Wyatt also referred to the supporters who turned out during the evening sessions on Tuesday at the Robbinston School and Thursday at Calais High School.

Opponents of Downeast LNG also raised their voices during the hearings. The Canadian-American group Save Passamaquoddy Bay and Passamaquoddy tribal group We Take Care of Our Land brought representatives who said the project poses numerous environmental, safety and security threats.

“Our strong expert testimony and the realities of the areas themselves – the fishery, wildlife, a growing eco-economy and natural beauty – made a proud statement,” said Linda Godfrey, spokeswoman for Save Passamaquoddy Bay. “It was a long five-day process, yet the members of Save Passamaquoddy Bay came away from the hearing more dedicated than ever.”

BEP Executive Analyst Cindy Bertocci said the board could not comment on any of the specific testimony and said it awaits additional documents from at least one party.

“I think the board members found it to be a very productive hearing and they were very pleased by the efforts made by all the parties,” Bertocci said.

The BEP is expected to make its decision by the end of the year.