In response to the July 20 article entitled “Australian energy company avoids strict smog rules for LNG port,” I want to correct several points and provide facts on the current air quality permitting aspects of BHP Billiton’s proposed liquefied natural gas deepwater port. First, I want to clarify the fact that no permit has been proposed, and that the public will have plenty of opportunity to comment in the fall when we plan to issue a proposed draft air permit.
Secondly, EPA has not changed the location of this project, as incorrectly stated in the article. The project has always been proposed for the same location, 14 miles offshore from Ventura County. The Deepwater Port Act requires EPA to use the local Ventura County air pollution regulations to determine the air permitting requirements for this project.
Finally, BHP will only import high quality natural gas for introduction into the pipeline system that Southern California and other areas of the state depend on for clean energy production.
The comprehensive environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act and California Environmental Quality Act is still underway, as is the federal Clean Air Act permitting process. The U.S. Coast Guard and California State Lands Commission are continuing to collect additional environmental information for an environmental impact statement/environmental impact report. All of these actions will include numerous opportunities for public involvement and comment on the elements of the project and the requirements in the various permits. We look forward to engaging with interested stakeholders as we move forward on these actions.
Wayne Nastri, administrator
EPA’s Pacific Southwest Office
Jim Vreeland
US EPA Region 9