Comment on Vancouver seeks scrutiny of Longview coal proposal

The city of Vancouver wants state regulators to take a close look at what up to 16 mile-and-a-half-long coal trains a day could mean for the community. In response to the proposed Millennium coal export terminal in Longview, city councilors at a Monday workshop reviewed their 2012 resolution that asked for increased scrutiny on cumulative and local impacts of several proposed coal export terminals throughout the Northwest, whose numbers have since waned. "It might be prudent to put out official opposition," said Councilor Alishia Topper, who said she would be speaking at Tuesday's hearing in Longview on the terminal's draft environmental impact statement. The city's position, based on their resolution, is neutral so far but asks regulators to closely consider the effects of coal dust, emissions, air and water quality and emergency vehicle access through at-grade rail crossings. "We've had some correspondence -- people asking us to oppose the project -- but that's not what's before us today," said Councilor Jack Burkman, who added that it would require a public process for the city to come out for or against the terminal. The propopsed Millennium terminal would be the largest in the nation, shipping 44 million tons of coal annually by rail to ships bound for Asian markets.