Critics Blast Malibu LNG Proposal
Critics of a proposed floating liquefied natural gas terminal off the Ventura Coast outnumbered supporters by more than 2-1 during a public hearing in Malibu. More than 60 people spoke at the hearing. Officials with the California State Lands Commission and U.S Coast Guard were taking public comments on a draft environmental impact report released last month on BHP Billiton"s proposed Cabrillo Port facility. The terminal would sit 13.8 miles off the Ventura County coast where LNG would be converted to natural gas and piped ashore. Those opposing the plan argue that the LNG terminal would worsen air pollution, hurt marine wildlife, threaten security and lower Malibu"s pricey real estate values. Many called for more emphasis on conservation and renewable energy sources.
Study: LNG Explosion Would Not Reach Land
A catastrophic release of liquefied natural gas from a terminal proposed off the Ventura County coast could spread a powerful and spectacular fireball over several miles, but pose no threat on land because the facility would be at least 14 miles offshore, a new study shows. The gas-processing plant, one of four proposed for Southern California, would convert fuel shipped from across the Pacific Ocean for use in Los Angeles-area factories and power plants. Such terminals operate around the world with a good safety record, yet the newly released analysis shows that the effect of a worst-case disaster would be significantly greater than identified when the project, called Cabrillo Port, was proposed nearly three years ago.
