It is reported that Ambre Energy will have to get an Oregon air contaminant permit for its proposed coal storage facility at the Port of Morrow after all.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality notified the company last week that it needs the permit which is subject to a public challenge. In February, DEQ told Ambre it didn't have to get one.

The agency changed its mind because it figured emissions of particulates from the facility could total 16 to 83 tons a year if no controls were in place.

DEQ says Ambre planned control devices, including storing the coal in enclosed buildings equipped with vents and particulate scrubbers will mostly likely keep particulate emissions below 200 pounds a year and well below permit thresholds.

Mr Mark Fisher Senior Permit Writer said in a letter to Ambre last week but the requirement to get an air permit is based on the uncontrolled or fugitive, emissions potential.

Ambre, an Australian company is vying to become the first to export coal from Montana and Wyoming Powder River Basin to Asia through a Northwest port. Its Morrow Pacific project would bring the coal by train to Port of Morrow in Boardman, store it and transfer it to barges there, then transfer it from the barges onto ocean ships at the Port of St Helens' Port Westward industrial park.

The company says the coal would be completely enclosed to limit dust through the whole process after it arrives on uncovered trains. It plans to immediately resubmit a request for a permit.

The permit process could delay Ambre plans especially if opponents appeal DEQ decision the company is also seeking a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Department of State Lands.

Source - Oregon Live

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