September 26, 2017

“Ecology appears to have intentionally disregarded decades of law defining the Clean Water Act to reject the water quality certification requested for Millennium’s project. Multiple recent decisions by the agency seem biased against the Longview community, and particularly blind to the need for employment opportunities in Cowlitz County.

Millennium will appeal the decision expecting a fairer and more consistent interpretation of the law.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement, prepared by experts selected and overseen by agency staff, confirmed the ability of Millennium’s project to meet Washington State’s strict water quality standards. Just over a year ago, Ecology approved a water quality decision for another Washington facility handling the same type and quantity of coal.

We remain confident in our judicial system, where the facts will be interpreted in an unbiased manner and this water quality certification will be granted.”

– Bill Chapman, President and CEO, Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview