Board members of the Friends of Sears Island, or FOSI, feel compelled to express serious concerns regarding the proposed construction and development of a liquid propane gas, or LPG, terminal by DCP Midstream Partners at Mack Point in Searsport.
Six-hundred-one acres of Sears Island have been designated by the state of Maine as a conservation area with an easement held by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. The mission of FOSI is to support permanent protection of Sears Island’s environmental and cultural resources, preserve its marine, shoreland and forest ecosystems and encourage educational and low impact recreational uses of the island.
With its five miles of undeveloped shoreline, its inland trails and fields, Sears Island’s popularity grows each year. Many come to observe the rich biological diversity and use the surrounding waters. Sears Island is a place of respite for those with busy lives.
We believe that the construction, including the clear-cutting of 22-plus acres, and the operation of the proposed DCP LPG terminal are capable of causing irreparable damage. This facility will adversely affect existing uses, the scenic character and water and air quality in the midcoast area of Penobscot Bay.
FOSI anticipates the following adverse affects, whether immediate, long term or cumulative:
Health threats include the added air and water pollution. As per DCP’s permit application, 108 tons of pollutant will be released into the air, which is frequently heavy and moist from fog banks, thus keeping airborne pollutants close to the ground. This threatens the wildlife and the public. Long Cove would become polluted from seeping surface and groundwaters that contain chemicals, diesel fuel and hydraulic fluids.
Excessive repetitive, tonal noise influences mood and behavior, degrades the health and welfare of wildlife as well as the public. DCP has omitted from its permit application the noise of the flare and the other industrial activities on site.
FOSI is concerned about the potential for catastrophic accidents, whether they occur at the terminal or on Route 1. Even lesser accidents could include spills, fires and explosions. The increased traffic from DCP in the winter months adds to the risk due to inclement weather and dangerous road conditions.
Adverse visual impacts are imminent if the terminal is built. Its massive 138-foot-tall storage tank, 75-foot flare and other elements of the project would be clearly visible from the causeway and much of Sears Island, as well as far down Penobscot Bay.
In conclusion, FOSI believes the construction and operation of the LPG terminal by DCP will negatively impact air and water, and environmental, light and sound qualities of the island and surrounding areas and will threaten current uses and access for the public. These pollutants would also be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of its visitors, wildlife and natural resources.
Furthermore, we are gravely concerned that the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has granted a permit to DCP in violation of its own rules, as as set forth in the Natural Resources Protection Act, 38 M.R.S.A.
This OpEd was written by Janet Flint of Searsport on behalf of the board of directors of Friends of Sears Island: Jay Economy, McCormack Economy, Joelle Madiec, Bob Ramsdell, Marietta Ramsdell and Susan White.
We’re facing a simliar situation here where I live on the coast of the Pacific NW. I’m going to tell you what I tell the locals.
Do you like living in poverty? A poor jobs market? With a county that can’t afford to patch roads or render basic services? Well, here’s your way out.
LNG terminals are built to very high standards. They also employ a security force to keep them safe. They have an EXCELLENT safety record.
There comes a time in scenic communities such as ours where our good looks can no longer pay the bills or keep our children from moving away in search of something better. LNG terminals are not the end of the world. If anything, they’re a prayer answered in these tough economic times.
You should jump on this, make the company live up you your high expectations of them. Or maybe you like living off foodstamps for 9 months of the year?
x
Thank you to FOSI for this articulate and forceful letter in opposition to the tank.
The only excessive repetitive tonal noise I hear is from a gaggle of elitist snobs and high-brow environmentalists who don’t give a rat’s fundament about jobs for the working class.
BANANA
(Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anybody)
And if you try to build it where no one lives then you are destroying the “wilderness”.
Maybe the acronym BAN is more appropriate.
What these people choose to ignore is the presence of existing industrial facilities at Mack Point. Why not complain about the fuel storage tanks? Why not the airborne residue from the road salt or pet coke being offloaded and stored there. Why not the chemical plant whose property borders the causeway to the island? What of the spoiled landscape views of the monstrous condominiums in Stockton Springs visible from the majority of the conservation easement of the island?
Let’s speak of the REAL reason the FOSI are concerned: Should DCP build in Searsport, the only industrial zoned parcel left in Searsport would be the State of Maine owned 300+/- acres on Sears Island. Fill Mack Point and the Port of Searsport and that leaves Sears Island. So, Janet. Why not just say that up front instead of putting forth unfounded speculation?
I openly question whether the opponents to this proposed project have the best interest of Searsport in mind or is it they have their own SPECIAL interests in mind (Campground, B&B, Sears Island, etc.).
It really IS okay to question whether this project is right for Searsport. What isn’t right is the repeated rumor, scare tactics, untruthful “statistics”, misuse of data, and (wait for it), a moratorium that strips power and control from the officials that were elected. A committee to study this project is only the beginning. This opens the door for other committees to change or regulate all that is done in the town.
Were it not for the creation of this committee which strips away process and procedure, I’d lobby FOR a moratorium to study this. But rather than study, the voters need to decide whether they want a committee of nine deciding what can and cannot be developed in Searsport.
BTW: It seems to met that the very ordinances and rules that TBNT and, perhaps by association FOSI want to study and change were put into place by members of TBNT serving on a planning committee. I guess they made a mistake a few years back?
AND, a simple web search reveals that the Searsport Shores Campground (a staunch TBNT supporter) sells propane to its customers and has been doing so without a license since 2008. Hypocrisy….
Just my opinion. I respect and welcome yours.
Well said! I have never in my life read such demagoguery not to mention out right lies. I am amazed that Mz Flint and her wooden band of friends are not tripping over their collective noses. Keep after them.
I wonder how long before we will see the Sierra club return? Sad state of affairs in A town that built its reputation on shipping.
How about having all those who oppose the tank make up the difference economically to our area. Besides the jobs have them make up the difference in pricing for BTU’s of oil vs natural gas?
CAVEs
The new Mainers.
Citizens Against Virtually Everything.
They want their view and expect the rest of us to survive on that great big steaming plate of “quality of place”.
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Long Cove would become polluted from seeping surface and groundwaters that contain chemicals, diesel fuel and hydraulic fluids.”
Since this is a concern, I would assume that members of FOSI refuse to drive motor vehicles, and refuse to heat their homes with oil, propane or other such fuels since there is always a possibility of a leak that would eventually migrate into the water.
We need jobs not more outsider’s telling us how to live.
Hey Ms Flint I have health concerns too
Without affordable Heating oil and Propane my house gets cold and that is a real health concern
These same people should take a long hard look at the ecological impact of Searsport Shores Campround as well, I am sure there is pollution going on there to.