BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Dozens of citizens plan to rally outside a meeting in Bellingham Tuesday night, where local, state and federal officials will outline the environmental review process for a proposed terminal to ship U.S. coal to Asia.
Seattle-based SSA Marine wants to build a terminal near Bellingham that would ship millions of coal from Montana and Wyoming to Asia. The company says it would create thousands of jobs and generate millions in tax and other revenues.
The terminal would be built within the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve. Opponents say it would harm water quality and herring spawning grounds. They also worry about increased train traffic on public health.
Whatcom County received several permit applications from the company on Monday. The project needs various approvals, including from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
