By Nancy Hiser
Kinder Morgan has received the required permit to proceed with pipeline repairs in 5 locations in Forest Park to reduce the possibility of leaks. This will mean moving 55 trees and planting new ones to offset the environmental impact. Kinder Morgan, like other fuel facilities in the CEI Hub, submitted seismic stability studies to DEQ by June 1st, as required by state legislation (SB 1567) in 2022. The next phase is mitigation and is expected to take up to 10 years.
Linnton Neighborhood Association, along with other advocates–the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, Columbia and Willamette Riverkeepers, and Breach Collective–petitioned the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) and community members testified on May 23, asking EQC or DEQ to deny Zenith Energy a crucial air quality permit because Zenith violated city lobbying code. Commissioners ignored their authority and voted 4-0 to deny the request. Kate Murphy, of Columbia Riverkeeper said, “We need accountability for these fossil fuel companies that continue to push profit at any cost. We need decision-makers who are willing to do the right thing–decisions that actually translate to a real world reduction of harm.”
Street Roots reported the Linnton Neighborhood Association, along with other advocates, petitioned the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) and community members testified on May 23, asking the EQC or DEQ to deny Zenith Energy a crucial air quality permit because Zenith violated city lobbying code. Commissioners voted 4-0 to deny the request. Kate Murphy, of Columbia Riverkeeper said, “We need decision-makers who are willing to do the right thing–decisions that actually translate to a real world reduction of harm.”