Delaware agency denies BP permit for LNG terminal pier
Thu Feb 3, 2005 02:44 PM ET
reuters.com
HOUSTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Delaware's environmental agency on Thursday denied BP's (BP.L: Quote, Profile, Research) application to build an off-loading pier for a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
John A. Hughes, who heads the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, determined the proposed pier on the Delaware River is prohibited by state law.
The planned 1.2 billion cubic feet-per-day terminal actually is planned across the state line at Logan Township, N.J. But Hughes ruled the pier fell within Delaware's Coastal Zone Act, which bars "heavy industry" in the vicinity.
BP has until Feb. 20 to appeal the decision. Spokesman Tom Mueller said the company was reviewing its options.
"We're disappointed with the ruling from (Delaware)," he said. "We believe that there is legal precedence for a dock such as this to be permitted and believe we laid out a strong case for it."
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