By Drew Mikkelsen
KING 5 News
October 8, 2015
ABERDEEN, Wash. — Critics lined up to tell state and city officials it’s a bad idea to allow crude oil deliveries into Grays Harbor County.
All month the state Department of Ecology and the City of Hoquiam are taking public comment on a proposal to allow two terminals to expand to handle oil by rail deliveries.
Concerns were raised about the potential environmental and economic impact of oil spills or train car wrecks.
“We need to stop burning and drilling and using the planet as a commodity,” said Daeuthen Dahlquist, an 11-year-old student from White Salmon, Washington.
He’s testified he’s concerned about what a spill would mean for endangered and threatened species and said an explosion could ruin the region’s environment.
“It’s going to affect kids,” said Dahlquist, “It’s going to affect future generations.”
Two companies have applied for permits to receive oil train car deliveries, Westway and Renewable Energy Group.
“We’re looking to create a project that’s safe for the environment and safe for our neighbors,” said Steve Williams, manager of the Westway Grays Harbor terminal.
Scott Hedderich, director of corporate affairs for R.E.G, said he was at the hearing to “listen and learn” about the concerns of the community.
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