Update: By request of senator Betsy Johnson and the Port of Astoria, the comment period for the FAA obstruction evaluation has been extended to October 30.

The above shows the proposed site of the Oregon LNG terminal and it's proximity to Astoria Regional Airport (AST). The three tanks are 1.6 miles from the Astoria Airport reference point (a bit over a mile from the end of runway 31/13), and at 195' MSL, would penetrate Astoria's FAA protected airspace. LNG tankers would be maneuvering directly underneath the runway 13/31 approach/departure paths. Armed escort boats would be required to ensure that river traffic remains at least 1500 laterally, and 1 mile fore and aft of, the LNG tanker ships when they are in the river (up to 3 times a week).

FAA's initial determination is that all three tanks "exceed obstruction standards," and State Senator Betsy Johnson has expressed concern that the project will adversely impact the airport ("Johnson fears LNG would distrupt airport", The Daily Astorian, 8/19/2008.)

FAA is inviting comments on how the the proposed project will impact the airport. Click on the following links to view the FAA forms 7460 (proposed obstruction notification), read the circularizationl letters, and submit comments. Comments "must be relevant to the effect the structure would have on aviation, must provide sufficient detail to permit a clear understanding, must contain the aeronautical study number." At the request of Betsy Johnson and the Port of Astoria, the original deadline of 9/24 has been extended to 10/30/2008.

FAA Obstruction Studies for the three tanks:
2008-ANM-2264-OE
2008-ANM-2263-OE
2008-ANM-2262-OE

Background reading:
State Senator Betsy Johnson's take [link]
Oregon DOE's May 2008 report on LNG [pdf]
Statement of FERC Commissioner Jon Wellinghoff on the Bradwood Landing LNG Project [pdf]

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