The above shows the proposed site of the Oregon LNG terminal and it's proximity to Astoria Regional Airport (AST). The three concrete and steel tanks, containing supercooled Liquid Natural Gas, would be 1.6 miles from the Astoria Airport reference point (slightly more than a mile from the end of runway 31/13), and at 195' MSL, would penetrate Astoria's FAA protected airspace. LNG tankers are expected to be maneuvering beneath the runway 13/31 extended 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 was that all three tanks "exceed obstruction standards," but after a hearing and comment period, a "no hazard" determination was made by the FAA Obstruction Evaluation Office. Many pilots are still concerned however, since information is still vague about the height and maneuvering area of the ships, the ultimate height of the structures which has been increased twice since the project's initial plan, and the impact on in-flight visibility of the the facility's evaporators, which are sometimes called "fog machines."

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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