Port of Grays Harbor

Balancing Economics and
Our Environment

Crude is shipping by rail (CBR) all over the United States today, creating new jobs and private investment. The Port of Grays Harbor has three independent, potential projects under consideration by experienced developers. Here is a quick list of the facts concerning the opportunity and process.

Opportunity snapshot - 3 projects combined

• 3 projects proposed by experienced, private companies
• 100 permanent, family-wage jobs, plus longshore, rail jobs
• $100,000,000+ private investment -- expands local tax base
• 100-150 vessel calls, compared to 97 in 2012, and 302 in 1972 (including 26 oil tankers)
• 9-12 unit trains of CBR per week, if all three facilities operate at capacity.

While the Port of Grays Harbor is not a regulatory agency, the Port promotes a healthy estuary that supports our wildlife, as well as our economy.

Regulations:

The oil industry is one of the most regulated industries. State and federal laws and policies will govern construction, operations and shipping protocols. Foreign product will be governed by international trade policies.

Spill prevention & response:

Department of Ecology, US Coast Guard, state and federal laws all outline spill prevention and response requirements for companies handling crude. Washington has an exemplary record in preventing and managing spills.

Infrastructure expansion - addressing rail concerns:

With increasing cargo volumes comes increasing rail traffic. The Port is working with Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad to make improvements to the rail system to alleviate crossing congestion and improve bridges and safety. Increasing volumes will help to generate the revenues needed to make these improvements.

Project Status:

Westway Terminal Company

Permits have been submitted and a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) was issued by the City of Hoquiam and Department of Ecology, as co-lead agencies. Shoreline Substantial Development Permit issued on April 26, 2013.

Imperium Terminal Services, LLC

A Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance was issued May 2, 2013. A 30-day public comment period on the determination closes June 3, 2013.

Grays Harbor Rail Terminal (US Development)

Port Commission granted Option to Lease T3 property to Grays Harbor Rail Terminal for twenty-four months to allow for further analysis and obtaining of permits to bring the project to shovel-ready.

 

Proposed Crude Oil Export Facilities

The Port of Grays Harbor, Washington's only deep water port on the Pacific Coast, is considering projects to develop crude oil export facilities. The crude oil would arrive by rail, be transferred to storage facilities for ultimate loading aboard vessels and barges. The companies are currently working with local, state and federal regulatory agencies to ensure that all safety and environmental protection measures be considered as they determine the feasibility and design of these facilities.

In an effort to make sure the community understands the opportunity these projects present, as well as the process and decision making steps involved in citing these facilities, the Port of Grays Harbor Commissioners have requested that this website include updated information on the project. In addition, public workshops, Commission meetings and public presentations will be held as the information becomes available.

Comments & Questions

If you have questions or comments you would like to share please submit them here and a Port staff member will work to get you answers.

We welcome your comments or questions.
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