Congressional delegates back amendment to block LNG site

Some members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation stepped up their opposition to the building of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Fall River yesterday, backing a proposal to require the Army Corps of Engineers to seek the state's approval before issuing a building permit.

"This amendment makes it clear that Massachusetts should have a voice before an LNG terminal is dumped so close to our community," Senator John F. Kerry said. "This LNG terminal should not go forward and Senator [Edward M.] Kennedy, congressman [Barney] Frank, and I will continue to do everything in our power to make sure it doesn't."

Though it was defeated 37 to 56, the amendment is the latest attempt by lawmakers to prevent Weaver's Cove Energy and Hess LNG from building a terminal for LNG tankers on the banks of the Taunton River on the north side of Fall River. The facility, which has been opposed by state and federal officials since it was proposed in 2004, would include a new pier, one storage tank, and several support buildings that would cater to ships bringing gas from overseas.

Weaver's Cove has remained consistent in its approach to the project, saying LNG delivery has an accident-free history during the 45,000 LNG tanker voyages of the past 40 years . On its own, LNG does not explode, and according to the company, there has never been a major LNG spill.

Yet opponents of the terminal , including Kerry and Kennedy, have continued to insist the security risks are too great for the estimated 64,000 people who live along the proposed shipping route in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

"For thousands of residents in the area, a terrorist attack, or even an accident, would mean disaster," Kerry said.

Earlier this month, the state Department of Environmental Protection stopped its review of permit applications for the terminal based on similar concerns filed by the Coast Guard in a preliminary report in May.