Coal export terminal hearings June 2 in Pasco

The last in a statewide series of public hearings and open houses on a proposed coal export terminal in Longview is planned June 2 in Pasco.

The Washington Department of Ecology and Cowlitz County released a draft environmental impact statement on the Millennium Bulk Terminals project in April that covers potential impacts, including the environmental cost to mine coal in Montana and Wyoming and to burn it at power plants in Asia.

BNSF will carry coal through Pasco, where the railroad employs 250 at its largest regional hump yard.

Two public hearings are set for 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. at the TRAC center, 6600 Burden Blvd. A similar event last week in Spokane drew hundreds of supporters and opponents.

Public comment also will be accepted through June 13 and will guide if Millennium gets the green light to proceed with its $680 million plan to turn land at a 1940s era aluminum smelter on the Columbia River into a coal export facility.

This story was originally published June 1, 2016 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Coal export terminal hearings June 2 in Pasco."