Downeast LNG: bay study not transparent -- The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, Maine

Commenting on the recently released Whole Bay Study dealing with the potential economic and fiscal impacts on the Passamaquoddy Bay Region of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the Quoddy Bay area, Dean Girdis, president of Downeast LNG, which proposes to construct an LNG facility at Mill Cove in Robbinston, says, "I don't believe the report was very transparent. There were a lot of leading questions asked of local people."

Girdis expressed surprise at the job information section of the report noting it was not accurate. "To say only 22 people are going to be employed is misleading." According to Girdis, there will be 40 people employed at the terminal itself ? 10 to 15 on security and 20 to 25 on the tugboats. There will also be many construction jobs available, he says.

Girdis also questioned statements concerning the effect on local property values. Citing Wiscasset as an example, Girdis says real estate values went up when the Yankee nuclear power plant was constructed and went down when the facility was closed.

Brian Smith of Quoddy Bay LNG, which proposes to build a terminal at Pleasant Point, would not comment on the Whole Bay Study at this time, saying a response to the study is being prepared.

The study by Yellow Wood Associates Inc. of St. Albans, Vt., was commissioned by Save Passamaquoddy Bay, which opposes the siting of LNG terminals in the Quoddy Bay area.