Environmental review: oil-by-rail terminal could hurt fish

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) _ An environmental assessment for a proposed oil-by-rail terminal in Vancouver, Washington says the project could have negative consequences for salmon and other fish in the Columbia River.

















The study, released Tuesday by Washington state's Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, says the number of vessels added to pick up oil at the terminal would lessen water quality, induce bank erosion and harm essential fish habitat.

Other concerns include soil liquefaction under the proposed facility in case of an earthquake and impacts to rail transportation in the region.

The terminal would receive an average of 360,000 barrels of Bakken crude per day by rail, store it and transfer it to ships for delivery to refineries along the West Coast.

The project has faced intense opposition because of recent accidents involving oil trains.