Huge thanks to the 662 people submitted comments through our Action Alert to push back on Whatcom County’s decision to issue a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) for 33 projects at the Cherry Point Ferndale Terminal — including 31 projects that were built without permits. Instead of requiring a long-promised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the County attempted to move these projects forward without a full review.
Together with our coalition partners, Friends of the San Juans urged Whatcom County to withdraw the MDNS and require a comprehensive EIS. We also asked that, while the EIS is prepared, that vessel traffic from the terminal be capped at 2016 levels, before unpermitted expansions nearly doubled exports of propane and butane.
Two new permit applications at the terminal could reduce harmful emissions and greenhouse gases — but only if they don’t pave the way for even more rail shipments and vessel traffic.
Thanks to your voices, our coalition is showing Whatcom County that the public is watching and expects real accountability.
What’s Next?
- Everyone who signed up for Action Alerts or spoke out on this issue will receive updates from Friends as pertinent changes occur.
- Be sure you’re signed up for Action Alerts so you’ll be the first to know when new opportunities open for public comment with Friends of the San Juans.
- See what’s new in nature with Friends.
- Check out the latest press on this issue from Cascadia Daily News and My Bellingham Now
- Learn more about the issue below.
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Friends has been advocating for stronger safeguards at the Ferndale LPG Terminal and leading engagement that has already secured protections like the use of designated anchorage areas and prohibiting anchoring in the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve—tangible wins for Southern Residents, salmon, and the Salish Sea.
Friends is now leading a coalition of regional environmental organizations to demand an Environmental Impact Statement before there’s any further expansion at the Ferndale LPG Terminal. Join us and our coalition partners in taking action!
Issue Overview
The Salish Sea deserves better than unchecked fossil fuel expansion.
To date, there has been no thorough environmental assessment on the impacts of 33 projects at the Ferndale liquid petroleum gas (LPG) Terminal, known as AltaGas’ ALA Energy Ferndale Terminal on Cherry Point.
Whatcom County is reviewing 33 LPG permit applications without requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) — despite its public promise to mandate an EIS and despite the dramatic increase in terminal traffic since 2016.
What’s at Stake?
Without an Environmental Impact Statement, these risks—and more—will go unaddressed:
- Heightened community exposure to rail and very large gas carrier accident risks, LPG explosions, and increased air and water pollution.
- Increased vessel traffic and industrial activity on Cherry Point and in the Salish Sea threaten treaty-protected resources like salmon and shellfish, undermining the ability of Tribal Nations to exercise their rights and sustain cultural lifeways.
- More ships in the Salish Sea threaten the marine ecosystem and endangered Southern Resident killer whales through pollution and underwater noise impacts, as well as the risks of explosions, oil spills, and ship strikes.
The Opportunity
We encourage Whatcom County to keep its promise of a transparent, science-based permitting process:
- Require a thorough environmental review of 33 fossil fuel projects at Cherry Point — including 31 that were completed without permits.
- Identify mitigations to safeguard Salish Sea communities from rail and shipping risks and impacts.
- Protect the Salish Sea ecosystem and endangered species like the Southern Resident killer whales.
