The Tuesday evening, Oct. 29 joint public hearing of the Calvert County Commissioners and Calvert County Planning Commission attracted a sizable crowd to weigh in on a controversial project. The session was not specifically held for such a discussion—the panels were discussing two text amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance—however, since one of the proposals would impact the proposed expansion at Dominion Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant in Lusby, opponents seized the opportunity to comment on the plan. Many also took the opportunity to criticize the county commissioners for their unabashed support of the multi-billion dollar expansion plan that would give the facility the capability to export LNG. The project is still in the preliminary stage, with several permits yet to be obtained.
According to a joint memo from Department of Planning and Building Deputy Director Mary Beth Cook and Inspections and Permits Division Chief Joseph Hawxhurst, the amendment “proposes to provide an exemption for liquid natural gas import or export facilities from the requirements of the [zoning] ordinance.” An exemption for such facilities was also proposed as an amendment to the International Building Code.
Earlier in the day, the county commissioners received an update on the expansion project from Dominion’s Mark Reaser, who reported the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) continues to prepare an environmental assessment on the expansion plan. Once the assessment is issued there will be a 30-day comment period, said Reaser. Another project hurdle will be attaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC).
Reaser also reported the on-site export equipment “will be no taller than the existing tanks.” He indicated a “sound wall” will be built along Cove Point Road to mitigate noise. Reaser also reported “60 percent of the unions’ workers” who will be employed during the construction phase live in Calvert County and the other Southern Maryland counties. “They are very excited about this project,” Reaser said.
Several commissioners spoke about “misinformation” and “rumors” that have been spread about the export project.
“There’s no point in lobbying this board about a decision to be made by FERC,” said Commissioner Susan Shaw [R], who lamented “a lot of environmental misinformation. I think the benefits of this project are going to outweigh the effects.”
Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R] said among the rumors he has heard is that Dominion’s temporary pier in Solomons will disrupt the activities of area watermen. Clark said he spoke with officials from the local Watermen’s Association about the Domin
