Why should we jeopardize our safety, our security, our environment, our quality of life, every existing job and the marketability and value of every property in midcoast Maine so that we can possibly add 12 permanent jobs in Searsport? Especially when these 12 jobs will likely go to people from out of state?
The very purpose of the proposed Mack Point liquefied petroleum gas tank and import terminal — to import more liquefied petroleum from foreign countries for use as a fuel to heat Maine homes and businesses — is contrary to the security interests of Maine and the United States in two ways.
First, it creates an attractive target for a terrorist attack without any discernible security plan provided by the developer, DCP Midstream — meaning they either are not providing adequate security or they are imposing the burden of that security on taxpayers without advising them of that hidden cost.
Second, this facility proposes to make Mainers more dependent on foreign sources for our heating needs — DCP’s goal is contrary to our interests as a state and as a nation to become more secure through energy independence. Since less than 6 percent of Maine homes and businesses currently rely on propane for heat, why do we need a facility to import foreign propane — liquefied petroleum gas — from unstable regions and countries, and make more Mainers dependent on foreign sources to heat their homes and businesses?
On March 10, Searsport residents will have an opportunity to approve a moratorium and slow this process down. If approved, the moratorium will allow Searsport the time to ask the proper questions about the costs and benefits of this facility — questions that should have been asked by state regulators before permits were issued to allow such a fundamental change for Searsport and all of Penobscot Bay.
The 9/11 tragedy should have taught us that the risk of terrorist attacks must be a consideration when any facility such as the one proposed for Mack Point is proposed. A recent congressional report on siting liquefied natural gas, or LNG, import terminals, similar to the LPG facility DCP proposes in Searsport, detailed the significant terrorist risk posed to public safety and security by such facilities and highlighted terrorism as a necessary consideration in making decisions about where to place such facilities.
That report noted that LNG tankers and land-based facilities could be vulnerable to terrorism. Tankers might be physically attacked in a variety of ways to release their cargo — or commandeered for use as weapons against coastal targets. LNG terminal facilities might also be physically attacked with explosives or through other means. Some LNG facilities may also be indirectly disrupted by cyber-attacks or attacks on regional electricity grids and communications networks that could in turn affect dependent LNG control and safety systems.
Incomprehensibly, despite the heightened terrorist threats we currently face from Iran and other sources, Congress has not vested any federal agency with specific jurisdiction over evaluating the security implications in siting LPG import terminals of the sort DCP is proposing to put in Searsport. Such determinations have been left to state regulators.
Unfortunately, Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho, a former lobbyist for the Petroleum Institute, did not see fit to include any consideration of the public safety and security threats posed by this facility when she did her cursory evaluation of this project and rubber stamped it for approval. Now, it is up to Searsport residents to demand the time to make a proper assessment of the real costs of the limited benefits DCP is offering.
Please, speak up and tell Searsport residents that we need them to pass the moratorium and take the time to do a proper study of the real costs and benefits of this proposal and tell Augusta that we do not want to be the next man-made disaster in this country.
Kim Ervin Tucker of Islesboro is a lawyer admitted to practice law in Maine, Florida and the District of Columbia. Since May 10, 2010, she has assisted the Deepwater Horizon Legal Advisory Group, appointed by former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida attorney general and is currently assisting Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood in his efforts to get BP to honor its promise to pay all legitimate claims to those damaged as a result of the spill.
Yes, fear and trembling of what putative terrorists may do is the way to plan for the future. By the way, let’s close the University of Maine: it’s such a target!
Terrorists must be flocking to stores all over the middle east and buying up copies of the Maine Atlas and Gazeteer to make plans for blowing up a propane tank in Searsport – that would be Map 15 for all you propane jihadists.
And apparently, it’s ok to fly around the country on planes fueled by foreign oil from unstable regions and countries while dipping a sticky beak into the Macondo compensation but it’s not ok for the rest of us to use propane.
This article is bunkum – if the author doesn’t want the tank, she should just say so instead of using the contrived threat of terrorism, Iran, and an unstable source as justification for her opposition to jobs for the working class. It is worth noting that it doesn’t appear her job will be in danger whether the tank is installed or not.
My job and my property value will be ruined by this huge industrial project. That’s why I am against the tank.
I respectfully disagree. I’ve never seen a pink slip that said “we’re terminating your employment because of a tallish propane tank”.
Out of curiosity, how close is your property to the tank? Are you right next to it?
Are there beautiful neighborhoods and charming tourist (two of my jobs are tourism related) towns next to industrial developments? I will be immensely relieved. To answer your question, our house is 3 miles from the tank. The DOT plan is for Searsport to be a major industrial hub: http://www.maine.gov/mdot/freight/documents/MovingPeopleandGoods070209.pdf and http://www.hcpcme.org/transportation/needs/penobscotriver/PenobscotRiverCorridorPlan070811.pdf. Should this tank be built it will lead to more industrial development. We desperately need more jobs and businesses in Maine, like Athena Health and Bank of America in Belfast which employ hundreds of people. Businesses like those move to nice areas, not next to industrial development.
The chances are that your property values will increase & more jobs will be introduced to the area.
You are so right!
So here is another one to add to the list that every job is not a good job
The tank is not needed. Invest in renewable energy for the future.
No. Even though renewable energy IS the way to go it will never be advocated by your Governor who has his hand in Big Oil’s pocket….We are all supposed to shut up and take it because this is Pauly boy’s big shot at the millions !!
and what do suggest wind? yea right Or maybe some unknown type of fission
Yeah, like algae, that’s the ticket.
A better question is why allow the construction of an enormous, ugly sky-high tank that will permanently rule out any chance Searsport has at becoming a quaint coastal community?
In 2011 the Maine Legislature( see Title 35A Chapter 47) completely de regulated LPG implementing a statute that came straight out of a national policy agenda of the National Propane Gas Association retaining limited authority that deals only with incident reporting inspections etc. It didn’t establish a proper oversight board for a facility of this scale, 22million gallons,and it didn’t provide for essential safety regulations from application through construction and operation. In that context the recognized terrorist risk cited sited by Ms. Tucker is particularly alarming.
LPG is a bi product of oil refining (about 40%) and gas refining (about 60%) and the U.S. is a net exporter of LPG..looking for markets from our existing gulf refineries. Why would we invest Maine money in dredging or otherwise go to such great lengths to provide a market for Conoco Phillips mid east surplus of LPG?
With so much emphasis on providing diversified fuel markets why would our legislature be so interested in allowing a facility so disproportionately large in relation to Maine’s total annual consumption of LPG..this is about 70% of Maine’s total annual consumption.
All Mainers should be asking these questions and letting the Governor and the Energy Committee know what they think of this strategy which is nothing to do with Maine’s fuel needs and energy security and everything to do with facilitating a market or Conoco’s mid east LPG surplus.(DCP is a subsidiary of Conoco)
Thank you Ms. Tucker for reminding us that this is not a local not in my back yard issue.
Lindsay Newland Bowker Environmetal Risk Manager
More claptrap about terrorists blowing up the propane tank – what rubbish. This is not about Conoco Philips or swarthy men with matches – it’s NIMBY. And a war of the moneyed elite and their rabid environmentalist lackeys against the vanishing middle class. What are these 12 jobs to those who already have it made?
Milo Upshur Bagwell Plantagenet Crabtree III
Intercontinental Manager of Environment and Bourgeoisie Pest Control
My dear Milo Upshur Bagwell Plantagenet Crabtree III,
( and people say I have a stuffy elitist name).
The people of Maine, not just the people of Searsport, need your wit, your civic engagement and civic action.. Plug in..speak the truth, seek the truth with this very worthy and very professional group working on the Searsport Tank
..or did I misunderstand..is the corporate exploitation of Maine through political corrpution an amusing spectator sport to you?
Madam – I desperately want the tank and the jobs that it will bring. I’m not the least bit worried about corporate exploitation and you shouldn’t be either. A great shining metal beacon that says Maine is not afraid of a little propane will speak volumes about the bravery of Maine folk.
Your humble correspondent,
MUBPC III
And My dear Milo, I wish there were many jobs for Mainers in this tank.
It’s hard to imagine when one hears that $40 million is going into project that it’s even remotely possible that this isn’t going to generate any jobs or increased spending or increased business in the local economy..or even any benefit in the local econony. The $40 million price tag in this tank just isn’t that.I am very glad though to see of some wonderful new port projects in Belfast that are that and do have that mulitplier effect where increased demand in other sectors creates additional jobs there. Both also support local buisnesses and trades, have local ownership and create markets and jobs for many ( one the shipyard the other the coastal growers project) In these kinds of projects every $1 million investment has a buge $ multiplier that ripples through the economy.
Your faithful servant
Lindsay
Here’s the thing: one’s “backyard” activities have far-reaching, long-term effects.
I will add that it has been appalling to read objections regarding input from people living in adjacent and bordering towns where people from Searsport do not think that someone from, say, Stockton Springs, should even express an opinion.
Indeed, the need to “possess” this project, whether for or against, is exactly the kind of bizarre infighting that results in no one winning. But again, “backyard,” doings have far-reaching effects.
Terrorists will not attack Searsport there’s no BIG target to go after, not like Boston. If Boston can handle these ships Searsport can to.
ummmm…this is a 22 million gallon tank very few in the entire country and none in a state like Maine with about 65,000 LPG users who clearly do not need this much storage capacity to serve their needs . Take a look at what has already happened with much smaller tanks with leaks. It spreads out on the ground low quickly and invisibly long distances undetected..then a spark..a lit cigaret, someone lighting a barbecue grill with a stick lighter, a back fire spark turns all that area into one unimaginably huge bomb that cannot be extinguished or controlled with normal fire fighting techniques. It’s not an every day occurrence but it does happen and has happened. That’s why big tanks half this size are always located much further from other uses than this one is. If you spend some time on line checking this out for your self ( don’t even bother with all the links at TBNT.org) you’ll get it..right away. This tank is too big for this tiny site. It’s too close to other uses. It’s too big for Maine. It has nothing to do with Maine’s energy needs or Maine’s energy security. There is no public benefit part of this.
I agree. Sure, it would blow up, but Searsport Maine just does not have enough population density for a terrorist attack.
ummmmmm..its about the tank itself..the federal homeland security issues Ms. Tucke ris pointing us to make Searsport a target because of the presence of the tank. A Bombing of this tank ( it wouldn’t take much by air), would create a bomb many times the power of Hiroshima..( have to verify the source on that for you).
No tank..no terrorist interest in Searsport. I encourage you to check this out for yourself. Facts and truth matter when so much is at stake. Help bring those facts and that truth to our consideration of what this tank is all about and whether it is good for Maine.
Thank you stitcher23 for being interested in the truth about this project.
This article misses the point completely. The owners of this facility WILL get approval, no matter what the residents of Searsport do ! By voting a Republican Governor into office you all sure showed those Democrats….you have also paved the way for big corporations to squander the resources of Maine for the profit of a small few, with the help of their new “puppet” Paul LePage……no wonder he doesn’t want anyone to know what he’s up to…..! You are correct that those jobs will go to out-of -staters….Pauly boy doesn’t care….Kiss his butt ! He’s gettin rich !
Typical Maine reaction. See a company interested in investing in Maine and they argue it and protest it. 12 jobs? Try checking a few more facts. the gas goes into the tanks but for it to do any good it must be delivered. That means trucks drivers, mechanics, logistics personal, and other support people. It will bring more people to Searsport than just the tourists passing through that means jobs, not glamours jobs but a nice steady paychecks that can support a family offer hope and stability not to mention more income taxes and more jobs to support their economic activity. It is a cycle. So if anyone supports Maine and it’s residents then stop pushing investors away so we can end this 40 plus year slide our state has been on. Is it not time to take our state back from the summer people who come up for a vacation every few years and the snow birds who file their taxes in Florida because ours are just to high?
Aaron..not actually it is just the 12 jobs..that’s what they say in their application. Unlike tourism and entertainment which have huge spin offs and multipliers in the local economy this has NONE of that. There is no local economic spin off or benefit. No other jobs. Even these 12 require training and expertise no on in Maine possess so pretty sure no one in Searsport will get any of the 12 jobs. The ship hooks up to the tank via pipeline and it just sits in the tank…the 138′ tall 200 foot diameter 22 million gallon tank. Empty huge propane trucks pull up, get a refill and driveway ( like a filling station) or possibly get loaded into rail tanks for transit via rail.. No mechnaics etc or othe other things you imagine might be part of this. There is no good for local business good for local jobs part to this. There isn’t even a Maine needs part to this.
I am glad to see that you think facts and not just rank opinion is what counts. I couldn’t agree more. I think you would fund that the people in Maine concerned about this have done their homework and have their facts straight. The opposition here includes recognized national experts like Kim Tucker and some very smart attorneys and local folk who have done excellent and responsible documentation including knowing what what the safety and emergency response risks of this are ( forget the terrorists just the normal risks of a failure in operation) If you are interested in facts, you’ll fid their work impressive professional and accurate. You can start at http://www.tbnt.org.
I’ve got to agree with Aron. I recently read a comment suggesting that Anglers would close! What ridiculous bull feathers! Then the comment at the top of this section saying that Searsport will not become the quaint coastal community it was destined to be (sorry Bangorian but this time I disagree with you too). The only thing touristy about Searsport is that people killing, traffic stopping nightmare, back up route 1 every day, outdoor flea market and frankly I cannot imagine that does much for the ambiance of Searsport either. Let’s face it, this is clearly a case of NIMBY. I just checked my oil tank level and realized that I have to waste another $380 for 100 gallons of oil. Honestly I did. So in my opinion I can hardly wait to have propane become available for affordable prices. This story reminds me of the effort in Stockton to stop a local person from building a lobster pound, or the effort in Belfast to stop that new marina that is being built, or stopping the campground someone wanted to open on Cape Jellison, or…….
Perhaps you might want to remove your blinders for a moment and look across the bay. You will see a place called Maine Maritime Academy, a place that produces over 100 engineers (incuding stationary power engineers) every year. These Maine graduates would be ideally placed to fill all the jobs at the Mack Point facility. Not to mention the hundreds of older MMA grads currently living in the area that would take a shoreside job after years of going to sea.
There are also the tug jobs for ship assisst, pilots, ship chandleries, etc.
If we truly embrace Mack Point as a northeast region port facility (they just recently upgraded their cranes), then we can create a vibrant working waterfront of the kind that used to be found up and down the Maine coast.
The tourist bsed economy seems to revolve around setting up a stall at the Searsport fleamarket, not exactly an economic engine.
But my friend, the 12 jobs which the applicant has indicated will staff the operation of this facility aren’t for mariners, they are for 12 trained LPG technicians mostly likely from within the applicants own existing worker stream.
Certainly those young mariners accross the bay can apply for officer positions on Conoco’s ships coming into this port and traveling all over the world. That’s what the maritime acadamey is all about and I certainly hope every commercial ship going in and out of Maine’s harbors has people as fine as those we turn out at Castine at the healm.. I think you should ask DCP/Conoco Philips at their local office in Searsport if they plan to recruit ships officers for this project from Maine Maritime..and will let us know??.
As far as I know these are ships coming with surplus Conoco LPG in the middle eeeast, Qatar we were told, no one else wants..not sure how Conoco manages its fleet. You could ask.
Your lack of knowledge about MMA is understandable, MMA’s structure has changed significantly over the years. There are several engineering programs at MMA that do not result in a seagoing career (many of my classmates have never set foot on a ship, and never will). Power Engineering Operations, Power Engineering Technology, and Marine Systems Engineering- non license track, are all engineering majors that are not seagoing and would easily fill those positionss at Mack Point. BIW, Cianbro, Verso, and every other powerplant or mill in the state of Maine has MMA traine engineers working on staff. Would DCP relocate workers from out of state, or hire qualified locals? I don’t know. But I do know that a stationary power license is regulated by the state of Maine, with limited reciprocity to adjoining states. I would be willing to bet that will apply to a facility of this complexity as well. That means that if you hold a stationary power license in another state, Maine will make you take the State of Maine test as well.
But you keep limiting the scope to the 12 facilities engineers, there will also be linehandlers, security personnel, tugs, pilots, truck drivers etc. all employed as a result of this facility.
Thank you Kim Tucker for articulating these concerns for many of us. And just to complicate matters, have you read about the proposed hydro-fracking in New Brunswick that utilizes propane? New Brunswickers are very upset about this and staging major protests. See “banfrackingnb.ca.”
Could there be a connection between the propane needed there and DCP’s megastorage tank here? Check it out . . .
If you people only knew what is actually on the point. LP would be the least of your worries
Maine a Terrorist Target?
Absurd!
Conoco Phillips is a multibillion dollar company and they see Searsport as a thinly populated town of unsophisticated hayseeds. They are doing their dirt on the cheap. Anyone with any authority in Searsport could negotiate a much better deal with Conoco Phillips that could satisfy both their critics and fans alike. They are spending pennies to influence a local referendum, because like most multinational corporations they would rather do that than spend a little more to go back to the drawing board and come up with a better proposal. Until that happens I will do everything in my power to defeat this intrusion into the Midcoast by an outside multinational multibillion dollar soul less corporation.
It is going to be a very long time before ‘green’ energy is developed enough to be available for heating our homes. That’s the trouble with the thinking of many here in Maine. The only thought is for the tourist industry which only accounts for a very few months of the year. How many people in Maine must work 2 & 3 jobs just to get by? Doesn’t make sense.