If a tunnel is not constructed, the marine terminal should be 

 connected by an open pile pier with floats instead of a sheet steel 

 bulkhead. In the construction of steel bulkheads, shores are often 

 dredged to create a berth and to obtain fill to place behind the bulkhead. 

 This alters the natural configuration of the shoreline and robs areas 

 downshore of needed sand by interrupting littoral drift. In addition 

 solid fill structures tend to intercept, divert and disperse water 

 currents. This diversion may decrease available food supply and change 

 water parameters, such as salinity, oxygen, etc., leading to a significantly 

 altered fish and wildlife habitat. If a tunnel is constructed a proper 

 spoil disposal site must be selected to avoid filling wetlands and 

 prevent seepage of contaminants into adjacent areas. 



With the necessity for the onshore LNG site to be relatively 

 flat, a major construction component will entail heavy equipment operations 

 to level the land. This requirement will cause large acreages to be 

 cleared of vegetation and will cause a drastic change in the microclimate 

 of the area. Species which previously occupied the area will now find 

 that area uninhabitable. Also, with the vegetation removed there is the 

 possibility of erosion if appropriate measures are not taken for control. 

 Without proper control there may be excessive sedimentation into streams 

 and rivers producing degraded fish habitats. 



Operation : Loading and unloading of liquefied natural gas must be 

 performed with the utmost care to avoid human error accidents. In 

 addition, contingency plans should be practiced routinely so personnel 

 can respond quickly and appropriately. 



Constant communication must be maintained between onshore operations 

 and the offshore LNG tanker so sudden changes of temperature, pressure 

 and other unexpected events can be corrected. This is in addition to 

 automatic devices installed for safety purposes. 



Regulatory Factors 



State and local regulatory factors may exert an important influence 

 on the location of LNG facilities. Federal jurisdiction over interstate 

 gas pipeline facilities is also discussed in Section 2.2.4. 



Special Federal regulations also set standards for Liquefied Natural 

 Gas Systems (49 C.F.R., Part 192 -- Amendment 192-10). The Occupational 

 Safety and Health Act, Clean Air Act, and Federal Water Pollution Control 

 Act will also affect the design and operations of portions of the facility. 



The specialized transportation facilities required in association 

 with LNG Processing Plants are also subject to Federal control, primarily 

 through the U.S. Coast Guard (See 2.2.5 -- Tanker Operations), but also 

 through other agencies such as the American Bureau of Shipping and the 

 Federal Maritime Commission. 



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