Largest Methanol Refinery - Forced on residents of Tacoma, Washington

[WestSeattle2]

Last edited Thu Feb 18, 2016, 04:19 PM - Edit history (1)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/481273168725978/?fref=nf

http://biodiesel.org/docs/ffs-methanol/faq-about-the-safe-handling-and-use-of-methanol.pdf?sfvrsn=6

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/say-no-to-the-huge-methanol - PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

while supposedly Democratic power brokers stand silently by, and allow the environmental outrage to commence. This refinery will consume 2,500 gallons of fresh water per minute - yes, per minute - doubling the municipal water consumption, while raising utility rates of local citizens.

The plant, to be owned and operated by the Chinese government, through a limited liability corporation, will be sited in the middle of a densely populated American city. That's right, a hostile foreign government will not only be allowed in, but actively recruited by the Port of Tacoma, the City of Tacoma, and the United States Congress ("we encourage foreign investment!&quot , to locate a lethal methanol refinery on American soil.

The callous disregard for human life and safety is appalling in its scope and scale. Located within the blast zone of this prime terrorist target, are homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. The obfuscation, finger pointing, monumental hypocrisy, and conflicts of interest are clearly in evidence.

The sellout of Democrat values is what I consider to be the most disturbing aspect of this travesty. Apparently, Democrat values of environmental protection, and placing a higher value on the lives and safety of humans and animals over cash, is a facade. In the end, Democrat power brokers are as eager to sell out for a buck as their Republican brethren. It's heartbreaking to see - truly.

If you would like to lend your voice to the cause of stopping this epic fail in Democratic leadership, please consider spreading the word, and joining the Facebook group Red Line Tacoma. It would send a strong message to Democratic leadership at all levels, to hear a thunderous grassroots response to this egregious sellout of the values we've all fought hard and long for.

[mrs_p]

1. The town I grew up in

I haven't called it home for over 20 years.

[WestSeattle2]

2. You wouldn't recognize it. A few steps forward, and then 20 steps back. Current crop of

leaders is something to behold. And not in a good way.

[mrs_p]

3. I lived in nine different places there

All over, including Hilltop. Some things have changed for the better but this meth plant sounds like a huge mistake. I remember the days of swimming at Pt. Defiance before it was a superfund site. Tacoma still hasn't learned, I guess.

BTW, like many who got out of T Town, I consider my self a Seattle native. We even used to live in West Seattle before heading to CO and NY for my training. We miss it out there Every. Single. Day.

[WestSeattle2]

4. This refinery is an epic fail, on so many levels. And its sole purpose is so China can

produce more plastic - as if our world and oceans need more plastic. The process that is bringing the refinery to fruition, is reminiscent of the old Pierce County graft and corruption days. It's disgusting.

There are lots of news stories to be dug up on this one. I'm sure national media outlets who file Freedom of Information Requests with the Port of Tacoma, City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Utilities, the Governor's office, Congressional Representatives Adam Smith and Derek Kilmer, will discover a treasure trove of information that many would prefer stay hidden.

[WestSeattle2]

6. Just added a link to a MoveOn.org petition. Please take two minutes to sign. Help send a message!

[KamaAina]

7. Why in hell can't China make its own methanol?

[Lancero]

8. Carbon emissions and other environmental concerns.

This is a very environmentally unfriendly process, and China had set a goal to cut emissions in their country.

One extremely easy way for them to do that is to... well, move their environmentally unfriendly infrastructure to other countries.

It's a twofold really. It lets China say that they cut their nations emissions down, and makes it harder for other countries to reduce their own emissions. Underhanded, but it lets them say that they have reduced their nations enviromental impact. (That it's only by technicality doesn't really matter to them)

The process takes a lot of water too, so putting that burden on another country is pretty attractive to them as well.

[hunter]

10. I'd guess it's because natural gas is so cheap here.

China imports huge quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG), but LNG exports are a complete non-starter on the West Coasts of the U.S.A. and Canada, mostly because they can explode.

2004, Jan. 19, Skikda, Algeria. Explosion at Sonatrach LNG liquefaction facility. 27 killed, 56 injured, three LNG trains destroyed, a marine berth was damaged and 2004 production was down 76 percent for the year. Total loss was US$900 million

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquefied_natural_gas

Methanol is just another way of liquefying so-called "natural" gas.

I use scare quotes because "natural" has been turned into a wretched marketing term by the filthy gas industry.

[KamaAina]

11. So this is another result of fracking.

Quakes in Oklahoma. Pollution in Washington. Where will it end?

[Generic Other]

9. We are fighting it tooth and nail

The citizens of Tacoma are up in arms. The damn company plans to use half our municipal water and half our electricity. Our city leaders deserve to be tarred and feathered for their role in this hideous deal.

[WestSeattle2]

12. You're being too kind. There is a reason China targeted Tacoma and not Seattle. Pierce County

politics has long been riddled with graft and corruption. Their politics is a putrid cesspool, which is a shame.

Everyone on DU needs to take note, that not one single Washington State Democrat leader has said no to this travesty. Not a one. The party that supposedly stands for protecting the environment - totally missing in action when a dollar bill is waved in front of them. This goes for federal, state and local Democrats - some are standing on the sidelines with their hands in their pockets, whistling into the wind; others are actively supporting this project.

The glaring hypocrisy and total absence of leadership, is appalling.

[Generic Other]

13. I am disappointed in all local and state politicians

for ignoring the electorate. I really have never seen so many friends and neighbors speak out against a project. And the politicians made sure that no one knew what underhanded crap was going on. I think you are right. People's pockets were lined. We may be recalling the whole lot of them before this is over.

And it is not just Tacoma. Federal Way, the Puyallup tribe, many others are also impacted. Building in a lahar earthquake zone. A pipeline for fracked oil...BP is even a partner in this crime. It's unbelievable that we'd do this to ourselves.

[WestSeattle2]

14. The whole sorry saga stinks to high heaven. Totally disgusting.

[Generic Other]

15. They backed down for the moment

"...In response to public concerns, Northwest Innovation Works has asked the City of Tacoma to pause the environmental review of our proposed methanol plant in Tacoma....we have been surprised by the tone and substance of the vocal opposition that has emerged in Tacoma. To force a facility on a community that does not welcome it would not be consistent with our goals. Therefore, we have decided to pause the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review process in Tacoma.
We will use the next several months to engage the Tacoma community in further dialogue..."

Plotting more sneaky shit behind our backs no doubt.

[WestSeattle2]

16. Without a doubt. As others have noted, they are like a cancer in remission, which I thought

was a perfect analogy. NWIW is not going to disappear; they'll be a pain in the ass for many months to come. They have powerful supporters too, some of whom have won awards for being the most corrupt member of Congress.

http://www.crewsmostcorrupt.org/mostcorrupt/entry/norm-dicks

They, and their supporters, remain a threat to the environment, and will be fought every inch of the way.