Dominion Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant officials hosted a “spring social” Saturday, May 17 at the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department (Company 7) field. Dominion spokesman Karl Neddenien said an estimated 1,000 people showed up for the two-and-a-half hour event. Neddenien stated the event was held as a way “to thank the many neighbors, community volunteers, businesses and others who continue to show support for our export project.”
In addition to food provided by Adam’s Ribs, invitees enjoyed music played by a live deejay, plus children’s midway games.
Dominion Vice President of LNG Operations Michael D. Frederick thanked the gathering for getting behind the company’s effort to build a $3.8 billion liquefaction facility at the 40-year-old Lusby gas plant. The plan, which remains in the permit process phase, has been denounced by some of the residents living in proximity to the facility and a handful of environmental groups. Frederick stated most of the plant expansion opponents “are not from around here” and have been spreading “misinformation.”
Frederick drew applause when he mentioned that the project had recently received a favorable environmental assessment from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He said the positive assessment was not something Dominion left to luck. ‘We designed it that way,” he said.
The federal agency and the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) will have the final say about the project going forward.
Frederick reminded the throng that FERC will be conducting a public meeting on the project Saturday, May 31 at Patuxent High School. He urged the attendees to show up for that meeting. “If jobs and the economy are important to you, come to the meeting and tell them [FERC] that,” Frederick said.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
