DCP Midstream, the limited liability corporation of ConocoPhillips and Spectra Energy is poised to install their 22.7 million gallon tank of liquid petroleum gas at the edge of Long Cove in Searsport. The compound will include ship unloading facilities, a mile long pipeline to the tank, a 75-feet tall emergency propane flare that is permitted to burn about 500 hours a year, additional tanks, compressors, pumps and refrigeration units encircled by a 20 foot containment dyke, LPG tanker truck loading stations, a rail car loading yard, and miles of roads and fencing.

The 24-acre terminal grounds will be permanently clear-cut. The tank will store compressed LPG at -44 °F and will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will be 200-feet wide and 138-feet tall, rising 60 feet above the current tanks. It will be visible for miles along the Midcoast and from Penobscot Bay – particularly at night. The terminal’s truck and rail loading facilities are permitted to fill 40 to 144 trucks and 8 rail cars per day – equating to 80 to 288 truck trips per day, or one truck trip through town every five to 15 minutes – potentially double the current truck traffic from the Mack Point Intermodal Cargo terminal.

The DEP and MDOT have both already issued permits for this project. Public meetings have been held in Searsport and Belfast. If you are concerned about this and would like to learn more, please go to the following website: www.tbnt.org. You are also urged to attend one of the following public meetings:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, CAMDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY 6:30 PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, ELLSWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY 7:00 PM