TO: FERC docket #PF06-13
RE: Topics of concern FERC pre-filing process from Richard E. Berry
April 15, 2006

1) Geology
 “Neotectonics of Maine”  Studies in Seismicity, Crustal Warping, and Sea-Level Change, Edited by Walter A. Anderson, State of Me. Geologist and Harold W. Burns, Jr. Quaternary Geologist of the University of Maine. 

In my conversations with Quaternary Geologist Harold W. Borns, Jr. in November of 2005 he stated that:
a)      There is an earthquake fault down the axis of Passamaquoddy Bay known as the Oak Bay Fault.
b)  There are records of many small and some large earthquakes in the Bay area.
c)  The area is sinking at the rate of 3 feet per century causing sea-level rise and erosion.
d) A study of the Bay was conducted for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1978 thru 1986. On pg.  4 of the book,” Neotectonics of Maine”is listed the names  and titles of the research team.
e) A naturalist by the name of Ganong stated in the year 1900 that one third of St. Croix Island in Passamaquoddy Bay had already sunk.     

The crustal warping study has shown that neotectonic activity in Maine is defined by recurrent seismicity and secular changes in relative sea level.  Earthquakes have been recorded historically in the state since the 1700’s.  They occur most commonly in certain areas of Maine, such as the Passamaquoddy Bay region on the Maine-New Brunswick border.  Several lines of evidence suggest that eastern Maine is undergoing more rapid submergence than coastal localities to the southwest , probably because of differential crustal subsidence in the vicinity of Passamaquoddy Bay.  The collapse and migration of a crustal bulge which formed along the margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet may be contributing to the downwarping and seismic activity.  However, this theory alone is not adequate to explain the apparent localization of more rapid subsidence in eastern coastal Maine, which is occurring at rates of up to at least 5 mm/yr.  The distinctive bedrock lithology, structure, and long-term tectonic mobility of this area are believed to cause its present instability.

2)   Air Quality
The DELNG developers stated they would use up to 1.5% of their natural gas in the regasification process.  Passamaquoddy Bay -   Mill Cove area experiences days and sometimes as much as a week of very foggy (low ceilings) weather.  A FERC representative stated that under those conditions any gases from the regasification process would be detrimental to ones health.

3)   Noise Pollution
The DELNG developers have said there would be very little noise connected to the LNG unloading and regasification.  They also said at least one tug would remain at the unloading terminal.  I question their calming comments in relation to noise pollution.

4)   Fresh Water Usage
Ships need to take on ballast after unloading their cargo.  DELNG developers told me that they would use fresh water for ballast.  The question is how much fresh water will be needed for this purpose.  The developer said they would drill at least two wells.  QUESTION?  Will the fresh water usage for the DELNG facility and ship ballast effect the aquifer or aquifers that supply the Town of Robbinston.? Nearby Boyden Lake supplies the City of Eastport with it's drinking water supply. 

5)  Shoreland Zoning
The State of Maine has  strict shoreland zoning  laws. Included in the State’s shoreland zoning are:
a)  Protect  coastal wetlands which are swampy marshes, bog, flat or other land above extreme low water, water which is subject to tidal action.
b)  To  prevent and control water pollution
c)  To conserve natural resources
d)  To protect water quality, productive habitat, biotic systems, and scenic and natural values
e)  To protect archaeological and historic resources
 f)  To conserve natural beauty and open space
g)  To protect fish spawning grounds, aquatic life,  bird and other wildlife habitat 

6)   Dredging
Would the US Army Corp of Engineers become involved if there is any dredging?  During low tide Mill Cove empties completely exposing a shifting build-up of sand caused by the tides.  The pollution which has settled on the floor of Passamaquoddy Bay would best be left undisturbed. 

In closing I would like to point out that during the various LNG meetings held by the developers with attendance of the US Coast Guard, members of FERC and various State Department Representatives there was never any mention of  the fact that Passamaquoddy Bay is an earthquake prone area.  

Submitted by:

Richard E. Berry
Robbinston, ME 04671