Studies say LNG tanker transits would affect economy
 

By Associated Press
Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - Updated: 11:38 AM EST

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Giant tankers carrying liquefied natural gas through Narragansett Bay could cause traffic backups, hurt tourism and marine economies and slow emergency response times, according to two new studies released Tuesday.
 

      The studies focus on the economy and traffic and how they would be affected by LNG tankers heading to the planned Weaver's Cove Energy terminal in Fall River, Mass. They were conducted by two independent companies for the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission, a regional group comprised of the cities of Middletown, Newport and Portsmouth. The commission has not taken a position on the LNG proposal.
    Newport Harbor would be blocked for at least 20 minutes each time a tanker passes because of the wide security zone required around the ships, according to the economic impact report by Lincoln-based Pare Engineering Corp. Weaver's Cove has said it initially plans 50 to 70 tanker voyages per year.
 
      That would restrict use of the bay several times a week during the boating season, and could result in the loss of major regattas and the Tall Ships festival, the report said. It could also damage the city's reputation as a tourist destination for the cruise ship industry. Tourism is one of the state's largest industries.
 
      Jamestown Harbor would also be affected.
 
      While public concern has centered largely on the fear of an explosion or attack on a tanker, the reports examined other potential consequences of LNG shipments on the water.
 
      ``This has nothing to do with terrorists or tankers blowing up or anything,'' said Keith Stokes, executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce. ``This has to do with our vision over the next 10 years for the economy of Aquidneck Island. This just doesn't fit.''
 
      Traffic would also be a problem, as bridges are closed for security reasons while tankers pass through, according to the study prepared by The Louis Berger Group, Inc., of Needham, Mass.
 
      Traffic on the Claiborne Pell bridge between Newport and Jamestown could be disrupted for as long as 25 minutes while the tankers and security support pass, the report said. On the Mount Hope Bridge, between Bristol and Portsmouth, the report said traffic could be disrupted for as long as about 47 minutes.

Those delays could prevent fire, ambulance and other services from responding quickly to emergencies. For example, an ambulance would not be able to bring Jamestown residents to Newport Hospital when the Pell Bridge is closed. Instead, it would have to go to South County Hospital in South Kingstown, which is farther away and would take more time, the report said.
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