In order to bring a liquefied natural gas import terminal to the North Spit, Energy Projects Development LLC will need to follow a complex federal process that will require public hearings and input.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is the lead federal agency responsible for issuing importation licenses and approving all permits for onshore facilities. Once the company enters its application with FERC, the federal agency will conduct a fact-finding mission, which will trigger a public meeting process.

In Oregon, the company also will need to bring the plant's proposal to the Energy Facilities Siting Council. The OEFSC is the lead state agency responsible for issuing a site certificate, required for the construction of an energy facility. The OEFSC process also will require public meetings, which may be held in conjunction with FERC.

In addition, other state agencies involved in the process will include the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of State Lands. Federally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be responsible for approving the installation of any berths and moorings as well as dredging to maintain the necessary channel depth.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Maritime Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service also would be brought on board for consultation on the project.

From start to finish, the permitting process could take two years, according to Project Manager Robert Braddock. If the project is approved, construction may take another 24 months.

According to Braddock, a feasible plan for bringing the Jordan Cove Energy Project on line could be on target for 2008 or 2009.