Federal officials say it was a glitch in the printing process. Conspiracy theorists might suggest it’s a government white-out. Someone who doesn’t like reading government documents might see it as a welcome reprieve.

The extent of the problem is unknown, but at least one bound copy of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s draft Environmental Impact Statement was a waste of paper.

It’s blank. From cover to cover. All 158 sheets of paper. Snow white.

That is not to say the report hasn’t been completed. The document, which evaluates Jordan Cove’s proposal to build a liquefied natural gas terminal on the North Spit and a new  natural gas pipeline, has been available on the Internet since Aug. 29. The printed copies apparently began arriving in Coos Bay mailboxes Friday.

The second volume of the report, which accompanied the blank copy, is replete with diagrams, color maps and lots, and lots of words.

And according to Mary O’Driscoll, director of FERC’s press service division, her copy looks fine.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of someone having a problem,” she said Friday afternoon. “I assume it is an isolated incident.”

O’Driscoll said the agency mailed a total of about 400 copies and more are available to anyone interested in getting a free copy.

Requests can be sent to the office of the secretary, FERC, Washington, D.C., 20426. Those interested should indicate they want a copy of the draft EIS of Jordan Cove’s project, CP-07-444-000.

Hard copies of the two volumes were mailed to cooperating agencies;  intervenors; and people who specifically requested hard copies.

Other people were sent a single compact disc containing the entire draft EIS.

There’s no word yet as to whether any of the CDs are blank.

Comment period

The comment period on the draft EIS is open from now until Dec. 4.  Submissions may be sent electronically by visiting the FERC’s Web site, http://www.ferc.gov, and using either the Quick Comment or eFiling feature. Hard copies may be mailed to Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, FERC, 888 First St. N.E., Room 1A, Washington, D.C., 20426. FERC asks that mailings include three copies of the letter and all submissions include the project numbers for both the Jordan Cove project and the Pacific Connector Gas Pipe line. Those numbers are CP07-441-000 and CP07-444-000.

FERC also will hold a series of public meetings at several locations in southern Oregon. Dates, times and locations have yet to be announced.

For assistance in the filing process, those interested can call FERC staff at (202) 502-8258 or e-mail at efiling@ferc.gov.