South Portland crude oil ban gets backing from planners
South Portland’s proposal to ban the loading of crude oil into marine vessel and related developed has been recommended by the city’s Planning Board.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the board recommended the proposal in a 6-1 vote, with a majority of its members saying the ban would be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. The board’s only opposing member said the comprehensive plan doesn’t support the ban and actually “aims to protect the oil industry and allow it to expanded as needed with sufficient environmental protections.”
The Planning Board’s vote is meant to serve as an advisory opinion for when the City Council considers final approval of the ban on July 21. The council gave initial approval to the proposal by a 6-1 vote in a meeting last week that attracted nearly 500 people.
If approved, the measure would ban the loading of crude oil onto marine vessels and any related development. I would also ban the flow of so-called tar sands into the city — a ban was originally sought through a citywide referendum that failed last year and would have restricted the expansion of petroleum-related facilities.
The committee that drafted the ordinance said the loading of crude oil onto marine vessels could increase air pollution and that vapor combustion facilities used to mitigate the pollution would negatively impact the city's waterfront aesthetics. But industry groups said it would hurt waterfront development and job creation for businesses.
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