The Role of USCG

The Coast Guard plays a primary role in the review of the safety and security aspects of proposed LNG terminal activities. The USCG is responsible for ensuring that the project complies with the waterway management and navigation safety issues set forth in the Ports and Waterways Safety Act and security issues under the Maritime Transportation Security Act.

About the Process

•	Concurrent with the filing by the Project of a request for Pre-Filing status with FERC a preliminary Waterway Suitability Assessment (WSA) must be submitted to the USCG. The WSA will provide an assessment of the existing maritime and adjacent infrastructure as well as propose the necessary mitigation measures required to ensure the safe and security movement of LNG vessels from the open waters to the Project berth.
•	The USCG will thoroughly review the WSA, and if deemed sufficient, will produce a Waterway Suitability Report (WSR) for submission to FERC. The WSR will identify the procedures that the USCG deems necessary to allow for the safe and secure transit of LNG vessels from open waters to the Project.
•	Jordan Cove will also file a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Coast Guard outlining the activities proposed at the terminal. This LOI will identify waterway issues, such as vessel traffic, weather conditions and bathymetry, which the Coast Guard will validate and utilize in its analysis of the suitability of the waterway for LNG vessel traffic.
•	Upon receipt of the Project’s LOI and WSA, the Coast Guard will hold public meetings and accept written comments for incorporation into their decision making process, which will ultimately result in the issuance of a Coast Guard Letter of Recommendation (LOR) if it is determined that the proposed activities can occur in a safe, secure manner.
•	The Coast Guard will also work other federal, state and local agencies, together with Jordan Cove, to determine what safety and security measures and resources will be required during marine transits and terminal and operations. These procedures will ultimately be incorporated into the Vessel Transit Plans and Terminal Security Plans which must be approved by the Coast Guard prior to the start of commercial operations.