BOC-MFSA_05142013_4661_webIt was standing room only in the port’s commission room on Monday, July 22, as members of the public gathered for a workshop on the elements of a lease with the Tesoro-Savage Joint Venture (TSJV) for a crude handling facility at the port.

Monday’s workshop was the fifth in a series aimed at providing both general information on issues related to crude oil as well as information specific to the TSJV facility. The project, proposed by the port’s longtime tenant Tesoro in partnership with the logistics company Savage, would bring North American Crude oil to the port by rail where it would then be transferred to marine vessels for transport to refineries in California, Washington and Alaska. Other workshop topics included marine safety, rail safety, the permitting process, and an overview of the TSJV project.

The July 22 workshop began with a presentation by port staff that explained the port’s mission and decision making process, economic benefits and job generation as well as touching on various elements of the proposed lease, including requirements related to the safe operation of the facility. Click to view a copy of the evening’s PowerPoint.

Following the presentation, nearly 40 community members shared their perspectives with the commissioners. Most were in opposition to the project, with safety and the environment topping the list of concerns. Commissioners closed the evening by offering their appreciation to the crowd for their participation. Click to view taped coverage of the July 22 workshop.