FAQ Frequently asked questions

Q. What is this vote about?
A. Clatsop County recently amended its zoning law to conditionally allow pipelines in areas designated "Open Space, Parks and Recreation" for purposes such as natural gas transport from a liquid natural gas (LNG) facility. The change in the zoning ordinance to allow pipelines not only affects the area near the LNG terminal, but would allow pipelines in all areas designated open space, parks, and recreation throughout the county. This includes Camp Cullaby, Carnahan County Park, Fishhawk Falls County Park, North Fork Nehalem County Park, and Sigfridson County Park.

A "no" vote would maintain existing county zoning law prohibiting pipelines in areas designated "Open Space, Parks and Recreation" zones.

Q. If Clatsop County Citizens for Common Sense asked for the referendum, why do you want a "NO" vote?
A. The referendum is not an initiative; it is a referral of a planned action to the voters. The board voted "YES" to allow pipelines in parks. The referendum enables you, the voter, to have the final say and vote “NO.”

Q. Northern Star thinks this vote is a waste of time and money.  Northern Star calls it a waste of time because this one vote cannot stop the project.
A1. The referendum is a right embodied in Oregon’s constitution.  Apparently Northern Star thinks the exercise of democracy is a waste of time.
A2.  Clearly the referendum cannot halt the project.  This is not the subject of the vote.  A NO vote asks Northern Star to live up to their commitment to be a good neighbor and not put their pipeline through our parks.
A3. The County Clerk has estimated the cost of special elections at only $7,500.   A small price to pay for democracy.

Q. By voting for "no pipelines" does that mean the parks can't have running water, sewer or other kinds of pipes?
A. No, the typical small-diameter service pipes are permitted now, but only to connect to approved structures such as water pipelines for water fountains Voting "NO" means that large diameter, high pressure, interstate pipelines would not be allowed to pass through county parks.

Q. Is this vote really a vote on LNG in general?
A. For many it very well might be. But even those who support LNG, allowing pipelines in parks will likely be seen as simply too sweeping a change to make for the benefit of one company.

Q. Is this the final hurdle for Bradwood before construction can start?
A. Not by a long shot. In fact Northern Star's Bradwood facility has yet to receive a single, uncontested approval. It will need approvals from all of the following: ACHP, ATF, CG, COE, DOD, DOT, PHMSA, EPA, FERC, FWS, LUCS, NMFS, NRCS, ODA, ODE, ODEQ, ODFW, ODLCD, ODOT, ODSL, ODWR, OPUC, SHPO, WDE, WDLI, WDNR, WDOT, WUTC.

Q. Isn't the park land that Bradwood wants to cross zoned as a park, but not used as a park?
A. Clatsop County has several areas designated or zoned parks that are not yet developed. The change in the zoning ordinance to allow pipelines affects the undeveloped park near the proposed  LNG terminal at Bradwood.  It also  would allow pipelines in all county lands  designated open space, parks, and recreation. There are two other high-pressure, natural gas pipelines already on the drawing board for Clatsop County. The attempt to change the law exposes all these areas zoned parks and open space to pipelines.  A NO vote will keep these areas protected from pipelines.

Q. Doesn't the land get fully restored after a pipeline goes in?
A. No. The area over the pipeline must remain open, trimmed and accessible. The corridor is a permanent scar on the land, a breeding ground for invasive plant species. In addition there is the disruption during construction and the possibility of major maintenance activity in the future. Finally, there is the small, but non-zero chance of a catastrophic event.

Q. What is the effect on the Bradwood project if the change in the law is rejected by voters?
A. NorthernStar will have to reroute part of its proposed pipeline or find some other solution.