Coal Facility

Re “Huge Coal Storage Facility Fuels Fears,” Aug. 16:

Although the article regarding the construction of the new Los Angeles Export Terminal (LAXT) pointed out the concerns of some harbor-area residents over additional coal and pet coke dust pollution, it failed to adequately point out the environmental mitigation and dust-suppression methods built into the design of this world-class facility. Upon completion in 1997, LAXT will be the finest and most modern facility of its kind. Designed to be the most efficient coal export facility in the world, great care was given to exceeding the stringent requirements called for by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, during construction and operation.

Each coal and pet coke receiving station at LAXT will be thoroughly enclosed with intense water spraying and water curtains acting to supplement thick, manufactured dust-retention covers and an underground collection system. Additionally, all conveyor systems will be totally enclosed in a tube, while enclosed transfer stations will be equipped with numerous water nozzles spraying recycled water during operations. Each conveyor will also contain a vacu- um system for additional dust collection during cleanup.

SCAQMD has pointed out that in the case of LAXT, the use of best available control technology on the coal piles far exceeds any dust containment that a roof could accomplish.

LOU K. ROMMEL

Vice Pres. and General Manager

Los Angeles Export Terminal