Longview port ends talks with oil refinery developer

LONGVIEW — Port of Longview commissioners have ended talks with the Texas-based developer of an $800 million oil refinery and a propane terminal in southwest Washington.

The Daily News of Longview says commissioners voted Tuesday 3-0 to end talks with Waterside Energy. The company proposed two projects on land adjacent to the port but needed to use port property for its activities.

Commissioners said the company missed deadlines to show it had financial backing for the projects.

Waterside Energy proposed a refinery that could each day process about 30,000 barrels of crude oil and about 15,000 barrels seed and used cooking oils.

CEO Lou Soumas told Oregon Public Broadcasting he was disappointed in the decision. He says the company is pursuing other ports and landowners in Washington and Oregon to try to move the project forward.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about potential train derailments and other risks.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

The inside of Johnson’s full-size B-17 cockpit he is building on Sept. 23, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man builds B-17 replica in his garage

Thatcher Johnson spent 3 years meticulously recreating the cockpit of a World War II bomber.

A parent walks their children to class at Whittier Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett celebrates ‘Blue Ribbon’ award as feds cancel program

The Department of Education canceled the award weeks before Whittier Elementary was set to receive it. No Everett public school had won it in over four decades.

Two workers walk past a train following a press event at the Lynnwood City Center Link Station on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Sound Transit weighs possible savings on Everett Link extension

Amid rising costs, the agency could adjust the early design of the Everett Link plan. The proposed changes would not remove stations or affect service levels.

The Washington State University Everett campus on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett allocates funding toward north Broadway bridge design

The $2.5 million in grant dollars will pay for the design of a long-awaited pedestrian bridge near Everett Community College.

Cali Weber, a marine biology intern for Surface Water Management, scoops the top layers of sand into a sample bag that will be analyzed for forage fish eggs at Picnic Point Park on Sept. 23, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Why scientists search for fish eggs

Data from the fish spawning sites act as a barometer of marine ecosystem health.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County Council approves North Lake annexation agreement

Residents of the North Ridge neighborhood wanted to be removed from the urban growth area.

Everett businesses join forces to promote downtown nightlife

A group of downtown businesses will host monthly events as a way to bring more people to the city’s core during late nights.

Everett women steal $2.5K of merchandise, including quinceanera dress, police say

The boutique owner’s daughter reported the four females restrained her and hit her with their car while fleeing.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
DNR transfers land to Stillaguamish Tribe for salmon restoration

The transfer includes three state land trust parcels along the Stillaguamish River totaling just under 70 acres.

Eagle Scout project connects people with deceased loved ones

Michael Powers, 15, built a wind phone in Arlington’s Country Charm Park for those who are grieving.

Two troopers place a photo of slain Washington State Patrol trooper Chris Gadd outside district headquarters about 12 hours after Gadd was struck and killed in a crash on southbound I-5 on March 2 in Marysville. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
One More Stop targets drunk driving this weekend in honor of fallen trooper

Troopers across multiple states will be patrolling from 4 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Everett
Police: Man allegedly shot USPS worker whom he thought was a ‘mafia assassin’

Police said the suspect wore a bulletproof plate-carrier vest with a large knife mounted to it underneath Amazon delivery clothing.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.