Newport News-Times: Newport hears more testimony about G-P pipeline

Newport News-Times: Newport hears more testimony about G-P pipeline: "The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issues the permit allowing G-P to discharge its effluent into the ocean. Newport previously granted a franchise agreement to G-P to allow the pipelines to pass through the city, but this agreement lapsed, and for more than a year, city staff and G-P have been discussing a new agreement. The city council has been presented with a draft agreement, crafted by City Attorney Gary Firestone. As originally proposed, the agreement states that in exchange for the use of city rights of way, G-P would pay the city $10,000 per year (with annual increases), plus $500 per day for every day G-P exceeds DEQ permit standards. The agreement would be for 10 years, with automatic renewals in 10-year increments unless G-P breaches the agreement. G-P would have to maintain liability insurance covering any injury and/or property damage attributed to the pipeline and indemnify the city. Also, G-P would be required to comply with applicable city ordinances, coordinate any construction with the city, get city approval before abandoning lines, and move lines upon request by the city."

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