Planned South Texas LNG terminal gets environmental OK

Federal regulators have given final environmental approval for a South Texas liquefied natural gas and export terminal in a migratory corridor for rare animals.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday issued its report on the proposed Texas LNG terminal at the Port of Brownsville.

Critics raised concerns about habitat of the endangered ocelot, jaguarundi and aplomado falcon. The terminal would be on about 625 acres (252.934 hectares) near the Laguna Atascosa (at-uh-SKOH'-suh) National Wildlife Refuge.

FERC says construction and operation would have adverse environmental impacts, but those could be mitigated through planning, design, engineering and training. Recommendations include using electric motors to reduce noise and emissions, installing barriers to control erosion, planting native vegetation and limiting construction during breeding periods.

A final permit decision is expected later this year.