The project drew criticism from some residents and environment advocates for its effect on health and on a major coastal restoration project. RAM would process 6 million tonnes of coal annually at its plant on a 600 acres site near Myrtle Grove.
The terminal would affect a broad area, with trains carrying uncovered cars of coal through Gretna and Belle Chasse and mounds of coal piled next to the mid-Barataria sediment diversion project.
Responding to the concerns of residents, the Gretna and Jefferson councils asked the USACE to weigh the effect of the terminal on the Mid-Barataria diversion, which is designed to build wetlands. The USD 250 million project could begin in 2015. But the USACE declined.
RAM Terminal first applied for a permit in March 2012 and now it is allowed to “clear, grade, excavate and deposit fill”.’
RAM Terminal said the plant is needed as the demand for coal increases. The coal would come from producers in the Illinois Basin and western and central Appalachia, and be shipped out to Asia and Europe. The project is expected to employ 150 people upon completion, 300 during construction.