A.Y. Noojin III
President and CEO
Shell U.S. Gas and Power
1301 McKinney, Suite 700
Houston, TX  77010

Dear Mr. Noojin,

I am an outdoors writer and photographer who has covered fishing in south Louisiana for more than 15 years. In that time I have come to realize that we are blessed with one of the most unique and productive fisheries resources in the world. I now hope that my children, and one day my grandchildren, will enjoy the same angling experiences that I have had.

I am well aware of the importance of our country's energy needs, and have no qualms about liquefied natural gas. But Shell's proposed use of open-rack or open loop processing at the Gulf Landing LNG terminal concerns me, and the vast majority of some 650,000 licensed recreational anglers in Louisiana. While there’s no question that a plethora of marine life will perish as a result of this project, there seems to be little agreement on what those numbers will be.

Rather than to debate statistics in three separate environmental impact studies and "acceptable levels" of fish eggs, larvae and zooplankton that will die in this process, I am pleading with Shell to reconsider the use of open loop LNG systems off of our coast. I know that the operational costs of open loop systems will be less that the closed loop alternative. But the advantages of using the environmentally friendly re-gasification process will be beneficial to all of us. Louisiana’s already fragile offshore ecosystem will remain unscathed, while Shell will bolster its image as staunch conservationists who are deeply concerned about the environment and our people.

The public relations benefits would be literally immeasurable, and felt in not just Louisiana but across the entire Gulf States region. And after you consider compensatory measures or mitigation costs that will soon become a reality, the use of a closed loop system at Gulf Landing may be the best decision after all.

At the annual Louisiana Sportsman's Show this weekend, the Louisiana Superdome was filled with literally thousands of recreational anglers, manufacturers, charter captains, retailers, marina operators, professional anglers, and other industry-related personnel. These are just some of the people who will feel the effects of open loop processing. Generally, discussions at the show focus on the latest products, baits, boats, hot spots, and of course, fish stories. But there was a striking difference in the mood at this year’s event. I spent two full days listening to emphatic discussions about the LNG terminals and proposed open loop systems. Long lines of people formed to sign petitions. In one area a large box and scissors were prominently displayed where people were encouraged to cut up their Shell credit cards.

To tell you the truth, not many Shell cards had been destroyed. But I want you realize the strong public sentiment and general distrust about your plans at Gulf Landing and two other similar LNG projects off of the southwest Louisiana coast. One doesn’t have to look too far to realize problems caused by bad corporate decisions in the past. From day to day we watch as our interior wetlands disappear at alarming rates – erosion-related dilemmas accelerated when oil companies dredged vast networks of access canals. What seemed like a great idea in the 1950s has created the pandemic problems that we live with today.

Residents, as well as thousands of others who come to Sportsman’s Paradise to fish, share a deep passion for the sport. Gulf Landing and many other projects are being planned in one of the richest, most prolific regions of the Gulf of Mexico. There seems to be little doubt that our prized fisheries resources and countless lives will be impacted. We simply can’t understand why it is necessary to compromise one valuable resource for another when there is a viable, virtually harmless alternative

Unfortunately, Shell’s plans are not exclusively problems for the recreational fishing industry. Louisiana shrimpers, who are already being forced out of business by an onslaught of a cheaper, imported product, are just one of the most recent groups to join a growing number of coalitions in opposition. Biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries have gone on record to say that open loop systems have the potential to kill untold numbers of shrimp larvae and crustaceans.

In addition to dozens of state and federal fisheries agencies and conservation groups, the Louisiana Charter Boat Association has also asked Shell to reconsider its plans for Gulf Landing. All of these groups have spent much time and effort during the last 15 years in projects to help rebuild the endangered red drum populations. We now see all of our past achievements in jeopardy.

Because of their intense popularity, red drum, or redfish, has been the most closely scrutinized species in all the EIS results I have seen. The projected economic impacts due to redfish losses at the Gulf Landing terminal alone are significant. One study indicates that we could see the loss of more than 3,000 jobs and annual revenue losses of $34 million. All of the data I have studied indicates that redfish will sustain the greatest mortalities at Gulf Landing. I was surprised to learn this weekend that many people believe reds will be the only species affected. This is far from the truth. I understand that Shell plans to put the intake portion of the open loop system near the lower third part of the water column “to minimize impingement.”

The problem here is that many species, including red snapper, amberjack, cobia, pompano, etc., spawn offshore, leaving their eggs and larvae to move with currents toward the inshore estuaries. This is a process that can take up to six months. Because the oil density in fish eggs, larvae and zooplankton varies, different species move through various parts of the water column. In other words, they don’t all drift on the surface.

I began covering this issue for Rodnreel.com after I initially became aware of it in late 2004. This New Orleans-based website reaches more than 220,000 anglers and industry officials across the Gulf States every month. But by the time my first story was published, the Deepwater Port license had already been approved by MARAD, and the 45-day waiting period had expired. There was no public opposition because frankly, few people were aware. I don't even believe that our governor, Kathleen Blanco, was advised of the environmental ramifications in a timely manner. In one of several interviews and discussions I have had with federal regulators, a USCG spokesman said off the record that Gov. Blanco did express some concern, but only after her deadline to veto the project had expired on Jan. 3.

Since my first feature appeared on Rodnreel.com in January, I have seen a public outcry that can only be described as phenomenal. I have since been contracted to do several other stories on the open loop LNG proposals throughout the Gulf of Mexico. I value my credibility as a journalist and insist on being fair, balanced and thorough in every piece that I write. I invite and encourage your comments and any new information you can pass along. I have interviewed several Shell officials in Houston during the past two months and have found them to be honest and helpful. This issue is beginning to gain national attention. I was recently contacted by National Public Radio (NPR), which I understand is working on a report now.

In my 20-year career I have written literally thousands of stories. But I hope to soon begin work on perhaps the most important piece I may ever write – one that applauds Shell U.S. Gas & Power LLC for doing the right thing. We can only hope Shell will not compromise such an important ecosystem when there is a viable alternative.

In closing, please keep in mind that after all of the mitigation issues are resolved, a closed loop system may be the best choice, in spite of the additional operating expenses. Also consider the potential costs of adverse public relations. When you put it in perspective, closed loop systems may be the best decision, both environmentally and financially. If Shell decides to use a closed loop process at Gulf Landing, the public relations benefits to your company would be priceless. You would be hailed as environmental and conservation leaders, setting examples for future offshore developments off the Louisiana coast.

Sincerely,

Al Rogers

Outdoors writer, editor

P.O. Box 640

Port Sulphur, LA 70083