"Hearing Examiner Says Shell Oil Project Needs Full Review"

"SEATTLE — A Skagit County hearing examiner handed conservation groups a victory Monday, ruling that an oil-by-rail project at the Shell Puget Sound Refinery near Anacortes should undergo a full environmental review.

'Shell's proposal is a major action significantly affecting the quality of the environment,' and a full review should be prepared, Skagit County Hearing Examiner Wick Dufford said in Monday's ruling.

The review should take into account the potential risks of spills and explosions, the safety of railroad bridges and the impact of oil-train spills to sensitive natural areas such as Padilla Bay, Dufford wrote.

Tom Rizzo, general manager for the Royal Dutch Shell PLC refinery, said in a statement the company was disappointed in the ruling and would decide next steps after reviewing it in detail."

Phuong Le reports for the Associated Press February 23, 2015.