The Washington Ecology Department is asking the Corps of Engineers to develop a cumulative study of plans for coal export terminals in the Northwest.

In a letter Tuesday, Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant said a federal review of rail and vessel congestion, air quality and other possible problems is necessary to help state and local governments.

Last month the Environmental Protection Agency also asked the corps for such a review.

At least six projects have been proposed to ship coal from Montana and Wyoming to Asia. Projects are planned near Bellingham, Longview and Port of Grays Harbor in Washington state, as well as at Coos Bay in Oregon and two on the Columbia River.

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Information from: The Daily News, http://www.tdn.com