The agency confirmed that thanks to a 30-day extension, those seeking to have input heard now have until 5pm local time on August 12 to submit.

However, the DEQ also noted that the extension was in response to a June 21 request by environmentalist groups the Sierra Club and Columbia Riverkeeper.

None of this week’s public hearings set for the project have been affected, officials said, and they would go on as scheduled.

Coyote Island, planned for the town of Boardman by owner Ambre Energy, currently has pending water quality, air quality and stormwater permits.

The coal transfer station could see up to 8.8 million tons of coal moving from rail to barge, where it will be sent up the Columbia River, should the project come to fruition.

The DEQ said it had received thousands of written comments about the project since the permits were released. An initial group of public hearings held in December attracted thousands of participants.

In addition to the hearings, the agency is accepting comments through its website and by email, mail or fax.

The comment periods are required by law and all are taken into consideration during its review.

If the project is in compliance with all legal requirements, it will issue the requested permits to Coyote Island.