ALA Energy Ferndale Terminal
Location
Ferndale, WA
Operator
Yes
Fuel Type
Butane and Propane
Overview
The Ferndale Terminal provides a fast path to Asian markets for North American propane and butane producers. Strategically positioned 100 miles north of Seattle, its West Coast location reduces shipping times, strengthens pricing, and provides a reliable outlet for liquefied petroleum gas volumes. Through a combination of strong rail and refinement connections, Ferndale is a key hub in our export network.
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Overview
Located approximately 100 miles north of Seattle, the AltaGas | ALA Energy Ferndale Terminal stores and exports Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) to both domestic and global markets. ALA Energy, a subsidiary of AltaGas, assumed operatorship of the terminal in December 2020.
Strategically positioned on the Pacific Northwest Coast, our facility is supported by a highly skilled team dedicated to operating a safe and reliable energy export terminal and efficiently meeting rising energy demands.
With respect and gratitude, we operate on the traditional and ancestral lands and waterways of the Lummi Nation and Coast Salish peoples. We honor their ancestors and acknowledge the past, present, and future Lummi People as the original inhabitants and stewards of this area.
Our operations at-a-glance
Our business in Ferndale is focused on connecting responsibly produced LPG products with the best markets.
- LPG products (propane and butane) arrive at our Ferndale terminal via rail, truck, and pipeline from our Canadian and U.S. suppliers.
- Once here, these products are stored and cooled to keep them in a liquid state.
- The processed LPG is then either used locally for residential or industrial purposes or is loaded onto Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) for shipment to overseas markets, offering our global customers significant advantages with shorter shipping distances compared to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
We are committed to maintaining safe and reliable operations while delivering the critical energy our customers need.
Did you know?
We supply propane to local distributors who provide heating for approximately half of the homes on the Lummi Reservation and all the homes on Lummi Island.
Our employees
Our terminal is supported by a highly skilled team of approximately 45 employees. Interested in joining us? Learn more by visiting our careers page ».
Valued members of our ALA Energy team at Ferndale.
Whatcom County Permit Application
At AltaGas | ALA Energy, we are proactively working with regulatory authorities to ensure our operations not only meet but exceed environmental standards, continuing our commitment to a sustainable future. We currently have an application pending with Whatcom County for a proposed Ferndale Flare Project, aimed at reducing emissions emitted at our terminal, and a Waste Gas Recycling Project, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. Our application also addresses historical modifications to our facility that have been made since August 2016.
Comment Period
Whatcom County is inviting community members to engage with our application by asking questions and sharing their feedback. A public comment period is now open. You can read other submissions, view our public responses, and submit your own questions or comments by visiting Whatcom County’s website here ».
FAQ
Below are some commonly asked questions. If you’re looking for more information about our operations, proposed projects, and sustainability commitments, please submit your question to Whatcom County’s comment period portal.
What are the “Flare Project” and the “Waste Gas Recycling Project”? +
The Flare Project is a new enclosed ground flare that will help reduce Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. Flaring is a controlled process to dispose of gas, essential for emergency and safety purposes, in situations where it is not feasible for the gas to be used.
The Waste Gas Recycling Project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by recycling waste gases. Recycled product will be used to fuel gas-fired compressor engines.
What are the “Prior Projects” referenced in the application? +
“Prior Projects” in this application refers to modifications made to the facility since August 15, 2016. At times, we separate these projects out into two subsets:
- “Unpermitted Prior Projects:” projects that the County has now asserted require both a permit and potential environmental review.
- “Permitted Prior Projects:” projects that already have the necessary permits, but that the County now asserts require additional environmental review.
Why is this application being submitted? +
AltaGas has submitted an application to Northwest Clean Air to install a permanent flare and construct the waste gas recycling project – both of which will reduce site GHG greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, AltaGas is also submitting this application to Whatcom County to resolve a disagreement with the County for historic modifications to the facility, called “Prior Projects” in the application.
How will AltaGas address environmental impacts associated with the Projects +
AltaGas has completed a detailed environmental review of the Terminal including all the relevant projects. We, and third-party experts, have verified that there were no significant adverse impacts. We have voluntarily committed to a series of permit conditions to avoid, minimize, or mitigate all impacts Whatcom County identified through its SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review process. You can read the list of our voluntary measures here.
Investing in Our Communities
At AltaGas, we value being a good neighbor. As we safely deliver North American energy to a growing market, we support the local communities where we live and work.
Supporting Safe Waters for Commercial Mariners and Orca Whales
AltaGas | ALA Energy Joins Forces with Maritime Blue to Protect Endangered Southern Resident killer whales - Quiet Sound
AltaGas | ALA Energy Supports Community Healing Through All Hands Whatcom Initiative
AltaGas | ALA Energy is proud to partner with the Chuckanut Health Foundation in support of the All Hands Whatcom initiative, an inspiring community-driven effort to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis in Whatcom County.
Rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term well-being, AltaGas’ support for the All Hands Whatcom event series helped bring together local organizations, families, and individuals to build a robust community response to substance use disorders.
Recognizing the urgent need for flexible, emergency financial assistance for families with young children impacted by the crisis, AltaGas also helped launch the All Hands Impact Fund with a $40,000 community match challenge. This fund provides critical support to close small but significant gaps that can make a lasting difference in a family’s path to healing and stability.
“At AltaGas, we believe in the power of community and the importance of investing in initiatives that create meaningful change,” said Andrea Doyle, Manager, External Affairs at AltaGas. “We are honored to stand alongside the Chuckanut Health Foundation and the people of Whatcom County in this vital work.”
Together, we can ensure that every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. Join us in supporting All Hands Whatcom and building a healthier, more resilient future for all.
To learn more or contribute, visit chuckanuthealthfoundation.org/support-all-hands.
AltaGas | ALA Energy is proud to maintain Green Marine certification at our Ferndale export terminal, recognizing our continued focus on responsible operations, environmental performance and continuous improvement.
In the 2025 Green Marine Performance Report, Ferndale achieved an average score of 4.2 out of five and earned full marks in community relations, environmental leadership, and spill prevention and stormwater management.
Green Marine is a voluntary externally verified certification program that supports the maritime industry in improving performance beyond environmental regulatory compliance. Participants are evaluated over key environmental priorities on a five-point scale, from monitoring of regulations to excellence and leadership.
Ferndale’s 2025 results reflect the strength of our teams’ work to operate safely, protect the surrounding environment and build strong relationships in the communities where we live and work.
Learn more about Green Marine and view the 2025 Performance Report at green-marine.org ».
