A letter from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to Broadwater Energy officials may have put the company's barge plans in jeopardy.

The letter from the DEC states the planned floating natural gas terminal could pose a variety of environmental problems to the Long Island Sound, including air quality problems and negative effects on lobster populations. The DEC letter says approximately 210 million eggs and larvae and an undetermined amount of fish could be killed by the project, even with modifications to the current plan. Environmental activists are pleased with the DEC's stance.

"This letter is really a validation of everything we have been saying, and we're thrilled to see this in writing," says Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

Broadwater officials say they are not overly concerned with the letter and are willing to negotiate changes. "This is part of the process," says Senior Vice President John Hritcko.

Esposito's organization thinks the letter will have more of an impact. "We think we hear the creaking sound of the coffin closing very slowly," says Esposito.

Governor Eliot Spitzer is expected to make a decision on Broadwater by February 12.

Related information:Broadwater EnergyCitizens CampaignCritics singe new Broadwater barge report Esposito:Broadwater wants clean-air exemptionsBandof Broadwater opponents bring fight to AlbanyStatestudy suggests South Shore spots for BroadwaterMediatours site of proposed Broadwater barge