At their Thursday meeting, commissioners will hold a study session about the proposed methanol facility.

The commission approved a lease with Northwest Innovation Works in May 2014. The company is proposing to build a facility to convert natural gas to methanol.

The methanol would be used in Asia as a manufacturing component to produce olefin, a compound used in a variety of consumer goods. The methanol would help reduce China’s reliance on higher-emission coal and petroleum. The facility is currently under environmental review through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

The study session will follow the action agenda, which includes one request to purchase a Vactor truck to clean port catch basins and protect water quality. See the full agenda.

Commission meetings begin at noon in Room 104 of the Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. Meetings are streamed live on the Port's website.