SAN DIEGO - ChevronTexaco approached the Marine Corps about building a liquefied natural gas terminal near or at Camp Pendleton, but the installation's commanding general opposes the idea, it was reported today.

The Marines also oppose Camp Pendleton being listed as alternative site for an LNG terminal proposed by the Australian energy company BHP Billiton off the shore of Ventura County, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"As the current commander of this installation, I am unequivocally opposed to the establishment of a commercial LNG facility on or near the coastline of this Marine Corps amphibious training base," Maj. Gen. W. G. Bowden wrote state officials last month, the Times reported.

The focus on Camp Pendleton highlights the interest among energy firms to locate terminals in California and win a share of the lucrative natural gas market, according to the Times. Companies nationwide are jockeying for position to import LNG from overseas to counter rising natural gas prices and a dwindling domestic supply.

But mounting concern about the potential fire hazards of LNG facilities and the mammoth tankers that would serve them is spurring protest near some proposed sites, including Long Beach and Ventura County. The Camp Pendleton site has not generated as much attention, the Times reported.

Environmentalists question whether an LNG terminal should be so close to the San Onofre nuclear plant, according to The Times. In addition, the Navy has an offshore island for bombing practice. And, some of the region's most legendary surfing areas are on or near the base.

ChevronTexaco executives did not comment on the issue, saying only that any kind of negotiations were confidential, the Times reported.

ChevronTexaco is pursuing plans to build an LNG terminal in the Coronado Islands in Mexico, just south of San Diego, which would provide gas primarily for Mexico, although the firm may consider distributing the surplus to California, according to the Times.

An official with BHP Billiton told the Times that the firm was not interested in a Camp Pendleton terminal, although planners mentioned the base as a possible alternative to the Ventura County site during state environmental reviews, the Times reported.