BEP officials say the request to delay the week-long hearing, involving about 100 witnesses, was granted "reluctantly."

Maine's Board of Environmental Protection has agreed to postpone a public hearing on Calais LNG's applications for a liquified natural gas terminal in Washington County.

The delay comes at the request of the company, which says it needs more time to gather information on the proposed $1 billion project. The lengthy hearing, involving as many as 100 witnesses, was scheduled for July 19 through the 23rd.

In a letter granting the request, Board Chair Susan Lessard says she's "surprised that this problem has only now been brought to my attention." She says the board has been working for the past four months preparing for the hearing, "and to learn at this late date that the applicant is not ready to proceed because it has not yet submitted certain relevant information is disappointing."

She says the postponement comes at "considerable costs" to the board and other parties. She says her decision to delay the hearing was made "reluctantly."

Calais LNG is requesting to delay the hearing until after September 1. Lessard says an exact date for the hearing will be determined later.