Jun. 2--The state is trying to give Weaver's Cove a big hint.

Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environment Ian Bowles has told the proposed developer of a liquefied natural gas facility in Fall River that it can proceed with its certification process -- but it probably won't get an official OK in the end.

"After carefully reviewing the (plan), all of the numerous comments submitted in response, and after consultation with the permitting agencies, I do not believe this project, as presented, would be able to be permitted," Bowles wrote in an order issued yesterday.

Weaver's Cove has been battling local politicians and residents for years to build the LNG facility along the waterfront of Fall River.

The firm first called for tankers to pull up to waterfront docks to unload the gas, but the U.S. Coast Guard rejected the plan. Weaver's Cove then came back with another plan to build an offshore berth in Mount Hope Bay and transport gas via pipelines up the Taunton River to Fall River. That plan also met intense opposition.

Gov. Deval Patrick said he'd like to see Weaver's Cove give up the fight. "I continue to have serious concerns, on both public safety and environmental grounds, about this proposed site for an LNG terminal," he said in a statement.

But a spokesman for Weaver's Cove said the firm, backed by the giant Hess Corp., has every intention of pushing forward.

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