LNG Causes Pipeline Leaks - Warning by LngDanger.com
Tim Riley and Hayden Riley, hosts of http://LngDanger.com, and producers of the LNG documentary film: The Risks and Danger of LNG, warn that a new report reveals - LNG causes pipe couplings to shrink and leak.
(PRWEB) July 13, 2005 -- The Washington Post reported on July 7, 2005, “A
company-sponsored study, launched after a District Heights house exploded in
late March, found that subtle molecular differences in the imported liquefied
natural gas the utility began using in August 2003 were drying the rubber seals
of aging metal couplings that link sections of pipe.” Prince George's County
Executive Jack Johnson said, “he was ‘very alarmed’ that the gas industry knew
since 1992 that changes in gas composition could cause couplings to
leak.”
“We too, are very concerned that the energy industry knew of this
problem, and yet the siting of new and expanded Liquefied Natural Gas
importation facilities is moving at a fast-tracked pace,” said Hayden Riley.
“It is time to put the brakes on, and slow down the LNG application
process - nationwide - until this troubling report and possible solution is
fully examined and fully understood. We don’t want our communities being exposed
to dangers of pipeline leaks and explosions from regasified LNG,” said Tim
Riley.
The Washington Post further stated, “The frequency of leaks began
to soar in late 2003, soon after the company started supplying Prince George's
with imported gas, mainly from Trinidad, brought in by tanker through Dominion's
Cove Point liquefied natural gas terminal in Calvert County.”
“We are
very concerned that the leaks started within six months of the regasified LNG
passing through the pipeline system. This shocking revelation proves that LNG’s
allegedly innovated and modern technology has many flaws. What also upsets us is
that apparently the industry knew about this danger, and nevertheless has failed
to disclose this vital information during the nationwide LNG application siting
process,” said Hayden Riley.
On July 9, 2005, The Washington Post
reported, “The company attributes the leaks to the composition of imported gas,
which it has said causes the rubber seals in underground pipe couplings to
shrink. Officials hope that by mixing the gas with hexane and pentane -- heavy
hydrocarbons lost during the liquefaction process -- or by blending it with
domestic supplies, the additives will absorb into the seals, swelling and
sealing the couplings.”
Hayden Riley added, “Naturally, the LNG company
claims they complied with ‘current standards’ and therefore there is nothing
wrong with the gas composition; and further claims there has to be something
wrong with the gas company’s pipes. The gas company also claims they complied
with ‘current standards.’ So we as bystanders, who face all the risk of their
mistakes are relegated to watch their obnoxious finger-pointing game, and suffer
injury on top of insult for their lack of responsibility. Clearly, proper
standards, when it comes to regasified LNG are not known or high enough.”
“My cell-phone complies with FCC standards, and yet it drops calls all
the time. I’m sure the LNG company and the gas company were both complying with
‘current standards.’ Unfortunately, the learning curve requires tragic accidents
occur before we recognize when ‘current standards’ are outdated,” said Tim
Riley. “California is now considering four LNG importation proposals.
California’s pipeline ‘standards’ are as high and adequate as their wishful
thinking permits, nevertheless their standard, at this point is purely
speculative at best since California has no experience whatsoever in
transmitting regasified LNG through a system which faces constant earthquake and
seismic activity. LNG is too dangerous for Monday quarterbacking,” Riley added.
According to the Baltimore Sun on July 8, 2005, “‘The breakdown of seals
in the couplings of gas pipelines led to about 1,400 gas leaks during the past
two years, and has required the company to launch a $144 million project to
replace lines and equipment,’ said Tim Sargeant, spokesman for the utility.”
"‘We are experiencing a significant increase in leaks in a
100-square-mile area of Prince George's County,’ Sargeant said. ‘We have not
ruled out the possibility of a rate increase in the future,’ to pay for the
extensive repairs, he said.”
Hayden Riley suggested that, “Those
currently willing to risk residential neighborhoods exploding from regasified
LNG leaks in hopes that they might save a few bucks a month on cheaper utility
gas prices, now have to take a second look. The alleged price benefits of
importing LNG apparently have costly hidden dangers as well.”
Tim Riley
concluded, “Higher utility rates for replacement of couplings, pipe repairs and
upgrading pipelines damaged by or to accommodate regasified LNG, will inevitably
be passed on to consumers who will be forced to pay higher utility costs.
Obviously this factor alone makes it clear that LNG will not bring down our
utility costs, and to think otherwise is very naïve.”
Visit http://LngDanger.com and http://TimRileyLaw.com to learn
more about Liquefied Natural Gas, and to preview and acquire a DVD copy of the
LNG documentary film, The Risks and Danger of LNG which is an Official Selection
of the Malibu Film Festival.
# # #
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb260790.htm