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About LNG
LNG is produced by cooling natural gas to minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit at which point it liquefies. It is odorless, colorless, non-corrosive, non-combustible, non-toxic and clean. If released to the environment, it will quickly return to its gaseous state and rise under normal atmospheric conditions. If LNG is spilled on to the ground or on water, it vaporizes quickly, leaving no polluting residue.
LNG Can Be Managed Safely
LNG is stored at ambient pressure, so a tank rupture will not cause an explosion. If leaked into the atmosphere, and the vapor of LNG did ignite, the cloud formation would rapidly burn off into the atmosphere.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy there are no documented cases of LNG explosions in laboratory or open ocean tests. LNG carriers have suffered weather damage, been subjected to low temperature embrittlement from cargo spillage, suffered engine room fires, and been involved in serious collisions with other vessels - no cargo explosions reported." (U.S. Dept. of Energy).
LNG Has an Impressive Safety History
Stringent operational and safety regulations govern the transport and storage of LNG. In the 60-year history of the LNG industry, only eight serious accidents have been recorded. Most of these accidents would be impossible to replicate now because the technology for transporting and storing LNG has improved dramatically during the past 30 years, as have federal and state industrial safety regulations and standards.
Japan’s LNG experience offers an excellent case study because it imports nearly all of its natural gas. According to the University of Houston Law Center Institute for Energy, Law & Enterprise, LNG carriers have made 40,000 voyages covering 60 million miles and have not reported any significant accidents or safety problems in port or while at sea. On average, a LNG ship enters Tokyo harbor every 20 hours safely and without incident.
Government Protections
Many state and federal agencies are responsible for overseeing the safe design and operation of LNG production and receiving terminals the arrival and departure of LNG tankers in the United States and around the world. Many agencies also closely regulate the design and operation of natural gas pipelines. Among those who typically oversee the permitting and operating at LNG facilities in the U.S. are the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. and State Departments of Transportation, appropriate emergency response organizations, U.S. Customs service and Transportation Security Administration. Other agencies involved could be the national and state Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Energy. |
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When poured on water, LNG will not mix and
quickly evaporates, leaving nothing behind.
LNG leaves no contaminates in the water. Here, a ConocoPhilllips employee drinks from a beaker of water after LNG has vaporized from the container.
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