Intentional LNG spill could cause 'major injuries': US DOE study

Washington (Platts)--21Dec2004

A large intentional spill of liquefied natural gas over water could result in
"major injuries and significant structural damage" within a 250-meter to
500-meter zone from the spill's origin, the US Dept of Energy's Sandia
National Laboratories said in a report Tuesday. The study, requested by DOE's
Office of Fossil Energy, was designed to develop guidance on a risk-based
analysis to assess potential threats to an LNG ship, the potential hazards and
consequences of a large LNG spill, and to review prevention and mitigation
strategies that could be put in place to reduce the possibility and risk of an
LNG spill over water. While the report found risks from accidential LNG
spills, such as from collisions and groundings, "are small and manageable with
current safety policies and practices," it said risks from "intentional
events, such as terrorist acts," can present a more serious threat to public
health and safety. Those risks, however, can "be significantly reduced with
appropriate security, planning, prevention and mitigation," the report added.
In a large, over-water LNG spill, the report said "high thermal hazards from a
fire are expected to occur within approximately 250-500 meters from the origin
of the spill, depending on the size of the spill." Within this zone, it added,
"major injuries and structural damage are possible." While the study said the
extent of the damage would depend on the spill size and dispersion from wind,
waves, and currents, "people, major commercial/industrial areas or other
critical infrastructure elements, such as chemical plants, refineries, bridges
or tunnels, or national icons located within portions of this zone could be
seriously affected." Hazards, the report said, become lower as the distance
from the origin of the spill increases. Beyond 750 meters for small spills and
beyond 1,600 meters for large spills, the public safety impact "should
generally be low." And although minor injuries and damage could be expected at
these distances, damage could be higher if the LNG formed a vapor cloud that
was ignited at a distance from the spill. The report recommended that within
so-called Zone 1 areas--where LNG shipments transit narrow harbors or
channels, pass under major bridges or over major tunnels, or come within
approximately 250 meters of people and major infrastructure--operators and
officials should consider the "most rigorous deterrent measures, such as
vessel safety or security zones, water traffic management schemes, and
establishing positive control over the vessel." In areas further from
population and commercial centers, the report said the consequences of an
accidential or intentional LNG spill are reduced and "mitigation approaches
and strategies can be less extensive." The study added that "multiple
techniques exist to enhance LNG spill safety and security management and to
reduce the potential of a large LNG spill due to intentional threats. If
effectively implemented, these techniques could significantly reduce the
potential for an intentional LNG spill."

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