Vermont is under water today, but just a month ago Vermont saw fire from a gas tanker that exploded after sparks were seen coming from underneath, an incident that could be repeated in New Mexico if the plan to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Rio Rancho is allowed to proceed. Check out this video from the incident:
Imagine that fire in a dry New Mexico grassland or forest!
New Mexico Gas Company wants to build an LNG liquefaction, storage and regasification plant near the Double Eagle Airport and their application includes a plan to transport LNG by tanker trucks to locations across the state. A preliminary look at the research finds that:
Physical danger from the ignition of leaking gas forming a low-lying cloud that drifts until it hits an ignition source — even simple static electricity — and ignites an inferno. Depending upon wind and topography, such vapor clouds can extend for miles.
LNG production lines are rife with heavier hydrocarbons such as ethane & propane that present a higher risk of explosion.
Emergency personnel (fire and hospital) require special training and equipment to respond to LNG fires, which cannot be extinguished with water. LNG fires are extremely difficult to control.
Proposed LNG tanker trucks will endanger New Mexico drivers and communities throughout the state.
Impacts from boil-off gas and other necessary intermittent venting could increase cumulative emissions and further exacerbate existing air quality issues in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque.
The plant is proposed for a 25 acre site in Bernalillo County on the outskirts of Rio Rancho, but its impacts will be felt by all of us, especially NMGC customers.
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