PSR Compendium 8 April 2022 on the health and safety concerns of LNG https://commongroundrising.org/psr-lng-safety-and-health-dangers

New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) has requested from the PRC to site a LNG storage Facility on the West Mesa in Bernalillo County side of the City Rio Rancho. The NMGC is requesting a raise in gas rate to cover the costs of the construction of the plant. The area is in the 93 percent tile for wildfire. There are a slew of health and safety concerns including venting of the emissions in the area. Read the entire excerpt on our blog and sign our petition.

HELP STOP LNG STORAGE ON THE WEST MESA RIO RANCHO BERNALILLO COUNTY

In the Northern Part of the Middle Rio Grande Valley – NW Albuquerque/ Rio Rancho- Bernalillo County

NM Gas Co is Asking the PRC  this month to approve a LNG Storage Facility

The Fossil Fuel  industry including  LNG companies downplay the risk to our communities. 

What are the main hazards of LNG?

These and other reports address the physical hazards of LNG, such as pool fires, flammable vapor clouds, fire, and cryogenic impacts. Some reports also address ship safety, terminal safety, liquefaction facility safety, and security.

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/liquified-natural-gas/lng-safety

A key risk in LNG facilities is an uncontrolled release of a cryogenic, toxic, or flammable fluid. Such releases can originate in various parts of the process system. The consequence of these releases depends on what they expose and on whether they are ignited. In short, the essential LNG facility hazards can be grouped into seven categories.

Key risks for LNG Storage 
  • Temperature Cryogenic liquid releases that cause embrittlement if they expose materials not designed to handle such releases, and freeze burns if they expose personnel.
  • Hot vapor releases from turbines, boilers, and engines for power and heat generation.
  • Toxic Hydrogen sulfide H2S or ammonia releases that are toxic.
  • Asphyxiation Nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or sulfur dioxide releases that replace oxygen in an area and could cause asphyxiation.
  • Pool fire Liquid releases that form a pool on the ground or water and ignite, creating a potentially long-lasting pool fire.
  • Jet fire Pressurized gas or liquid releases that ignite, creating a high heat flux jet fire.
  • Flammable vapor dispersion/ flash fire Gas or liquid releases that form a flammable cloud in an open area, and ignite, causing a short and intense flash fire that is harmful to personnel.
  • Vapor cloud explosion (VCE)Gas or liquid releases that form a flammable cloud in a congested or enclosed area, and ignite, causing an explosion and a pressure wave.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/blast-at-liquified-natural-gas-site-casts-spotlight-on-industry-safety/?gclid=CjwKCAiAwomeBhBWEiwAM43YILlN91egGJfUsyCu3Qq_gUP6cyJJbB4eCMb4oePfAdePTfP9TEuZjxoCWN0QAvD_BwE

IN 2014 blast “Early Monday, a “processing vessel” at the Williams facility near the small town of Plymouth, Washington, exploded, spraying chunks of shrapnel as heavy as 250 pounds as far as 300 yards, according to local emergency responders. The flying debris pierced the double walls of a 134-foot LNG tank on site, causing leaks. Five workers were injured, and local responders warned that vapors from the leaks could trigger a more devastating, second explosion. A county fire department spokesman said authorities were concerned a second blast could level a 0.75 mile “lethal zone” around the plant.

Everyone within a two-mile radius of the site was evacuated, and a bomb-squad robot was deployed to snap photos of the damaged tank to avoid putting workers at further risk. Some who did approach were reportedly sickened by fumes.”

These projects get approved through crony corruption  of neoliberal ideology that Puts Profit above the health and safety of the Communities. 

Here is a List of Schools 

Central New Mexico westside campus 1.5 Miles 

Volcano vista high school 1.5 miles 

Joe Harris elementary school 

Tony Hillerman Middle school 

APS soccer complex 

Ventana ranch community center 

Sunset view elementary 

Ventana ranch elementary 

Universe sports park 

Coyote willow family school 

Puesta del Sol elementary 

James Monroe middle school 

Maggie Cordova elementary (furthest away) 5.5.- 6 miles 

Prevailing Winds from the SW will push toxic clouds further than 2 miles and cause mass evacuations or sheltering in place.