Editor:
Re: LNG plant comes with too much risk, letter to the editor, Nov. 27
I would like to address Bill Sharkey's question about how the processing and transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are different from crude oil.
The most important thing for people to know is LNG is non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-flammable and non-explosive. It cannot contaminate water or soil.
In the past 50 years, LNG carriers have travelled 135,000 voyages and 240 million kilometres worldwide, and there has never been a major release of LNG from a carrier due to a collision, explosion, fire or hull failure.
If LNG ever did contact water, it would float on the surface, and as it quickly warmed up, it would disperse into the air without harming marine life.
Like our Tilbury LNG facility, which has safely operated since 1971, a facility on Tsawwassen First Nation lands would be built in a designated industrial area.
The facility and any associated natural gas pipelines would be built to withstand natural hazards, including earthquakes and flooding.
FortisBC's facilities and transmission system have excellent safety records because emergency preparedness is woven into our culture.
It will be up to Tsawwassen First Nation members to determine if LNG is something they would like to see on their lands. We look forward to their decision.
Doug Stout
Vice President, Market Development and External Relations FortisBC
