LNG - Safety & Inspections
"Safety and security of the LNG terminal at the proposed site is essential." - Mark Robinson, Director, Office of Energy Projects
Public safety is among FERC's highest priorities when it comes to regulating LNG terminals. FERC has been and will continue to be proactive in addressing safety concerns as shown in their decision on the Keyspan LNG Terminal.
FERC ensures the safety and security of LNG terminal projects from the time they are conceived, proposed and during their construction and operation. Once constructed and operational, FERC conducts safety, security and environmental inspections.
FERC also evaluates the safety and security of LNG vessel traffic in cooperation with the US Coast Guard, Department of Transportation (DOT), and the state and local governments. Most of the safety and security analyses are found in Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) prepared in consultation with those agencies.
Reorganizing for Safety
In 2004, FERC formed a new LNG Engineering branch within its Office of Energy Projects devoted to the safety and security of LNG facilities. More recently, in May 2006, FERC created a new LNG Compliance Branch within its Office of Energy Projects to further ensure the use of sound engineering practices, and appropriate safety and security measures during the construction and operation of LNG facilities.
The branches make recommendations to the Commission, which can impose additional safety and security measures on a proposed LNG terminal to ensure and enhance safety and system reliability throughout the life of the project.
The LNG Engineering Branch is charged with preparing the reliability and safety analyses for environmental impact statements and environmental assessments published for public review and comment. Preparation of these documents includes performing a detailed cryogenic design review, conducting staff's cryogenic technical conferences, calculating the proposal's compliance with DOT's exclusion zones, and coordinating the review of marine safety and security issues with the US Coast Guard.
The LNG Compliance Branch is responsible for the Commission's continuing role in safety inspections and oversight of approved and operating LNG facilities, which includes monitoring projects during construction, reviewing the final facility design and engineering, ensuring compliance with Commission orders, and conducting annual/biennial inspections of facility operations. The Branch is also involved in responding to incidents at LNG terminals; as well as reviewing, inspecting and approving repairs as necessary prior to placing equipment at a facility back into service.
The staffs of both the LNG Engineering Branch and the LNG Compliance Branch are comprised of chemical, civil, mechanical, and fire protection engineers that work together and coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal, state and local agencies to address safety and security at LNG facilities.
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