Re: “Put LNG terminals far from people,” letter, March 25.
While we appreciate the opinions expressed in the letter, it is important to separate opinion from fact.
Natural gas is a safe and versatile energy source that is used every day here on Vancouver Island. Cooling it into a liquid — or LNG — is one of the safest ways to store and transport natural gas abroad to countries that currently rely on energy sources such as coal. In particular, LNG is safe because it is non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-explosive.
Another important fact is that LNG shipping has one of the best marine safety records in the world. In the past 50 years, there have been more than 80,000 voyages, including 160,000 transfers of LNG on and off carriers, and more than 240 million kilometres with no loss of containment from an LNG carrier.
The letter questioned the proposed location of the facility and its proximity to communities. There are several examples of LNG facilities safely operating around the world, co-existing with communities.
One excellent example is in Japan, where five LNG regasification plants operate safely in Tokyo Bay, which is home to more than 30 million people. Other facilities located within three kilometres of populated areas include Norway’s Hammerfest LNG terminal and the Fortis B.C. Tilbury LNG facility, in Delta.
If you are interested in learning more about the proposed Malahat LNG Project, please join our mailing list by emailing info@malahatlng.com or visit steelheadlng.com.
Alex Brigden, project director
Steelhead LNG
