NTSB Safety Recommendation P-80-036

NTSB safety recommendation P-80-036.

THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE COLUMBIA LNG CORPORATION: INSTALL ISOLATION VALVES IN THE FIRE WATER MAINS TO PREVENT THE SYSTEM FROM BECOMING COMPROMISED BECAUSE OF A BREAK IN ANY SINGLE PART OF THE FIRE WATER SYSTEM.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 1980-05-07

Adopted Date: 1980-04-16

Overall Date Closed: 1981-10-20

Synopsis: ON OCTOBER 6, 1979, AN EXPLOSION CAUSED BY LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) VAPERS DESTROYED A TRANSFORMER BUILDING AT THE RECEPTION FACILITY OF THE COLUMBIA LNG CORPORATION, COVE POINT, MARYLAND. ODORLESS LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS LEAKED THROUGH AN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED LNG PUMP SEAL, VAPORIZED, PASSED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 210 FT OF UNDERGOUND ELECTRICAL CONDUIT AND ENTERED THE SUBSTATION BUILDING. ONE PERSON WAS KILLD, AND ONE PERSON WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. DAMAGE TO THE FACILITY WAS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $3 MILLION.

Ntsbnumber: DCA80MP001

Report Number: PAR-80-02

Addressee Name: Columbia LNG Corporation

Addressee Status: Closed--No Longer Applicable

Addressee Date Closed: 1981-10-20

Addressee Organization Type: P-Private Industry

Communication Date: 1980-06-16

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: COLUMBIA LNG CORPORATION LTR: AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE COAST GUARD AND THE MARYLAND FIRE MARSHAL, THE FIRE WATER SYSTEM WAS APPROPRIATELY MODIFIED DURING THE WEEK OF JUNE 2, 1980.

Addressee Organization Type: P-Private Industry

Communication Date: 1981-10-20

Communication Type: Official Correspondence