NTSB Safety Recommendation P-80-038

NTSB safety recommendation P-80-038.

THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE COLUMBIA LNG CORPORATION: REVISE THE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE LIST FOR COVE POINT TO INCLUDE THE MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION BUREAU (MTB), OFFICE OF OPERATION AND ENFORCEMENT, TELEPHONE NUMBER, AND INSTRUCT EMPLOYEES IN THE IMPORTANCE OF NOTIFYING MTB IMMEDIATELY OF ANY ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED THE DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION; REQUIRED THE TAKING OF ANY SEGMENT OF TRANSMISSION PIPELINE OUT OF SERVICE; RESULTED IN GAS IGNITION; OR CAUSED AN ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO THE OPERATOR OR OTHERS OR BOTH OR A TOTAL OF $5,000 OR MORE.

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Addressee Status: Closed--No Longer Applicable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: THE EMERGENCY PLAN HAS BEEN REVISED AS RECOMMENDED.

Addressee Organization Type: P-Private Industry

Communication Date: 1981-10-20

Communication Type: Official Correspondence