From the Mystic River to the Cleddau
The city of Everett is almost within the shadows of Boston's skyscrapers. For more than thirty years it's been supplying much of the gas which keeps Bostonians warm through a chill New England winter.
The Distrigas terminal on the Mystic River has been open since 1971, which makes it the longest continuously operating LNG facility in America. It's never had a serious accident.
The Mayor of Everett, John F. Hanlon, lives only six hundred yards from the terminal and says it's never given him cause for alarm. What it does give him is millions of dollars in taxes.
"They're good neighbours," says Mayor Hanlon. "From our experience here in Everett, Milford Haven has no need to worry."
At the terminal, Frank Katulak assures me that the alarm going off is merely a test. A control room full of computer screens monitors every part of the plant, and the two huge tanks which hold the LNG are double-skinned, surrounded by a bund which would contain their entire contents if they were to spill.
But as at Milford Haven, it's not terminal which causing greatest concern. It's the giant tankers which arrive there every six days.
James Fay, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, says LNG pouring from a tanker at minus 160 degrees Celcius would pool over a large area.
If ignited, it would generate such intense heat that it could burn someone up to a mile away. It's this calculation which prompted Safe Haven's claim that LNG in Pembrokeshire could endanger twenty thousand lives.
Frank Kastulak points out that despite the odd grounding and collision, no LNG tanker has ever suffered a serious leak. But in Boston - where the two airliners that destroyed the twin towers took off on 9/11 - a terrorist attack is the real worry.
A flotilla of armed coastguard and police vessels provide inner and outer security rings around the ships approaching Everett. Any boat coming too close faces "deadly force."
As in Britain, America's reliance on LNG is increasing rapidly. More than twenty terminals are proposed, and most have run into heavy opposition.
Fifty miles south of Boston is the city of Fall River - twice the size of Everett but much poorer. It could certainly use millions of dollars from a new LNG terminal, but many citizens are fighting it.
The city is trying to build up tourism with the old warships preserved in Battleship Cove, and the home of Lizzie Borden, who famously gave her mother forty whacks.
Opponents of the LNG plant voice the familiar concerns about safety. But they also say that Fall River - which also has two coal-fired power stations -- has suffered enough from the energy industry. They want a different future.
Hugh Turnbull
your comments
josh staniland
I was at the official opening with the acf and there was a huge deal made of the occasion especially because the queen was there. there was hundreds of stuck up types there in suits who didn't even look at you who you said good morning!
Wed May 13 09:07:30 2009
David Pereira, Neyland
The two LNG terminals are essentially storage units requiring very few personnel to run them. With few exceptions they will only recruit people who have appropriate experience...
Fri Mar 20 12:58:38 2009
Eddie Setterfield Milford Haven
As one who was very lucky to have been born here in the Town of Milford Haven and worked here all my working life. I have seen the first tanker at Esso explode in 1960.Yes, the "experts" told us that we would all be dead but I am still here.
We had a sea-mine depot built alongside the town but that came and went and we are still here. Mind you had that lot gone up then we may not have been here.
A lot of hot air has been made about what will happen to us here in Milford Haven...
Thu Mar 12 16:57:24 2009
Parth, Caldicot
I really support the Milford Haven project. People often misunderstand LNG with other liquid fluids such as CNG, NGL, LPG, and GTL. More information can be found on internet. Other then this, modern day engineers have given an excellent output by creating safe LNG transportation, storage and distribution. Wales should feel proud that such project are being conducted as it would bring massive amount of investments and job opportunities.
Fri Oct 12 16:12:17 2007
Lee, Milford Haven
I have heard so many different tales about the lng and do not know what to believe but I do know that young children and teens are scared at what could happen in the near future!!
Tue Dec 5 09:40:14 2006
Daniel Harris Milford Haven
The criticality of an LNG leak is great but the probability of a leak is near immposible due to the precautions and laws put in place.
Fri Nov 24 10:02:47 2006
Gerald Lambourn
Hope the NIMBYISts have plenty of explantions as to why pensioners are cold!!
Mon Aug 7 10:41:41 2006
Tina Milford
After Power stations and refineries and the problems they have caused the environment all we needed was LNG. Well at least if there is a problem this time we'll all go up in smoke!!
Mon Jun 26 09:08:00 2006
Nicholas Hicks from Milford Haven
I think LNG is a good thing for milford haven because it gives more people jobs to apply for.
Wed Mar 22 13:52:46 2006
Caleb Carmarthen
The protesters are most likely of two types. NIMBY, or Incomers to Pembroke who are concerned with the value of their immoral gain of property value. The work prospects and the contribution to the improvement of the standard of living to the Milford Haven area are of no concern...
Fri Mar 3 21:47:32 2006
R. Hurren Milford Haven
Could the bbc ask Mr Hanlon can he quantify what he means by a serious leak, as a incident has occured on a lng tanker whilst a ship was berthed at Everett in April 1979?
Thanks Roger
Fri Mar 3 17:12:40 2006
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