LNG. How many more accidents?

The news that a man has died while at work at the LNG terminal near Milford Haven will lead to more criticisms of the safety surrounding the scheme. The man in question was killed when a floating maintenance rig collapsed, and although this was an accident, it will mean that critics of the LNG development will be keeping a keen eye on such events.

Those who are actively campaigning against the LNG development will say that this was an accident waiting to happen, and it may be well justified. In Cilfrew, where they are erecting a gas pressure reduction plant, villagers are concerned that one accident will have a severe affect on those who preside in the village and the surrounding area. Yet despite numerous protests and court appearances, the erection of the blasting station, which is within 300m of people's homes is in full swing. National Grid argue that the scheme is safe, of course, but as highlighted in last week's papers, their own information reveals that a pipeline puncture may “give rise to a thermal radiation hazard to individuals in the vicinity of the pipeline if the gas subsequently ignites'. (Not a very comforting thought, and I speak personally- living only meters away from where the pipeline goes through Rhos over the mountain to Cilfrew)

Of course, all those in areas where the pipeline is tearing up the land, all efforts to oppose it has fallen on deaf ears. We have already had one fatal accident. We cannot merely wait for another such accident. The onus must be on National Grid to reveal all information with regards the development, and to listen to the people in the areas affected by it. This may sound old news to the campaigners, but given that the power over such things lies at Westminster, I and other representatives can only try and raise the political pressure on such issues.