Three on the Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion
The following are "reprints" of reports and commentary on the recent New Mexico natural gas pipeline explosion that killed ten people.
NEWS RELEASE: RE: Pipeline Explosion Kills Six
FROM: SAFE Bellingham
1155 N. State St., Suite 623
Bellingham, WA 98225
http://www.safebellingham.org
Contact: Carl Weimer, Exec. Director
(360) 733-8307, (360) 384-5919 (home), safebham@re-sources.org
Saturday, August 19, 2000 Bellingham, Washington
SAFE Bellingham, the Bellingham, Washington-based pipeline safety reform group, expresses its sorrow and frustration in response to Saturday's news that a natural gas pipeline explosion had killed six people and injured six more near Carlsbad, New Mexico.
"We are saddened to hear of this terrible tragedy," said SAFE Bellingham's Executive Director Carl Weimer, "We extend our condolences to the families and communities that have suffered this unexpected and unnecessary loss of life. But unfortunately, we can't say that we are surprised by what has happened. One of the things we have learned in the year since the Olympic Pipeline spill and explosion last June is that the pipeline industry considers the loss of human life a cost of doing business. We are terribly sorry to hear that this latest pipeline spill has cost the lives of six campers in New Mexico."
According to early wire service reports, an explosion occurred today in an area where the natural gas pipeline was buried 15 feet deep. The explosion and resulting fire killed four children and two adults who were camping near the Pecos, River. Six other campers were reported injured. The fire was visible at least 20 miles away.
Since the Olympic Pipeline spill and explosion took the lives of three young Bellingham residents last summer, citizens and elected officials who have been working for new laws that would make pipelines safer across the country have met strong opposition from the natural gas industry.
"It is tragic and incomprehensible that this industry is fighting our efforts to improve pipeline safety by spending money on lobbyists in Washington, D.C. when they should be spending money to ensure their pipelines do not threaten public safety," Weimer said.
SAFE Bellingham continues to call on Congress to force the pipeline industry to improve their safety record and to protect citizens from this dangerous and poorly managed industry.
"It is time for Congress to stop listening to the oil and gas industry's money, and to enact strong legislation to protect the people of this country. And it is past time for the industry to stop using highly paid lobbyists and propaganda campaigns to derail these important safety improvements," Weimer said.
Currently eight pipeline safety reform bills have been introduced in Congress, but none of them appear to be moving with only 30 days left in this short election year session.
From: "Wally "
Subject: [safepipelines] Re: N.M. Pipe Not Inspected Internally
Dear Carl,
I had read about this tragedy in the paper, too. And I do agree with all you say, but I do feel more anger and disgust with our Congress! We have all learned not to expect anything from these energy companies, but Congress they are supposed to be there for us. It is beyond me how our own senators can stand by idly. It seems to me we need to be more active during election time and get these people out of office. Though one has to wonder if there really are any politicians who really care about the citizens of our great nation. A couple of years back we initiated a letter-writing campaign against the location of the pipeline we have now. The letters went to our legislators and senators - the respnse to that was they all got together and sent a letter to FERC asking them to hurry up and get this thing approved!!!
Somehow we need to get more national attention and reach the uninformed general public. Sadly your community has suffered the loss of children and it has brought people together to stand up and fight. The sad part is that it seems that it takes a tragedy to get people to understand. Our community is a good example , I am more or less just the "looney lady" who has this thing about the pipeline. When I'm out raking leaves in the fall people driving by slow down and tell me to be careful so not to hurt the pipeline with my rake. This is how serious they take it. So somehow the average person needs to be reached and educated about the real dangers. A part of me is hoping that you will write back and tell me that it's only the people around here this ignorant. Maybe it's time to try and reach all those whose lives have been tragicly touched and organize a candle vigil or something like that in the individual communities on the same day nationwide. Something, anything to create a public outcry and show how many really have died or suffered.
Wally
In safepipelines@egroups.com, Carl Weimer
Carl
Gas pipeline that exploded was not inspected internally
Last updated: Aug 21 00:45:18 2000 MDT (GMT for IE4 users)
NEAR CARLSBAD, NM - http://www.kobtv.com/
El Paso Natural Gas says the 50-year-old pipeline that exploded Saturday morning south of Carlsbad killing ten people was in good shape. However, the company admits inspections are limited especially in the area where the deadly fireball erupted.
That fireball burst from six feet under ground to shoot 200 feet in the air. The fire rolled over campers more than 200 feet away. Ten are dead, including five children.
"Because of the way it ruptured, the flames did shoot towards where the campers were," said John Somerhalder, president of El Paso Energy Group.
Company officials say their gas lines have ruptured before. Some of the ruptures were caused by people digging. Other gas lines simply broke on their own, including one incident in the same area of Saturday's rupture along the Pecos River.
"We had an incident I think two years ago on a pipeline downstream from this towards El Paso, another 30 inch line that ruptured," Somerhalder said.
El Paso Energy says the line that erupted Saturday was inspected from the air last month. In the last year inspectors on the ground have checked it for corrosion.
However, because the pipeline is so long and because there are so many valves, crews admit they have not checked inside the line for problems.
"This part of the pipeline is not capable of being inspected internally," said Somerhalder. "So the piece of pipe where it ruptured has not been inspected internally."
El Paso Energy says part of its investigation will look at the line internally. Among the question they hope to answer is whether there was anything inside the pipe that cause the explosion.
Energy officials say they do not believe the line was tampered with.
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