Media Statement
LNG plant gas storage tank vapour emissions
Monday 15 May 2006
The purpose of this statement is to provide an update on the hydrocarbon vapour emissions from the gas storage tank at the Wickham Point LNG plant.
Darwin LNG, owners of the plant, have been monitoring the vapour emissions since they were first discovered some seven weeks ago. Throughout that period the company has continued to work to find the cause of the emissions.
As part of its investigation, Darwin LNG has enlisted assistance from an independent industry expert, outside consultants and its own company personnel not associated with the plant to assess the level of risk from the emissions and recommend any action required.
Darwin LNG has advised NT WorkSafe that it has determined the source of the emissions and is now evaluating alternative solutions. The company has also assured NT WorkSafe that its main objective in this evaluation is to ensure that the remedial methods do not create any risk to the community or the environment.
NT WorkSafe continues to work closely with the company to monitor safety at the plant and the progress in finding a solution to the emissions.
Monitoring continues to show that the vapour emissions are minute quantities only.
NT WorkSafe is satisfied that the plant remains safe to operate and represents no hazard to people working at the plant or the community of Darwin or the environment.