Enbridge system failure releases 169,000 scf of gas

At around 9:00 AM today, Enbridge had a systems failure that forced the Emergency Shut Down System (ESD) to be manually tripped by the workers.  A gasket on a pump in the one of the separators failed and, as a result, 169,000 standard cubic feet (scf) and 35 pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were released at ground level. The release of this level of gas at ground level could have caused a massive fire or explosion. Had the workers not been in the area, we can only conjecture what might have happened.  You can read a little bit about the incident here and there is a link to the letter that Enbridge had to file with the Department of Environmental Protection in the article.  The DEP then notified the Town.

This incident is a big deal for a number of reasons.  First, the station is not even operational and is already experiencing mechanical failures.  Enbridge would be quick to point out that this is why they do "commissioning activities"--to fix problems before they go online. We, however, would be quick to point out that this facility should never have been placed in such a heavily populated, urban, Environmental Justice area that is already overburdened by toxic and explosive industry.  (Just last night there was a major diesel spill at Twin Rivers Technology.)  Mechanical failures happen every day in every industry.  But the best practices state that you keep the most dangerous industries away from population centers so that incidents such as this do not go nuclear. Second, the amount released was a lot.  And it appears that the DEP is not really up to snuff on what the releases of VOCs pounds-per-scf of gas will be.  That doesn't make us feel very secure.  The VOCs released with this fracked gas are carcinogenic.  Third, the release of this much gas at ground level could have caused a fire or worse.  Reports were logged on the Quincy Facebook pages that people were smelling gas and calling the QFD. 

Enbridge had planned a blowdown of 265,000 scf in a ten minute time frame for tomorrow, Saturday, September 12.  This will now be postponed until sometime next week.  We will keep you posted.  In the meantime, please go to Code Red if you live in Weymouth to receive notifications about compressor station issues.  Be sure to click on the box for the compressor alerts.  

Please join us tomorrow for a mask-wearing, socially distancing car parade and rally beginning at 9:00 AM.  Click here for more information. 

Stay safe and thank you for all that you do.