-Dominion Resources’ proposed Cove Point LNG terminal in Richmond, Va., today cleared an environmental review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The full commission is expected to make a final decision on the project by Aug. 13. FERC last month gave its environmental seal of approval to Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG terminal in Hackberry, La.
-The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is expanding an investigation of Williams Cos. in the wake of the company’s recent string of safety incidents. A fire broke out at Williams’ gas plant in Opal, Wyo., April 23 — just weeks after its liquefied gas storage site in Plymouth, Wash., exploded. Williams’ chemical plant in Geismar, La., exploded last June, killing two workers and injuring 80. Williams CEO Alan Armstrong said Tuesday his company would hire independent investigators to conduct an internal probe.
-The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) issued a report asserting Bakken crude is “well within” the safety standards for current rail car designs. AFPM said oil from the Bakken does not pose risks that are significantly different from other crudes or flammable liquids that are authorized for rail transport. A recent spate of oil-carrying train derailments, many of which resulted in explosions and fires, spurred research that suggests Bakken oil may be more flammable than other types of crude.
-Canada on Wednesday rolled out new pipeline safety and spill response rules that give more power to its National Energy Board (NEB) and increase companies’ liability in the wake of pipeline incidents. Via Reuters, the NEB will have more authority to enforce safety compliance measures and intervene in spill response if a company is unwilling or unable to do so. In addition, companies will be held liable for up to US$917 million for spills and other incidents on their lines.
-Celanese today announced it would add new polymer compounding process lines at its manufacturing facility in Florence, Ky. The new unit is expected to come online in the first quarter of 2015.
