It all starts in bucolic Bradford County
Wyalusing Creek - October Light
Brian Keeler Studio, www.briankeeler.com
Friedenshutten Historic Site
The facility is being constructed on a 219-acre tract of land, known as Browntown, between U.S. Route 6 and the Susquehanna River, on the grounds of the historic site of the Moravian mission among the Susquehannocks.
Local historians share:
Historian Katie Faull writes about the impact of the LNG plant on the historical site: Selling History in Browntown, PA: LNG Plant Plans to Cut Through the “Jewel of the Susquehanna”, May 15, 2019
https://digitalprojects.scranton.edu/s/native-history-wyoming-valley/page/friedenshutten-mission
https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=109636
https://scholarworks.iupui.edu/bitstream/handle/1805/7813/Wheeler_2015_snow.pdf?sequence=1
https://www.jstor.org/stable/41345594
https://www.rocket-courier.com/articles/fracktivists-descend-on-wyalusing/
https://www.pa-roots.com/index.php/pacounties/bradford-county/1612-friedenshutten
http://www.endlessmtnlifestyles.com/what-we-know-and-may-never-know-about-friedenshutten/
http://www.wyalusingborough.com/history/
Who is New Fortress Energy?
An LNG-for-export scheme of New Fortress Energy LLC links together subsidiaries and affiliates across two states and beyond.
Bradford County Real Estate Partners LLC, a subsidiary of New Fortress Energy, Inc, is building a LNG manufacturing facility in Wyalusing Township. Energy Transport Solutions had a Special Permit (now expired and not renewed by PHMSA) to move LNG by rail car from Wyalusing Township to Gibbstown, New Jersey. Delaware River Partners is building an export terminal along the Delaware River in New Jersey.
New Fortress Energy, LLC, was formed as a Delaware limited liability company by New Fortress Energy Holdings on August 6, 2018. https://ir.newfortressenergy.com/static-files/1d7c6ac6-472e-49df-a274-9b0e16189b39
Food and Water Watch takes a look at The Company Behind the Project
https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/FS_2108_GibbstownNewFortress-WEB.pdf
Softbank group completes acquisition of Fortress Investment Group
https://www.fortress.com/shareholders/news/2017-12-27-softbank-group-completes-acquisition-of-fortress-investment-group
On the SEC site, you can thread your way through various interlinked organizations. Here are a few.
New Fortress Energy, Inc. Formerly, New Fortress Energy LLC
https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?CIK=1749723&owner=exclude
Who are the principals?
https://littlesis.org/org/365705-New_Fortress_Energy
Wesley R. Edens, CEO
https://littlesis.org/person/12095-Wesley_R_Edens#
Fortress Investment Group, LLC
https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?CIK=1380393
Softbank group acquired Fortress Investment Group in December 2017, and sold its 90% stake in June 2023. After the deal closes, Mubadala Capital will own 70% of Fortress, while Fortress’ management team will own 30%. An arm of Mubadala currently owns nearly 10% of Fortress. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230522005259/en/Fortress-Management-and-Mubadala-to-Acquire-Fortress-Investment-Group
FIG LLC
https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?CIK=1245521
Fortress Transportation & Infrastructure
https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?CIK=1590364&owner=exclude
Wyalusing Township LNG Industrial Site
The facility is being constructed on a 219-acre site that the company purchased in the Browntown community of Wyalusing Township. The site is north of the Susquehanna River, south of Route 6, across the river from Wilmot Township. It includes grounds of the historic Friedenshutten Moravian mission.
As of late July 2020, here is the cleared site.
FracTracker Alliance/Ted Auch
FracTracker Alliance/Ted Auch
FracTracker Alliance/Ted Auch
Proximity of the LNG plan to schools, a personal care home, and a winery are shown in the satellite photos below.
Wyalusing Valley Retirement & Personal Care Home. 43850 Route 6. Wyalusing, PA (Note that this is across the street from the Moravian Rd. start of the LNG plant complex.)
Walusing Valley Childrens Center. Day care center. 42932 US-6, Wyalusing, PA (1 mile from the LNG complex, using 95 Moravian Rd. as a reference point for the western fenceline of the LNG plant.)
Grovedale Winery. 71 Grovedale Ln, Wyalusing, PA
Wyalusing Valley Elementary School. 80 5th St., Wyalusing, PA
Wyalusing High School. 11364 New Albany Rd, Wyalusing, PA
Click images to enlarge. Close image with the X in the upper right.
Topographical map (PDF Page 65)
By (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) (from U.S. Census Bureau source) - Source image taken from the United States Census Bureau's website pa_cosub.pdf. Image was modified by Ram-Man., CC BY-SA 2.5,
Wyalusing Township
Wyalusing Township is located in southeast Bradford County, along the northeast bank of the Susquehanna River. It is bordered by Standing Stone Township to the northwest, Herrick Township to the north, Stevens Township to the northeast, and Tuscarora Township to the east. Across the Susquehanna River are Wilmot Township to the south, Terry Township to the southwest, and Asylum Township to the west. The borough of Wyalusing lies along the river on the Terry Township border but is separate from Wyalusing Township. The unincorporated community of Camptown is in the northeast part of the township, and Browntown is in the south.
Zoning
On Nov. 29, 2018, the Wyalusing Township, PA, Supervisors approved two conditional use permits to waive the height limit and allow a gas-processing plant on the site. One of the conditional use permits is needed because 15 structures at the plant would be higher than 60 feet, which is a limit set by the township’s zoning ordinance for land that is not zoned for industrial use. The highest of the plant’s structures would be a 135-foot-tall storage tank for LNG, which would have a 40-foot-tall crane installed on top of it, Among the other structures that exceed the 60-foot limit are exhaust stacks. (Rocket-Courier, Nov. 8, 2018)
After two years of non-use, and no payment for a building permit by NFE, the zoning conditional uses expired. Subsequently, it was observed that the November 2018 zoning decision was done incorrectly: A LNG plant is an industrial use and, as such, could not be granted conditional uses for an Agricultural-Residential district. https://ecode360.com/34266760
Zoomed view, showing storage tank.
The following section explores the risks and recommended protections.
Recommended protections
Natural Gas Processing Plants (i.e., the NFE/BCRP plant)
Natural gas processing plants are facilities that “clean” raw natural gas to produce what is known as “pipeline quality” dry natural gas and also recover natural gas liquids and substances, such as sulfur. Like compressor stations, processing plants constantly release harmful emissions into the air at varying levels, but emit greater amounts of pollutants into the air than both unconventional wells and compressors stations. Processing plants tend to have frequent, large-scale flaring events to burn off gases that produce high levels of harmful pollutants. Processing plants also have more opportunities for fugitive emissions (leaks and other irregular releases of gases) than compressor stations.
https://www.protectivebufferspa.org/learn-more
Recommended setbacks
Natural gas processing plants shall not be constructed within 16,404 ft from any occupied building.
https://www.protectivebufferspa.org/_files/ugd/5fb550_ad6841ea39874e6886323cdf17d25be9.pdf
Impacts extend 34 miles.
In the Commonwealth LNG EIS, FERC staff determined that a 34-mile (54-km) radius around the proposed aboveground project facilities was the appropriate unit of geographic analysis for assessing impacts of the Commonwealth LNG project on EJ communities.
Other gas operations
Since 2012, state law has allowed well pads to be built as close as 500 feet from residential buildings, while allowing compressor stations to be built only 750 feet away from an existing building. Emission monitoring relevant to public health exposure is limited or absent.
A number of Pennsylvania municipalities, including Oakmont Borough, Bell Acres Borough, and Smith Township, have all adopted Protective Buffers that offer more protection than the state law offers, as well as other protections that have similar effects. Oakmont adopted a Protective Buffer of 2,000 feet between unconventional oil/gas wells and any lot or parcel of ground located in residential zoning districts. In addition, Mt Pleasant Township in Washington County has a Protective Buffer of 2,500 feet for compressor stations and processing plants from schools.
The state of Colorado enacted a rule for a 2,000-foot setback between new wells and occupied buildings, based on a study of health effect. https://www.cpr.org/2020/11/23/colorado-has-a-brand-new-set-of-oil-and-gas-rules-with-a-focus-on-regulating-the-industry/
Pennsylvania’s 500-foot setback for oil and gas operations is little enforced and of little benefit.
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2021/05/03/law-meant-to-push-drilling-further-from-houses-had-little-impact-study-finds/?mc_cid=bcded482e9&mc_eid=18883a618e
In 2020 a statewide investigating Grand Jury, convened by the Supreme Court at the request of Pennsylvania Attorney General Shapiro, determined the current 500-foot statewide setback for shale gas wells is “woefully inadequate.” In its 2020 report, the grand jury recommended a minimum setback distance of 2,500 feet between a building and a shale gas well, and up to 5,000 feet for buildings like schools and hospitals.
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2020/06/25/pa-grand-jury-report-on-fracking-dep-failed-to-protect-peoples-health/#:~:text=People%20can%20call%20570%2D904,email%20fracking%40attorneygeneral.gov.
https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/fracking/
Safety
Freeport, LA, explosion.
The U.S. just witnessed a fire and explosion at the Freeport LNG plant in on the Texas Gulf. The Coast Guard set up a two-mile security zone around the plant, because you never know which way the wind will blow. https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-texas-new-york-business-climate-and-environment-8059ee475affb4f1b8e4e23fc0d2da40
The direct cause was described as “Isolation of a piping segment containing cryogenic liquefied natural gas (LNG) without proper overpressure protection, which LNG then warmed and expanded due to exposure to ambient conditions, resulting in a boiling liquid, expanding vapor explosion, or BLEVE, and the rupturing of the piping segment.” http://gasprocessingnews.com/news/freeport-lng-provides-summary-of-root-cause-failure-analysis-report-on-june-8-incident.aspx
Human causes were cited in a report to PHMSA in November 2022.
The troubles at Freeport offer a warning to other communities as an export sector continues to grow. https://www.texasobserver.org/freeport-lng-reopens-methane-explosion/
Explosion rocks gas-processing plant in western PA.
Energy Transfer’s Revolution cryogenic plant in Smith Township experienced an explosion and fire on December 25, 2022.
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/explosion-fire-at-natural-gas-cryogenic-plant-rattles-smith-township/article_b480e6a8-87a6-11ed-a1ca-43ce02191542.html
Delaware Currents researched over a decade of LNG incidents. March 11, 2021
https://delawarecurrents.org/2021/03/11/the-storage-and-transportation-of-lng-what-could-go-wrong/
Equinor shuts Hammerfest LNG plant due to gas leak, 5/31/2023
http://gasprocessingnews.com/news/2023/05/equinor-shuts-hammerfest-lng-plant-due-to-gas-leak/?oly_enc_id=5134I8743801G4Z
What does PHMSA say?
Federal Safety standards for LNG facilities are found at 49 C.F.R. Part 193.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-193?toc=1
The June 2022 Freeport explosion brought into focus the 40-year-old LNG plant safety rules.
The main physical danger at an LNG site is a leak forming a cloud of low-lying natural gas that drifts until it hits an ignition source — even simple static electricity — and bursts into flames. Experts worry that, since so much gas is stored at each terminal, damage could spread from one part of the facility to another and spiral out of control.
The decades-old PHMSA safety rules underestimate the risk of a massive accident. In view of the scale-up of LNG in the U.S, the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced in 2022 that it would be updating safety regulations for LNG plants. https://www.eenews.net/articles/lng-explosion-shines-light-on-42-year-old-gas-rules/
Office of Pipeline Safety, under the PIPES Act, has a timeline for development of Amendments to Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities, slated for publication in the Federal Register on Sept.29, 2023. As of October 10, 2023, the September publication date was not met.
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202304&RIN=2137-AF45
National Fire Protection Association standards
https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=59A
Storage tanks developed cracks.
Cheniere fined $2.2 million related to cracks. August 2021
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Cheniere-fined-2-2-million-related-to-cracks-16383799.php
Refrigerants used in making the LNG pose their own risks.
June 3, 2021 – According to an engineering analysis, the force of a vapor cloud explosion at LNG plants has likely been significantly and systematically underestimated by industry. Compendium of Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking and Associated Gas and Oil Infrastructure, Ninth Edition, October 19, 2023.
https://concernedhealthny.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CHPNY-Fracking-Science-Compendium-9.pdf
Fire breaks out at LNG plant in Iran.
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/fire-breaks-out-at-lng-plant-in-iran20200714030627/
Shell’s Prelude FLNG to remain offline after fire. December 2021
https://lngprime.com/australia-and-oceania/shells-prelude-flng-to-remain-offline-after-fire/37776/
Fire in Arctic LNG plant was "very close to a worst case scenario". October 01, 2020
https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/arctic-lng/2020/10/fire-arctic-lng-plant-was-very-close-worst-case-scenario-0
Blast at LNG site in Washington state Casts spotlight on industry safety. 2014
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/blast-at-liquified-natural-gas-site-casts-spotlight-on-industry-safety/
The flying debris pierced the double walls of a 134-foot LNG tank on site, causing leaks. Five workers were injured, and local responders warned that vapors from the leaks could trigger a more devastating, second explosion. A county fire department spokesman said authorities were concerned a second blast could level a 0.75 mile "lethal zone" around the plant. Everyone within a two-mile radius of the site was evacuated, and a bomb-squad robot was deployed to snap photos of the damaged tank to avoid putting workers at further risk. Some who did approach were reportedly sickened by fumes.
If there were to be a loss of power or a failure of a power system, the storage system would be at risk.
Williams Companies Failed to Protect Employees in Plymouth LNG Explosion.
https://www.sightline.org/2016/06/03/williams-companies-failed-to-protect-employees-in-plymouth-lng-explosion/
What about pipeline safety?
Feedgas will need to get to the NFE/BCREP facility via a yet-to-be-constructed pipeline connection. To move the quantity of gas required, it will mean more gathering lines and compressor stations throughout the area. The facility will receive natural gas via an interconnection with Stagecoach Pipeline, a FERC-jurisdictional pipeline. CP20-524. Document Accession #: 20200918-5180 Filed Date: 09/18/2020
More pipelines means more compressor stations.
Air pollution from Pennsylvania shale gas compressor stations is a significant, worsening public health concern. https://www.fractracker.org/2020/03/air-pollution-pennsylvania-compressor-stations/
Pipeline construction
Comments made at Senate budget hearings in March, 2022, put the spotlight on how Pennsylvania’s environmental and pipeline safety laws are not strong enough to prevent environmental damage and protect public safety in new pipeline construction. http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2022/03/senate-budget-hearings-pas-experience.html
Gas pipelines explode. How far away is enough to survive? Regulators found damage exceeded the "potential impact radius" predicted using an industry-crafted federal formula. 01/24/2023. Read the article here. https://www.eenews.net/articles/gas-pipelines-explode-how-far-away-is-enough-to-survive/
Pipeline Insurance
Are natural gas pipelines required to have insurance to cover property damage, bodily harm or environmental cleanup and natural resource damage costs? The answer is-- no.
Pennsylvania Environment Digest prepared a policy paper on the issue of requiring natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines to have insurance or financial assurance in place to cover property damage, bodily harm and environmental cleanup resources if a leak or explosion happens.
http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2021/08/natural-gas-hazardous-liquid-pipelines.html
Pipeline Incidents
In July 2021, Kinder Morgan acquired Stagecoach, the pipeline system from which NFE would draw its feedgas. https://www.kindermorgan.com/Pages/Stagecoach
Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Gas Pipe Explodes Sparking Wildfire in Pennsylvania 7/14/2022
A segment of Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline running through Clermont, PA, reportedly exploded Tuesday igniting a wildfire in the surrounding area, The Bradford Era reported on June 13.
According to the newspaper, fire officials responded to reports of a “large wildfire” around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and later discovered the 24-inch line had ruptured.
Methane Cloud Linked to Fire at Kinder Morgan Compression Station 11/10/2022
U.S. pipeline operator Kinder Morgan Inc. said that a methane cloud seen above Alabama last month was possibly triggered by a natural-gas discharge following a fire at a compressor station owned by the company.
Natural Gas Pipeline Explodes in Fort Bend County, Texas 7/7/2022
An Energy Transfer pipeline rupture led to an explosion on Thursday morning in rural Fort Bend County, Texas, with emergency crews extinguishing the fire shortly after the burst, according to Fox News.
https://pgjonline.com/news/2022/july/natural-gas-pipeline-explodes-in-fort-bend-county-texas
Williams’ Natural Gas Pipeline Ruptures in Alabama 4/14/2022
Authorities in Alabama responded to calls from residents following the rupture of a natural gas pipeline in Marengo County on Tuesday, according to Alabama News Network.
https://pgjonline.com/news/2022/april/williams-natural-gas-pipeline-ruptures-in-alabama
In 2019, there were 614 reported pipeline incidents in the United States, resulting in the death of 10 people, injuries to another 35, and about $259 million in damages.
https://www.fractracker.org/2020/02/pipelines-continue-to-catch-fire-and-explode/
Two Killed in Now-Extinguished Kinder Morgan Arizona Natural Gas Pipeline Fire. August 2021
https://pgjonline.com/news/2021/august/two-killed-in-now-extinguished-kinder-morgan-arizona-natural-gas-pipeline-fire
Energy transfer facing nine counts of environmental crimes for 2018 pipeline blast.
https://www.alleghenyfront.org/energy-transfer-facing-9-counts-of-environmental-crimes-for-2018-pipeline-blast/
A brief fire at a natural gas compressor station in Butler County on Wednesday has temporarily shut down the facility.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2021/12/24/natural-gas-pipeline-fire-galaxy-compressor-station-butler-county-energy-transfer-pigging/stories/202112240048
Regulator to investigate explosion at Woodside’s Pluto gas plant, May 29, 2023
https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/regulator-to-investigate-explosion-at-woodside-s-pluto-gas-plant-20230529-p5dc27.html
Australia’s Woodside reports fatality at North Rankin, June 2, 2023
https://lngprime.com/australia-and-oceania/australias-woodside-reports-fatality-at-north-rankin/83061/
One of the flare towers at Woodside’s Pluto LNG plant.