Explosions in Metro Vancouver 'rare'
Kelly Sinoski, Vancouver Sun // Wednesday, August 13, 2008
METRO VANCOUVER - Propane tanks, underground gas pipes, and trains and transport trucks rolling through Metro Vancouver all pose the risk of an explosion similar to the one that rocked Toronto last weekend.
Metro officials say although there is always a risk, it's low because the industry here is so strictly regulated.
As well, the fallout would likely not be as widespread because most oil and gas facilities are located in industrial areas away from residential neighbourhoods.
If there was an explosion at Coquitlam's Superior Propane, located near the Port Mann Bridge, for example, it would likely paralyse traffic rather than lead to the evacuation of homes, said Jim Ogloff, Coquitlam's assistant fire chief.
About 12,000 people were forced from their homes in Toronto Sunday after a series of explosions at a propane storage facility. One firefighter died and a body was found at the scene.
Metro officials are now watching to see what's being done to ensure they're ready to act in case of a similar situation here.
"We'll all be better prepared when we see what went right and what went wrong," said Maurice Fitz-Gerald, of Burnaby's risk management division.
Officials say propane is safe if handled properly, but there's always a risk that an explosion could occur. Just what impact it would have depends on the size and scope of the incident.
Kirby Graeme, spokesman for the Richmond fire department, said an explosion at the jet fuel tank farm at Vancouver International Airport wouldn't have as much of an impact as, say, one at the Tilbury Island liquefied natural gas plant.
"If something went sideways there, it would probably level Tilbury Island," he said. "That could potentially be bad."
An explosion at the Chevron refinery in Burnaby could also be problematic, as it's near a residential neighbourhood.
"It would depend on the severity of the incident and the direction of the wind," Fitz-Gerald said. "There could be a number of people affected. The Lower Mainland, having evolved as it has, has come closer and closer to industry with our residential development."
In Metro Vancouver, there are 11 bulk propane storage facilities, according to the B.C. Safety Authority, which regulates the industry. There are also a handful of oil, gas and chemical plants, cardlock propane stations (where trucks fill up) and 43,000 kilometres of pipeline in B.C.
Transport trucks and trains carrying propane or other explosive material also pose a risk.
"All of these trucks are loaded, in essence, with a very volatile gas that's very combustible," said Vancouver Fire Capt. Gabe Roder. "There's always a risk, but the industry has extremely high safety standards and we haven't encountered any problems."
He noted there are more problems with propane barbecues than large storage facilities, mainly because individuals don't know how to properly handle them.
"Whether it's in a huge tanker or a small barbecue cylinder, they all need to be treated with respect," he said.
Wayne Lock, provincial safety manager with the B.C. Safety Authority, said all bulk propane storage units are inspected annually to ensure they are being operated by trained staff and meeting compliance standards.
But should something happen, most municipalities say they would be prepared.
The provincial government passed legislation in 2006 requiring municipalities to have emergency plans in place to deal with hazards, ranging from snowstorms to explosions. The legislation was passed following the firestorms in Kelowna in 2003.
The Toronto explosion has underscored the need to ensure the industry remains regulated.
"We do have standards but accidents happen," said Tom Foreman, administrative chief of the Burnaby fire department. "We'll probably have to look at what we have in place now and see if we can improve on it."
Frank Burday, vice-president of operations for Superior Propane, agreed. "It's unfortunate," he said of the Toronto explosion. "It makes us realize our level of investment we're making is definitely worth it. You can't put a price on what happened there."
ksinoski@vancouversun.com
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