Synopsis:
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ON OCTOBER 6, 1979, AN EXPLOSION CAUSED BY LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (NPG) VAPORS DESTROYED A TRANSFORMER BUILDING AT THE RECEPTION FACILITY OF THE COLUMBIA LNG CORPORATION, COVE POINT, MARYLAND. ODORLESS LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS LEAKED THROUGH AN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED LNG PUMP SEAL, VAPORIZED, PASSED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 210 FT OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL CONDUIT AND ENTERED THE SUBSTATION BUILDING. ONE PERSON WAS KILLED, AND ONE PERSON WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. DAMAGE TO THE FACILITY WAS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $3 MILLION.
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Recommendation:
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THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE U.S. COAST GUARD: PROMULGATE REGULATIONS REQUIRING PERIODIC FIRE AND EMERGENCY DRILLS AT LNG RECEPTION FACILITIES. THESE DRILLS SHOULD PROVIDE REALISTIC TRAINING EXERCISES.
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Original recommendation transmittal letter:
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Overall Status:
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Closed - Unacceptable Action
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Mode:
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Pipeline
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Location:
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Cove Point, MD, United States
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Is Reiterated:
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No
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Is Hazmat:
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No
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Is NPRM:
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No
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Accident #:
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DCA80MP001
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Accident Reports:
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Report #:
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PAR-80-02
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Accident Date:
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10/6/1979
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Issue Date:
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5/7/1980
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Date Closed:
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5/20/1988
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Addressee(s) and Addressee Status:
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USCG (Closed - Unacceptable Action)
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Keyword(s):
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Fire, Training and Education
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