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Several incidents related to the condensation of natural gas occurred in the NAM Tankenpark at Farmsum, near Delfzijl. This is clear from the EenVandaag survey. The natural gas company is once again discredited because of the leakage of thirty thousand liters of this toxic substance into the drainage channel. The water and the surrounding soil became contaminated.
The condensate of natural gas is released during the extraction of natural gas. It is similar to gasoline and contains toxic benzene. The substance is extremely flammable and dangerous for the environment. The cause of the leak was a malfunction of the pump, a broken valve and a reaction too late. A "combination of factors", writes the company. The Movement of Non-Aligned Countries says that it regrets "the incident and keeps in touch with local residents".
Another incident in August of this year
It does not appear to be the first incident in Farmsum Tank Tank, according to NAM, following questions from EenVandaag. Five reports have been submitted to the public oversight of the mines over the past five years, to which the company is required to report. In two cases, it was a false alarm and in three others it was a harmful natural gas condensate.
In August 2017, 2.5 cubic meters of natural gas condensate leaked from a ship at Zeehavenkanaal, near Delfzijl. A person aboard the ship was knocked out and was admitted to the hospital. In August of this year, 6 cubic meters of natural gas condensate vapor were released. And in early October the incident in which 30 thousand liters fled.
The emanations emitted in August were not yet known. But not all incidents reported to state mine supervision are known, said a spokesman for the Non-Aligned Movement at EenVandaag. The Non-Aligned Movement says that in addition to the steam in the atmosphere, no further damage has occurred in the region. The leak of this month is a reason for the NAM to "thoroughly examine its own safety culture with the aim of preventing any similar incident in the future," the company said.
Surveillance for as long as necessary
The public mine surveillance (SSM) placed the Tankenpark van de NAM at Delfzijl under strict surveillance. The prosecutor's office also opened a criminal investigation because the oil company allegedly violated environmental laws.
Investigations will cover the last five years. When this search is complete, it is unknown. The administrative part, which SSM has taken over on its behalf, will be completed this year. The increased monitoring period will last "as long as necessary," an MSU spokesperson told EenVandaag.
Enough to refuel tanker
The extent of damage is still under investigation. The fabric is now out of the water. But mercury has been found on the banks of the canal, it is being cleaned up. The amount of leaking condensate, 30,000 liters, is enough to fill a tank truck.
In addition, natural gas condensate can cause health problems. Vapors may be carcinogenic. Those who breathe can get a list of sore throats, coughs, dizziness and headaches. One of Farmsum's residents told RTV Noord: "I thought the migraine was originally? This is not normal."
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