L.P.G. Commission opens

Press, 29 June 1982, Page 6

L.P.G. Commission opens

A liquefied petroleum gas system through Lyttelton to Christchurch-. would replace present tanker trips over Evans Pass Road or through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel, a Commission’ of Inquiry heard yesterday. . ’

The commission has been appointed to look into plans by. the Liquigas Consortium to transport L.P.G. through a pipeline from a tanker ship, which would berth at Lyttelton. to a bulk-storage depot in Woolston:

Lengthy opening submissions from counsel for Liquigas. Mr B. Bornholdt, who is assisted by Mr J.. R. Woodward, took up the first day of hearing yesterday. Mr Bornholdt outlined the application's history, technical aspects of- the proposal, and various reports which will be presented. Mr Bornholdt told the commission that at presentnearly all L.P.G. distributed ..

to the South Island came to. Lyttelton by transportable tank from the North Island. It was then moved by road tanker via Evans Pass Road or through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel. The road tankers went to existing storage, depots in Christchurch, or directly to customers’ storage tanks. Mr Bornholdt said’ it was thought that more than 1200 tonnes of L.P.G.: would be marketed through Lyttelton this year. This meant that at least 140 trips in eight ,to 10tonne road tankers would be necessary over Evans Pass Road or through the tunnel.

- “If the current market demand, for L.P.G. was to be satisfied, then probably nearly 1000 ’ road tanker movements a year would be . needed," he said. "Shipping' space, however, has not been available to transport these volumes." .

A storage'; and distribution depot at Woolston with the proposed pipeline, would replace these present systems, said Mr Bornholdt. This was the first time in New Zealand that’such an inquiry had taken place, and there were no precedents or guidelines to assist the commission in its deliberations, he said. Liquigas wished to stress that the Commission of Inquiry was a result of its request.„said Mr Bornholdt. Liquigas had held discussions with local bodies, residents, and associations affected by the proposals, and there had been wide news media coverage. . The firm was pursuing its application through a public inquiry so that .it could forge another link’in its distribution chain for an alternative fuel in the Canterbury region., he said. "

Liquigas had adopted a

very responsible and proper manner, and had gone to extreme lengths to make its plans known. The L.P.G. to be marketed by Liquigas would be a mixture of about 60 per cent propane and 40 per cent butane, and also propane on its own. he said. LP.G. had been in use for more than 45 years in New Zealand, and for much longer periods overseas. It had the advantage of being a convenient, portable energy source which could provide large quantities of gas from a relatively small liquid volume.'

Because of this property, L.P.G. was an extremely flexible and versatile fuel which was already in demand for a wide variety of uses, said Mr Bornholdt. To those familiar with L.P.G..;; it was an effective, useful and convenient fuel. To those unfamiliar with it.

the fear of hazards that could arise from the large release of L.P.G. * had prompted many communities to question the bulk storage and distribution of the fuel, and to ask for full information. Liquigas believed, said Mr Bornholdt. that this information would be provided. Mr Bornholdt said that a tanker ship was being built in Scotland for the proposal, and would be ready next year. It would be classified by Lloyds Register of Shipping. and would be run under a gas carrier code. The ship would discharge L.P.G. at Lyttelton up to 30 times a vear..

Today the commission, comprising Judge Skelton (chairman) and Messrs G. W. Ensor. R. A.' McLennan, and T. W,, Smallfield, will visit Lyttelton. Cass Bay. and Corsiar Bay for familiarisation with the area.