Energy Transfer confirmed to Hart Energy that the pipeline fire that broke out in La Porte, Texas, in the morning of Sept. 16. was at a value station along Spencer Highway on a 20-inch natural gas liquids line.
Energy Transfer spokesperson Vicki Granado said the line has been isolated so that the residual product in the line can safely burn itself out, but did not give a timeline for how long the process could take.
Energy Transfer also acknowledged reports of potential damage to its equipment caused by an unknown vehicle.
"We are aware of early reports indicating that an unknown passenger car entered our right-of-way and struck the valve location," Granado told Hart Energy in an emailed statement.
The fire knocked out power to thousands of homes and business and prompted nearby evacuations. Videos posted by a local news station showed a massive flame near streets and businesses, Reuters initially reported.
The La Porte Fire Department has evacuated all homes and businesses within a half mile of the incident site and air monitoring equipment is being set up in the area, Energy Transfer told Hart Energy.
There were no injuries reported at the time.
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) said its pipeline safety inspectors are working with state and local emergency responders at the scene. The RRC is notifying other pipeline operators in the corridor of the incident and getting information on measures they are taking to ensure safety of systems.
CenterPoint said the fire was not related to its natural gas operations or equipment, Reuters said. Over 5,000 CenterPoint Energy customers were without power, according to a posting on the company's website.
"When it is safe to do so, our electric crews will go into the area to assess the damage to our transmission and distribution power lines, poles and equipment and begin restoring service to impacted customers as safely and quickly as possible," the company said.
Students attending schools near the scene of the fire were safe and sheltering in place, the La Porte Independent School District said.
Recommended Reading
US Hydrogen Concerns Linger as Next Administration Nears White House
2024-12-11 - BP, EDP Renewables, Inpex and Plug Power executives discuss the state of hydrogen and the hydrogen production tax credit.
USA BioEnergy Secures Texas Land for $2.8B Biorefinery
2025-01-13 - USA BioEnergy subsidiary Texas Renewable Fuels plans to annually convert 1 million tons of forest thinnings into 65 million gallons of net-zero transportation fuel, including SAF and renewable naphtha.
Treasury’s New Hydrogen Tax Credit Regs Open Door to NatGas Producers
2025-01-05 - The U.S. Treasury Department’s long awaited 45V hydrogen tax credit will enable “pathways for hydrogen produced using both electricity and methane” as well as nuclear, the department said Jan. 3.
Energy Transition in Motion (Week of Jan. 17, 2025)
2025-01-17 - Here is a look at some of this week’s renewable energy news, including more than $8 billion more in loans closed by the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office.
Tallgrass Secures Rights of Way for Green Plains’ Trailblazer CCS Project
2025-01-16 - Green Plains’ Trailblazer project will transport captured biogenic CO2 from a number of Nebraska ethanol facilities to sequestration wells in Wyoming.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.