US Coast Guard Investigating Natgas Pipeline Explosion in Lake Lery, Louisiana

Sept 9 (Reuters) – The U.S. Coast Guard has responded to and is investigating a gas pipeline explosion in Lake Lery, Louisiana, and no injuries, casualties or pollution have been reported, it said on Friday in a press release.

“Thursday around 4 p.m., a fire broke out in Lac Léry following the loss of pressure in a 20-inch gas pipeline. The line was isolated and the valves on either side of the leak were closed. “, said the Unified command press release said.

“A flyby at 7:10 a.m. Friday identified a slight sheen which should dissipate naturally,” and the cause is still under investigation.

A Coast Guard spokesperson identified the line involved as the TOCA LINE, operated by Third Coast High Point Gas Transmission LLC, adding that the fire was still burning.

Third Coast’s spokesperson declined to comment.

“Preliminary information indicates that a barge broke away from its mooring and struck the pipeline,” a spokesperson for the US Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) said. Read more

“The pipeline has been shut down and the affected section of pipe has been isolated. The remaining gas will be allowed to burn. PHMSA will continue to monitor this event.”

Reporting by Ashitha Shivaprasad, Arpan Varghese and Seher Dareen in Bengaluru; Editing by Grant McCool

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