Public Notice
Ferus Natural Gas Fuels Inc. Plans Installation of a Mobile Natural Gas Flare Stack on the Outskirts of Whitehorse, Yukon to Reduce GHG Emissions.
Ferus Natural Gas Fuels Inc. (“Ferus NGF”) is planning the installation of a mobile natural gas flare stack on the outskirts of Whitehorse, Yukon. The flare stack is part of our Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) equipment, which is mandated by Transport Canada. It will be used from time-to-time to reduce pressure in cargo tank trailers requiring maintenance and in the event of an emergency when excess natural gas needs to be flared off safely and efficiently. Flaring natural gas is common industry practice and is the preferred alternative to venting because it results in lower GHG emissions.
LOCATION OF FLARE STACK
The new flare stack will be installed and functional on or around October 17, 2020. It will be located approximately 11 kilometres south of downtown Whitehorse, Yukon.
Ferus NGF selected this location for the following reasons:
-
The site is secured and zoned correctly.
-
The site is close to a local trucking company’s yard. This company will perform weekly maintenance checks on the LNG equipment, which will be more efficient by being nearby.
-
The location allows ease of access for large commercial trucks to safely enter and exit the main highway.
TESTING & TRAINING
Ferus NGF will be testing the flare stack and training the following key personnel on how to safely use the flare stack commencing the week of October 19th or 26th:
-
Yukon Department of Transportation
-
Yukon Department of Environment
-
Yukon Energy Corporation
-
Whitehorse Fire Department
-
Local truck drivers
-
KBL Environmental
WHAT IS FLARING?
Flaring is the preferred practice in LNG production, processing and transportation operations. Since LNG is not flammable in its liquid state, the liquid must first be converted into a gas using a vaporization system before it can be flared. Flaring is a controlled burn of natural gas using a flare stack, which is an elevated vertical gas combustion device that safely and efficiently burns off excess gas during planned or emergency control operations. Flaring natural gas is a simple process that begins when the natural gas is ignited near the top of the flare stack. Once ignited, the natural gas produces a brilliant, clean flame.
WHY IS FLARING NECESSARY?
Flaring operations are conducted as a standard safety and emissions control measure. There are several reasons why natural gas is flared, including:
-
To reduce pressure in a cargo tank;
-
To prep cargo tanks, thereby eliminating a flammability hazard prior to maintenance, service or repair;
-
As an alternative to venting a cargo tank and preventing harmful greenhouse gasses from being released to the atmosphere;
-
As a part of an emergency response procedure.
FLARE OPERATION SAFETY
Ferus NGF personnel will provide comprehensive training on natural gas properties, characteristics, hazards and emergency response. Personnel are retrained every two years to ensure a high level of ongoing competency in flaring operations, associat- ed regulations and equipment use.
Ferus NGF utilizes a specially designed mobile unit that has both vaporization and flaring capabilities. The mounted and ancillary vaporization and flare equipment meets CSA standards and are inspected and tested annually.
Prior to setting up flare operations, personnel will conduct a hazard assessment to ensure that safety and security are main- tained through-out the operations.
Flare operations will only be conducted in an area that has the least potential impacts to the general public and surroundings.
Should you have additional questions or concerns not addressed in this Public Notice, we invite you to contact us.
Sincerely,
Ferus NGF Management Team
The site location is on the east side of the Klondike Highway, 11 kilometres south of downtown Whitehorse.
The mobile flare stack pictured above shows the approximate design and size of the unit being installed.
The flare stack pictured above shows how a mobile unit can be transported to the location of an of an emergency incident for safe, controlled flaring of natural gas.