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A: No, the jet fuel transported by the underground pipeline is not a volatile material. It is similar to kerosene in that it burns, but cannot explode. Jet fuel has a very low vapor pressure, unlike gasoline, which is a highly volatile fuel that can explode.
- High tensile strength steel is a strong and durable material rated from 52,000 to 70,000 pounds per square inch (psi), as compared to the 36,000 to 46,000 psi pipelines built in the 1950s.
- External protective coating of the pipeline, which has been drastically improved over the last half century, will be applied to the pipe to prevent external corrosion.
- "Smart pigs" will be used to internally inspect the pipeline in compliance with federal and state pipeline regulations. The smart pigs are technically advanced devices that allow for early detection of internal or external problems such as metal loss from corrosion.
- Protective construction techniques such as the use of nylon slings and fiber belts are used to handle the installation of new pipe. This protection ensures the quality of the external coating in order to protect the pipe from external corrosion.
A: Today, underground energy transport systems are the safest mode of fuel transportation. While underground pipelines are maintained and inspected routinely, the reality is the technology and materials available today are significantly better than they were half a century ago. WesPac Energy Group uses the newest technology and materials available to construct our pipelines. WesPac SETS will be constructed with high tensile strength steel and the latest installation techniques to obtain optimum quality control during installation. Our lines are also internally inspected using "smart pig" technology in order to provide the information for improved overall pipeline maintenance. In addition, we utilize numerous safety and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the system. Today, pipelines are placed underground using precise coordinates and GIS (Geographic Information System) technology. This way, their location is always accurately known. In California, before any operator or excavator begins a project that requires digging, they must contact the local "DigAlert" office. DigAlert is the One Call Notification Center that has centralized information about the location of every underground infrastructure system in a particular area. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires each state to have a one-call system.
A: The new energy transport system will provide the greater Los Angeles region with a new, state-of-the-art underground pipeline system to LAX, which provides a reliable alternate source of fuel for the airlines. The new energy transport system will increase competition for jet fuel, and could help stabilize airlines' fuel costs, which directly affects the cost of passenger air travel. Additionally, a 2007 study by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation focused on international flights found that just one average transoceanic flight traveling round-trip from LAX every day added $623 million in economic output and sustained 3,120 direct and indirect jobs in Southern California with $156 million in wages.
A: WesPac Energy Group is committed to serving the needs of our neighbors throughout the construction process and will keep working closely and continuously with each municipality to ensure minimal disruption and traffic impacts. To this end, WesPac will keep our neighbors regularly informed as to the construction schedule, mitigation efforts, and alternate travel routes during this time period. WesPac has extensive experience installing underground energy transport systems and, as a private entity, is held to a much stricter schedule to complete projects that require construction in public thoroughfares by cities and counties.