PTT gas pipeline route ignites explosion fears
The PTT project to lay a 195-kilometrelong naturalgas pipeline from Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district to Nakhon Sawan's Krok Phra district has raised concerns among affected residents, particularly those living near the Royal Thai Army's armoury in Nakhon
Project support manager Chira Chobhimaves said PTT had hosted a public forum late last month in Sing Buri to review the draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) report and allow the public to voice concerns and recommendations for the draft’s completion.
The forum was attended by about 1,000 residents of Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Angthong and Ayutthaya, who were seeking more information on the project plus clarification on compensation for property to be cut through by the pipeline.
Tambon Yan Matsee administrative member Thanongsak Phumkasem asked why the pipeline’s planned route came within 1,200 metres of the armoury’s bombdisposal depot. He voiced fears that an explosion during bomb disposal could cause a dangerous gas leak. He added that soldiers had said ordnance at the armoury had the power to cause destruction over a very large area. an area of 75 kilometres. ??? square kilometres?? Radius?? He urged PTT to inspect the site and prevent any problems.
Village headman Pakkapol Wangcharoen said Phayuha Khiri residents wanted assurances that such an accident could not occur, as it would destroy half the district. Urging PTT to make the pipeline in the area thicker than usual, he said the armoury disposed of bombs every 15 days, and those living within a 1km radius could feel the impact of the explosions.
Project engineer Itthipol Ekahitanont said the pipeline could withstand a magnitude7 earthquake, but he accepted the suggestion that PTT send a team of experts team to probe whether the bombdisposal activity could affect the pipeline. Project director Chosit Pinsuwan said PTT had Bt1.5 billion in thirdparty insurance in case of disaster.
Other villagers, especially shop owners, voiced fears that the pipeline’s construction would hit trade and bring traffic congestion.
The Highways Department raised concerns that the pipeline, running along the Asia Highway through the Central region’s river basin, would block waterways during the rainy season and thereby cause severe flooding. They urged PTT to consult with the Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management.
The project’s EIA report adviser and environment expert, Premwadi Preedaphan, said the pipeline would be underground and the area would be returned to its natural state to prevent blockage of waterways. During construction it might be necessary to divert waterways temporarily, she said, but drainage problems would be fixed.
The 28inch (71centimetre) pipeline will pass through Ayutthaya, Angthong, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Chai Nat and Nakhon Sawan and will cost Bt23 billion. Its construction – passed by the National Energy Policy Council and approved by the Cabinet in 2010 – is scheduled to begin early next year and take 20 months to complete.
