Safety Information for the Residents

The purpose of this material is to inform the residents and companies located in the vicinity of “Conexus Baltic Grid” AS (hereinafter “Conexus”) Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage (hereinafter “Inčukalns UGS”) about the potential hazards and necessary actions in case of accidents at Inčukalns UGS objects, as well as the intended protective measures.

Conexus has a duty to inform the public about the potential hazards and the necessary actions in case of accidents.

The informative material was prepared in August 2022 in accordance with the requirements stipulated in Paragraph 69 of the Cabinet Regulation No 131 “Industrial Accident Risk Assessment Procedures and Risk Reduction Measures” adopted on the 1^st of March 2016 (hereinafter “Regulation No 131”). In 2024, the informative material was updated due to changes in the organisational structure of Conexus and telephone numbers, making also a minor clarification of the life-threatening thermal radiation zone.

 

LOCATION

Address of Inčukalns UGS: “Conexus Baltic Grid” AS Inčukalns UGS, Krimulda Parish, Sigulda County, LV-2144.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Conexus Baltic Grid AS
Phone: +371 67087900
E-mail: info@conexus.lv

Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage:
Phone: +371 67048000 (Clerk)
+371 67048017, mobile phone: +371 29440121 (Operations Control Centre)
E-mail: kratuve@conexus.lv

RESPONSIBLE PERSON

The person responsible for the implementation of the requirements of Regulation No 131, initiation of the implementation of the civil protection plan, coordination of actions, management of actions to mitigate consequences in the event of a hazard, industrial accident or imminent threat thereof at Inčukalns UGS is the Head of Inčukalns UGS Mārtiņš Makars.

POSSIBILITIES TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More information about Conexus is available on the website https://www.conexus.lv/.

Conexus confirms that it complies with the requirements of Regulation No 131 and confirms that the responsible person of Conexus has submitted:

• Application regarding dangerous chemical substances to the State Environmental Service;
• Safety report to the State Environmental Bureau.

Information on the off-site Civil Protection Plan is available on the website of the State Fire and Rescue Service (hereinafter “SFRS”)  - http://www.vugd.gov.lv/.

OUTLINE OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND INSTALLATIONS

Conexus is the only natural gas storage operator in Latvia and manages the only functioning natural gas storage in the Baltic States, i.e., Inčukalns UGS, ensuring the stability of regional gas supplies and energy security of the region. Conexus provides certified traders with the possibility to store natural gas for trading on Latvian or other markets. A specially designed capacity reservation website is available to the system users. Inčukalns UGS allows storing up to 2.3 billion m³ of active natural gas, which fully covers the region’s requirements as energy demand grows during the heating season.

Latvia has a unique geological structure that allows to create natural gas storage facilities in at least 11 locations with a total capacity of up to 50 billion m³. That is around 10 % of the annual consumption in the European Union and roughly the same as the total storage capacity across the European Union. Storage is possible because Latvia has a porous sandstone layer in the depths of the earth, which has good reservoir properties and is overlain by gas‑tight rock layers, and these geological structures are located at an optimal depth of 700-800 m allowing natural gas to be stored safely and cost-effectively.

The main task of the above and below-ground equipment at Inčukalns UGS is to ensure natural gas injection and withdrawal from the porous sandstone layer.  Before the natural gas enters the underground storage, it must be cleaned of unwanted impurities – solids and oils – and the volume of fuel to be injected is determined. Natural gas then “travels” to the compressor facility, where its pressure is increased in the main pipeline from 35 bar to 150 bar max, which is the amount needed to transport the natural gas to a depth of 700 m. The compression process is served by 6 motor compressor units with a total capacity of 34 MW. The pressure is increased in three steps, as the natural gas heats up during this process. In between the compression steps, the gas is cooled to the room temperature in special cooling devices. When the required pressure is reached, the cooled natural gas is delivered to three collection points. There it is divided into several smaller individual streams for each well and goes further down the pipes flowing through the clay rocks until it reaches its destination, i.e., the porous sandstone. When gas needs to be withdrawn from the underground storage, the valves are opened, and the high pressure causes the fuel to flow upwards through the working wells. Above ground, the natural gas flows into the collection points where it is depressurised and then “travels” to drying and filtration facilities where it is purified of underground moisture and impurities. Finally, the volume of the natural gas withdrawn is determined, and the gas enters the man gas pipeline of the transmission system.

INFORMATION REGARDING DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES THAT MAY CAUSE AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT

Natural gas, CAS No 8006-14-2, EC No 232-343-9

Intrinsic hazards:

	H220: Extremely flammable gas (Category 1)
	H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated

Effects of exposure: Mixture of chemicals, lighter than air. The main component is methane (~ 98%) and other gases and compounds. Stored natural gas is odourless. Natural gas can form potentially explosive mixture with air.

Symptoms and effects: at low concentrations, natural gas can produce a narcotic effect. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of coordination. At high concentrations in enclosed spaces, the amount of oxygen inhalable will decrease and suffocating effects of natural gas are possible. Symptoms: movement impairment, unconsciousness, vomiting. The exposed person may be unable to feel warning symptoms of possible asphyxiation. Usually, the person falls into a deep sleep (unconsciousness) ending in death.

Methanol, CAS No 67-56-1, EC No 200-659-6

Intrinsic hazards:

	H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapor (Category 2)
	H370 – Causes damage to organs (Category 1)
	H301 – Toxic if swallowed (Category 3) H311 – Toxic in contact with skin (Category 3) H331 – Toxic if inhaled (Category 3)

Effects of exposure: is used at Inčukalns UGS as an auxiliary product to ensure accident-free technological process. Flammable. Vapours are heavier than air, spread close to the ground and in combination with air form explosive mixtures. Hermetically sealed containers may explode when heated. May form flammable or explosive mixtures of vapour and air.

Symptoms and effects: Symptoms/ effects from inhalation: mildly irritating to the respiratory tract. Harmful to the nervous system. Inhalation of vapours above the permissible level may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, blindness, coma and death. The exposed person’s condition may improve but then deteriorate again after as long as 30 hours. Symptoms/ effects from ingestion: toxic. Symptoms are the same as from inhalation. Irritates the digestive tract and may cause damage to the cardiac and central nervous system. Blindness and death may occur. Usually the fatal dose is 100-125 ml of the substance. Symptoms/ effects on skin contact: the substance acts as a degreasing agent, which may cause dry skin, chapping and dermatitis. As the substance is absorbed through the skin, symptoms may be the same as upon inhalation: burning sensation, redness, swelling, blistering. Symptoms/ effects in contact with eyes: eye damage may occur with repeated exposure. Symptoms may include burning, redness, tearing, inflammation and eye pain under bright light.

INFORMATION REGARDING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT HAZARD, SCENARIOS OF DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, AND RISK FACTORS

In order to characterise the potential risk of industrial accidents at Inčukalns UGS, a numerical risk assessment was carried out in accordance with the principles set out in the Guidelines for Quantitative Risk Assessment in the Netherlands and the recommendations prepared by the UK Health and Safety Executive, including the accident scenarios indicated in the literature, which should be analysed for each specific technological object under consideration.

The quantitative risk assessment describes the potential accidents on the site, the expected range of consequences, and the potential for such accidents to endanger human life. The risk assessment includes accident scenarios that have the potential for widespread consequences and/or are specific to the technologies considered.

The risk assessment includes technological machinery, plants and equipment, operations of which involve natural gas and methanol:

• Compressor stations;
• Gas collection points;
• Wells of underground gas storage;
• Gas pipelines;
• Methanol management.

Natural gas

Natural gas is lighter than air, thus, in the event of a leakage, if there are no igniters, it will rise up quite quickly and mix with the air masses. However, due to the high injection/ withdrawal pressure of gas, there is a possibility that mechanical sparks may occur in the event of an accident of the technological equipment that could ignite the escaping gas. Taking into account the properties of the substance, the following potential accident scenarios and their spread of effects are considered in natural gas technologies:

• Jet fire;
• Spherical fire;
• Gas cloud fire;
• Gas cloud explosion.

During a sudden natural gas fire and/ or explosion, heat radiation, combustion products, smoke and toxic vapours can be expected to spread in the vicinity of the source of the fire. In the event of a gas cloud explosion, an overpressure wave is released which can destroy buildings and endanger human life and the environment. The distance of exposure and the consequences of an explosion depend on the quantity of product involved. People may be exposed to flying objects caused by the blast wave, which may cause death or serious injury. 

In the event of a natural gas leak, a life-threatening thermal radiation zone with subsequent combustion (maximum 1% lethal distance) of up to 450 m can form around the natural gas leakage site. Therefore, one should leave this area immediately! 

Methanol

As methanol is a liquid chemical substance, its leakage will result in a puddle of the product which, depending on the location of the leak, may flow out into a limited area (reinforced concrete bund wall). If methanol does not ignite, it evaporates causing air pollution. However, calculations show that, under typical environmental conditions, hazardous vapor concentrations are expected only in the immediate vicinity of the leakage site.

In the event of methanol ignition, a life-threatening thermal radiation zone with subsequent combustion (maximum 1% lethal distance) of up to 30 m can form around the methanol leakage site.

Action in the event of an industrial accident

Alerting the neighbouring enterprises and residents about a threat

Inčukalns UGS confirms that an alarm and notification system has been installed in the storage, and notification procedure has been established, which stipulates procedure for cooperation with the SFRS and other emergency services, as well as response and consequence elimination measures to be taken in case of adverse events or industrial accidents. In accordance with the rapid alert scheme, in case of an accident, all necessary state institutions, municipalities and Inčukalns UGS personnel are notified.

In order to warn the public in the event of an industrial accident, which may endanger the inhabitants with exposure to hazardous substances or heat radiation, three alarm sirens will be activated that are installed at Inčukalns UGS establishments and positioned so that the sound signal emitted can be heard within a radius of approximately 1.5 km. In addition, in the event of an emergency, local municipalities will be alerted by telephone.

The functioning of the alarm sirens is intended to be checked periodically, in which case the alarm will only operate temporarily for a few seconds and no evacuation measures need to be taken.

Action in the event of an accident alert

If you hear a continuous siren, please turn on the radio or television where information will be broadcasted about what has happened and residents need to do. Follow the information on social networks and websites of the authorities responsible.

Listen to the announcements made over the loudspeakers by the SFRS, the State Police or the personnel of Inčukalns UGS and follow them.

Do not use open flames or carry out activities that cause sparks or flames. If possible, make sure that others around you are aware of the accident and know what to do.

Action when indoors: on receiving an accident alert, close and seal windows, doors, ventilation hatches, air vents, flues, and turn off air conditioning.

Action when outdoors: on receiving an accident alert, immediately move away from the dangerous area in a direction perpendicular to the wind (so that the wind is blowing from the side). If this is not possible, seek shelter in a nearby building.

Evacuation: the public will be informed of the need to evacuate and the evacuation procedures through the media or via the loudspeakers of emergency services or police. In case of evacuation, if possible, take your personal identification documents, money, valuables, food supplies and only the necessary clothing. Before evacuating, turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies. Notify neighbours of the need to evacuate and help children, disabled and elderly people to prepare for evacuation.

In case of health concerns (headache, weakness, balance problems and vomiting), got to the nearest medical facility or, if there are any casualties near you, immediately call the Emergency Medical Service by dialling 113.

On hearing a continuous siren in the vicinity of Inčukalns UGS facilities, gas pipelines or wells, additional information about the industrial accident and the protective measures to be taken can be obtained by calling Inčukalns UGS at +371 67048017, +371 67048019, mobile phone +371 29440121.

Site emergency preparedness

A Safety Report has been developed for Inčukalns UGS that provides information on the operation of the industrial facility, its hazards, and organizational and technical measures to reduce these hazards.

Safety Report includes information on:

• the qualifying hazardous products at the site;
• the technological processes in which operations with these products are carried out;
• the location of substances and relevant technological equipment on the site;
• the potential industrial accident hazards on the site;
• possible adverse developments;
• the assessment of the consequences of possible accidents;
• the safety system in place;
• the civil protection system.

Inčukalns UGS has established a technological safety management system to ensure systematic, objective and regular risk assessment of industrial accidents, and planning, evaluation, implementation, and control of risk reduction measures at the site or at all facilities within the site. The site’s technological safety management policy is integrated into the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management Policy of Conexus and is aimed at reducing the risk of accidents and complying with the requirements set out in the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia. The site’s structures, equipment and safety systems have been designed, installed and improved in accordance with the safety requirements.

Conexus confirms that the site has a procedure in place regarding how the responsible person in accordance with the Civil Protection Plan and in cooperation with the SFRS and other emergency services responds to reduce, contain or eliminate the consequences of an adverse event or industrial accident.

The Civil Protection Plan, inter alia, includes information on:

• the site – name, location, details of the site’s surroundings, buildings and structures on the site, a brief description of the operations etc.;
• the risk assessment – description of the external and internal threats and summary of scenarios, severity and distribution of the progression of possible industrial accidents;
• the civil protection system for the site;
• suspension of technological processes;
• emergency notification to employees, enterprises and residents of the surrounding area;
• the start of emergency containment and recovery operations;
• evacuation of the employees;
• cooperation with the SFRS and other emergency services.

Conexus confirms that the site has all the necessary resources to deal with an industrial accident and to implement preventive measures to minimise the consequences of a potential accident. To ensure emergency preparedness, technical equipment (fire extinguishers, personal protective equipment, etc.) is maintained in working order.

Conexus employees are provided with systematic theoretical and practical training in daily work duties, occupational health and safety, fire safety and civil protection in accordance with the requirements of regulatory enactments and changes in the operations of Conexus.

Civil protection training is mandatory for all employees of Inčukalns UGS and a training programme has been developed to ensure this.

Every 3 years Conexus, in cooperation with state and municipal authorities, organises tests of the on-site and off-site Civil Protection Plans via practical exercises involving hazard simulation, personnel and equipment to verify that the action is coordinated in accordance with the measures set in the Civil Protection Plans.

Conexus continues to develop its industrial accident risk assessment and technological safety management system.

Additional information can be obtained by sending a letter by post to the registered office of JSC “Conexus Baltic Grid” at Stigu Street 14, Riga, LV-1021, or electronically by e-mail: info@conexus.lv.