Don't frighten off investors (From Western Telegraph)

Don't frighten off investors

DEAR EDITOR,- I read with concern the letter from C. W. and H. Johns (September 3rd) concerning LNG importation to Petroplus and, maybe, the old Esso site.

We all know that the petrochemical industry has its dangers. We all know that gas will explode if ignited. What we don't need is scaremongering into 'frightening off' investors in Pembrokeshire.

We need jobs and investment. After all, the Haven is an industrialised area. Comments like the 'energy of a small nuclear device' can be very disturbing to the lay person, who has little knowledge of physics.

Yes, the gas is chilled down to a couple of hundred degrees below. It will become a solid. You cannot ignite a solid, you need to make it a gas and this won't happen in a few seconds - it will take time.

A tanker full of frozen gas will not 'blow up' any quicker than any other tanker and Pembrokeshire has lived with them for decades with, thankfully, few incidents. The Sea Empress taught the Port Authority and oil industry vital lessons that they won't forget in a hurry.

DENNIS REEVES 10 Gail Rise. Llangwm.