Gas flaring continues at Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass
The controversial LNG export terminal Calcasieu Pass has had operational problems for more than two years, resulting in chronic air pollution. A landowner reports witnessing excessive gas flaring at the site in late September.
Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass LNG has been flaring gas to an unusually excessive degree in recent weeks, according to a local landowner living near the facility.
Calcasieu Pass has had on-again off-again operational problems for more than two years, with 100-foot-tall flare stacks routinely burning excess gas at its export terminal in southwest Louisiana. Those problems, which quickly became apparent when LNG shipments began in early 2022, appear to have not been resolved.
“As a landowner and resident of Cameron Parish LA it is discouraging to see Venture Global CP flaring night and day this week,” John Allaire, a retired environmental engineer who worked in the oil and gas industry for over three decades, said in a late September statement. Allaire lives just across the Calcasieu River from Venture Global’s site.
Gas Outlook has repeatedly reported on the chronic operational problems that have resulted in air pollutants impacting Cameron, Louisiana.
But rather than bringing its pollution levels under control, Venture Global has applied for an air permit that would raise its allowed pollution limits.
“The ongoing flaring is evidence of serious problems,” Anne Rolfes, a Louisiana Bucket Brigade executive director, said in a statement. The Louisiana-based NGO has worked with Allaire to document and publish reports on the problems at Calcasieu Pass. “Venture Global is demonstrating why it should not be allowed to expand operations, increase permitting, or build any additional facilities in Louisiana.”
Last year, Calcasieu Pass had operational problems on 115 of 181 days in the first half of 2023, according to a Louisiana Bucket Brigade analysis from last year.
Gas Outlook reported on the facility in person in early 2024.
Calcasieu Pass found itself at the centre of a national debate over whether the ramp-up in LNG exports was in the U.S. “public interest” following the Biden administration’s decision to pause new LNG permits. Calcasieu Pass has pushed the once-vibrant southwest Louisiana commercial fishing industry to breaking point.
Venture Global did not respond to questions from Gas Outlook.
“This most recent problem has been going on for two solid weeks,” Rolfes said. “Something is seriously wrong.”