Port's propane site safe, chief says

By TED JACKOVICS | tjackovics@tampatrib.com
Published: January 20, 2010

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TAMPA --

The Port of Tampa at some point could consider prospects for an offshore liquid propane gas terminal, but current facilities and operations for handling it at the port are adequate and safe, port director Richard Wainio said.

Wainio's remarks at Tuesday's monthly Tampa Port Authority meeting were in response to Tampa physician Todd Glacen's suggestion that the port authority consider the prospect that demand for liquid propane gas could grow.

Glacen said an offshore LPG terminal might enhance safety of handling potentially hazardous materials.

A project is under way to allow offshore unloading of liquefied natural gas that would be shipped nearly 30 miles by pipeline to Port Manatee, where it would connect to the state's natural gas pipeline. The Port Dolphin project would be completed in 2013 if it proceeds.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.