For example, we believe the information gathered may be of use by local governments in preparing guidelines for pipeline development. We welcome the opportunity to participate in these processes. The studies will focus primarily on a preferred corridor running south from Whatcom County to Snohomish County in the general vicinity of Interstate 5, then turning west to reach Island, Jefferson and Kitsap counties. One of the possible corridors initially considered by the project team was located primarily underwater. Following preliminary assessments, the preferred routes are now located primarily on land.
Natural gas is a safe and environmentally preferred energy source.
In instances when it is accidentally released into air or water, natural gas, which is lighter than air, dissipates quickly into the atmosphere. Unintentional ignition of natural gas is rare due to its rapid dissipation and the precise mixture of natural gas and oxygen that is required to create combustion. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, with far fewer harmful effects on the environment than other fuels. It creates virtually no sulfur emissions, extremely low particulate emissions, lower emissions of nitrogen oxides, and produces approximately 30 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions than oil. The Orca Natural Gas Pipeline has the potential to play an important role in meeting the region's growing demand for energy, increasing service reliability and reducing consumers' energy costs.