(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) today announced that she has received a
preliminary report from Ken Mead, the Department of Transportation's Inspector General, regarding the
status of pipeline safety. His report confirms the need for periodic inspections of pipelines and better
inspection technology. In addition, it reiterates the need for better training of pipeline inspectors.
In August of this past year, Senator Murray requested that the Inspector General conduct a thorough
investigation into the practices of the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and the industry as a whole.
"The Inspector General delivered some insightful recommendations on pipeline safety which will be very
helpful as we head towards reauthorization of the regulations affecting this vital industry," said Murray. "We
must ensure the safety of all Americans living near pipelines, and this report moves us further along in that
process."
The Key Findings of the Report are:
Inspection Standards and Frequency: The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) has
not implemented inspection standards to protect highly populated and environmentally sensitive areas as
Congress mandated in both the 1992 and 1996 Pipeline Safety Acts.
Inspection Technology: OPS research and development programs have not developed internal inspection
devices, "smart pigs," capable of detecting seam weld defects that can cause pipeline ruptures. OPS has not
examined or developed alternative pipeline inspection technologies for pipelines that cannot accommodate
such devices. (Industry estimates that 80% of transmission pipelines fit into that category.)
Inspector Training: RSPA safety inspectors are not trained in the use of internal inspection devices and
cannot read or interpret the results of internal inspections conducted by operators.
Evaluation of Program Performance: OPS does not collect sufficient data to accurately identify accident
causes and trends, and to evaluate safety performance measures.
Last month Senator Murray introduced "The Pipeline Safety Act of 2000" to help protect people, property,
and the environment from the destruction caused by pipeline accidents. Senator Murray's bill does many of
the things called for in the Inspector Generals's report. The legislation would expand state authority, improve
inspection practices, expand the public's "right to know," improve the quality of pipeline operators, and
increase funding to improving safety.
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