The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration instituted new rules to strengthen safety, improve response efforts and reduce emissions at pipeline shut-off valves.
The new rules are designed to bolster pipeline safety, while also reducing super-polluting methane emissions and protecting the public, according to a March 31 DOT news release. These rules will "help improve pipeline safety, reduce super-polluting methane emissions and protect the public by requiring the installation of remotely controlled, or automatic shut-off valves, or alternative equivalent technologies, on new and replaced onshore natural gas, carbon dioxide and other hazardous liquid pipelines."
“Far too many Americans have experienced the consequences of pipeline failures,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the news release. “Today we are taking an important step to protect communities against hazardous pipeline leaks — helping to save the lives, property and jobs of people in every part of the country while preventing super-polluting methane leaks.”
According to the release, a pipeline in Marshall, Mich., leaked 843,444 gallons of crude oil into the Kalamazoo River in 2010, spanning a 17-hour period before officials were able shut off the pipeline. Around that same time, problems at a natural gas pipeline in San Bruno, Calif., caused product to stream for at least 90 minutes, ultimately sparking an explosion that killed eight people and injured 51 others. In addition, 38 homes were destroyed and another 70 were badly damaged.
“We must continue to work towards zero incidents and zero releases from pipelines,” said PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown. “More than a decade in the making, this new rule requires the installation of modern technology to mitigate the impacts of pipeline failures on people, first responders and our environment.”
The new requirements apply to all new or replaced onshore pipelines six inches in diameter or greater, according to the new rules. Pipeline installers will also be obligated to comply with new performance standards for the operation of those valves requiring their closure to isolate a ruptured pipeline segment as soon as practicable (but no more than 30 minutes) after rupture identification.
