Public Comment. Volume III - Montana Legislature

States, yet since 1986, pipelines were responsible
for only sixteen percent (16%) of the total volume
of oil spilled to waterways by all modes of
transportation.
Technological and operational advances
continually improve the safety record of pipelines.
How do Oil Pipeline Companies Prevent Pipeline
Leaks?
There is a strong system of regulatory
requirements aimed directly at both preventing and
responding to oil spills from pipelines. In addition
to pipeline design and construction requirements,
pipelines must be operated according to strict
rules. Pipeline companies must maintain a manual
of written operating procedures to ensure the safe
operation of the pipeline. Damage prevention
programs are in place, which include awareness
activities involving the public, local government
officials, and excavation contractors. All Montana
pipelines participate in a "one call" location network
("call before you dig" program), which provides
notification to the pipeline of any planned drilling or
excavating activities in the vicinity.
By regulation, a pipeline carmot be operated at
pressures above those that have been
demonstrated to be safe by engineering
calculations and pressure testing.
Cathodic protection systems are maintained and
inspected at regular intervals to prevent corrosion.
Instrumented internal inspection devices called
"smart pigs" are regularly sent through the pipeline
to check for weakness or corrosion. Valves and
pressure relief systems also are regularly inspected
and maintained. Numerous other inspections are
routinely made, and extensive documentation of
the inspections is kept.
Similar to the requirements for truck drivers and
airline pilots, all pipeline employees who perform
"safety sensitive" functions participate in a
mandatory drug and alcohol-testing program to
prevent impairment-induced accidents.
Is There a System in Place to Respond to Pipeline
Spills ?
Pipeline companies must comply with the
requirements of the federal Oil Pollution Act. The
Oil Pollution Act is directed at reducing the risk of
oil spills, and at mounting a prepared response if
one should occur.
Detailed, written oil spill plans are required, which
must be approved by governmental agencies, and
are reviewed regularly by Department of
Transportation. Pipeline operators must
demonstrate that adequate spill response and
recovery resources (including personnel and
equipment) can be mobilized and deployed within
certain time periods defined by regulation for three
tiers of oil spill sizes, including the worst case
scenario. The worst-case scenario involves a
maximum spill quantity under worst-case
mobilization and response conditions.
Pipeline companies do extensive training and
practicing to ensure that their spill response
systems stay sharp. Some of the exercises include
emergency responders from local, state and
federal governmental agencies, which facilitates
better understanding of each other's roles and
capabilities in the unlikely event of a pipeline
incident.
Can a Landowner be Held Liable for Environmental
Damage From a Pipeline Oil Spill?
Priorities in the event of a spill are safety of the
public and protection of the environment. The spill
is contained, repairs are made, environmental
restoration occurs, and an investigation into the
cause of the release is made. 'The cleanup and
investigation is conducted in conjunction with
appropriate regulatory agencies. In the event that
the investigating team proves there was damage to
the pipe as a result of negligence on the part of a
third party, such as a landowner, charges can be
made against the third party.
Crude Oil A Petroleum
Product Pipelines in Montana
EQC Eminent Domain Study -1 73-
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