New Senate Bill Would Require End Of Life Pipeline Studies To Spot Corrosion, Damage Issues To Prevent Catastrophic Failures

On June 5, Senate Bill 677 was introduced by Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) which would require pipeline operators transporting natural gas and natural gas liquids to conduct an end of life study on all pipelines over 50 years of age.

The goal of the studies is to identify environmental impacts from corrosion and damage that increase the risk of catastrophic events causing damage to property and increasing the risk to public safety.

"Even with best management practices and proper inspection schedules, outdated pipelines unnecessarily place our communities in harm’s way,” said Sen. Dinniman.  “This risk is compounded when pipelines, some constructed during the Roosevelt Administration, are permitted to transport highly volatile products at extreme pressure through dense population centers.

“With this in mind, my legislation will require pipeline operators and regulators to determine at what point a pipeline transporting natural gas and natural gas liquids should be abandoned and decommissioned in the interest of environmental and public safety,” explained Sen. Dinniman. “It is important to note that this legislation is modeled after a regulatory settlement through the Public Utility Commission’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement following the failure of an antiquated pipeline in Berks County.

“Similar, this legislation builds on a legislative recommendation from Gov. Tom Wolf in February 2019, calling for a remaining life study and independent review of operational longevity for specific outdated pipelines in our Commonwealth,” added Sen. Dinniman.

“It is my strong belief that, in the interest of public safety, pipelines transporting highly volatile products through our communities have a functional expiration date and I welcome your support to require end of life studies for antiquated pipelines,” said Sen. Dinniman.

A sponsor summary of the bill is available.

This bill is in addition to a package of other pipeline safety and regulation bills introduced by Sen. Dinniman and Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware).

None of these bills have moved out of their respective Senate Committees in this new session.

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Senators Killion, Dinniman Introduce Resolution Forming Senate/House Commission To Make Recommendations To Improve Pipeline Safety, Construction Practices