Gas Pipeline Safety: Guidance and More Information Needed before Using Risk-Based Reassessment Intervals.

摘要

About 300,000 miles of gas transmission pipelines cross the United States, carrying natural gas from processing facilities to communities and large-volume users. These pipelines are largely regulated by PHMSA. The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 established the gas integrity management program, which required gas transmission pipeline operators to assess the integrity of their pipeline segments in high consequence areas by December 2012 and reassess them at least every 7 years. The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 directed GAO to examine the results of these baseline assessments and reassessments and the potential impact of making the current process more risk-based. GAO analyzed (1) PHMSAs assessment data on repairs made and the appropriateness of the 7-year reassessment requirement, (2) the impact of the 7-year reassessment requirement on regulators and operators, and (3) the potential challenges of implementing risk-based reassessment intervals beyond 7 years. GAO analyzed assessment data; reviewed legislation and regulations; and interviewed pipeline operators, federal and state regulators, and other stakeholders.