Grand Rapids Press calls for transparency in pipeline inspections

Following on the heels of reports that Enbridge’s Lakehead Line 6B, which burst in late July, has hundreds of anomalies, the Grand Rapids Press is calling for more transparency in pipeline inspections.

The paper points out — correctly — that pipeline companies, whether oil or gas, conduct integrity monitoring on their lines, but are not required to tell inspectors what they have found. Well, unless inspectors ask. The process also demands that pipelines in High Consequence Areas — those near high density populations, navigable waters or environmentally sensitive areas — be identified by the companies. Those HCAs are the only areas required to be regularly tested.

But you are not allowed to know which areas on the lines are HCAs because the Department of Homeland Security says that could tip off terrorists. Finding out the results of inline testing from the pipeline industry is also nearly impossible. Not to mention finding out what the disaster mitigation plans for the lines are. Those are reviewed by the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, then disposed of. Only the companies retain copies.

Here’s the kicker line in the editorial worth noting:

That calls for greater disclosure and accountability from oil and gas companies. If added accountability doesn’t occur, the state or federal government should step in to perform the inspections. Right now, that job is left exclusively to private companies.

You can bet PHMSA inspections and regulatory authority is going to be a major focus during the Sept. 15 hearings on the Enbridge oil spill. And you can bet there is a lot more governmental bureaucracy in the making.