Natural Gas Pipelines: Greater Use of Instrumented Inspection Technology Can Improve Safety
RCED-92-237
Published: Sep 28, 1992. Publicly Released: Sep 28, 1992.
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Highlights
GAO provided information on the inspection techniques available to determine and maintain the structural integrity, safety, and condition of natural gas transmission pipelines, focusing on: (1) the use, capabilities, limitations, and costs of instrumented inspection technology, commonly referred to as smart pigs; (2) federal smart pig inspection regulations and guidelines; and (3) the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA) compliance with the Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Act of 1988.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should act to expeditiously provide the Congress with the final report from the smart pig feasibility study mandated by Public Law 100-561, or notify the Congress when it will be available. |
DOT provided Congress with its final report from the smart pig feasibility study in November 1992.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should act to expeditiously issue the regulations mandated by Public Law 100-561. |
In April 1994, DOT issued the final regulations mandated by Public Law 100-561 requiring that new or replacement pipelines transporting natural gas, hazardous liquids, and carbon dioxide, where practicable, be designed to accomodate smart pig inspection devices.
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Topics
Gas pipeline operationsHazardous substancesInspectionCorrosionNatural gasPipeline operationsRegulatory agenciesTransportation safetyLivestockPipeline safety