Pollution From Pipelines: DOT Lacks Prevention Program and Information for Timely Response
RCED-91-60
Published: Jan 28, 1991. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined federal efforts to prevent and respond to water pollution from petroleum pipeline spills.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should ensure that DOT establishes a program to prevent water-polluting spills from petroleum pipelines. When deciding which agency should implement such a program, the Secretary should consider the Coast Guard's experience in preventing pollution and the Office of Pipeline Safety's expertise in regulating pipeline safety. |
In March 1992, a DOT Executive Order delegated authorities and responsibilities stemming from the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The Office of Pipeline Safety was delegated responsibility for preventing discharges from pipelines.
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| Department of Transportation | Because information on pipeline locations and operators is needed for a timely response to petroleum spills, the Secretary of Transportation should ensure that a DOT agency: (1) collects information on the locations and operators of petroleum pipelines that could cause water pollution; (2) maintains the information in a form suitable for use in spill response; and (3) makes the information accessible to appropriate response officials. |
DOT started a rulemaking that would require operators to prepare maps and other appropriate information in a form suitable for use in emergency response. This information would be provided, on request, to state officials. In addition, RSPA initiated another rulemaking to require that information on water crossings and environmentally sensitive areas be included in maps. Actions were expected to be completed by December 1994.
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Topics
Crude oil pipeline operationsEmergency preparednessInteragency relationsManagement information systemsMarine transportationOil pollutionOil spillsPollution controlWater pollutionPollution prevention