The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has ordered Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (KMEP) to address a recent increase in incidents along its hazardous liquids pipeline system, according to Department of Transportation information (DOT).
The agency issued a corrective action order requiring KMEP to comprehensively address integrity threats along the entire 3,900-mile Pacific Operations unit.
The order requires a thorough analysis of recent incidents, a third-party independent review of operations and procedural practices, and a restructuring of KMEP’s internal inspection program.
KMEP must have a revised integrity management plan approved by PHMSA within 120 days. Failure to comply may result in an assessment of civil penalties of as much as $100,000 per day.
Since January 1, 2003, KMEP has experienced at least 44 accidents with some 14 resulting in the release of more than five barrels of refined petroleum products, some in or near environmentally sensitive areas or major transportation corridors, according to the DOT information.