PUCO assures safety for natural gas pipeline in Ohio
More than three million people use natural gas in the state of Ohio. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is committed to the safety of the operations of Ohio’s natural gas pipeline system.
Kent City Manager Dave Ruller said the gas pipeline industry is only regulated by the State of Ohio, not cities like Kent.
Ohio is home to over 100 pipeline operators. According to PUCO’s press release, the natural gas industry is a complex network of companies that produce, transport and distribute natural gas. With the 100 pipelines, more than 56,000 miles of distribution lines are overseen by The PUCO–this provides natural gas to to individual users, as well as more than 10,000 miles of transmission lines.
“The state is the responsible party for establishing procedures, performing inspections and serving as custodians of the database for all pipeline related data.” Ruller said.
Investigators for PUCO take times to inspect each natural gas pipeline system in Ohio at least once every two years to review records and procedures implemented by utilities.
Public Information Officer of PUCO Matt Schilling said “When there are violations detected, PUCO orders action and may hand out fines and other penalties to ensure that Ohio’s natural gas pipeline systems continue to deliver safe and reliable natural gas.”
Rules and regulations for natural gas pipelines
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) set the safety rules for the natural gas pipelines.
PUCO has an agreement with the federal government that enforces the regulations. With that, the state of Ohio has adopted those regulations. Drill sites like Utica and Marcellus shale were recently given extended gas pipeline safety rules by the state.
Facts about pipelines according to PUCO
Extra precautions: “The pipeline safety regulations require operators to lower the maximum allowable operating pressure of the pipeline, increase the frequency of leak surveys and odorize gas so leaks can be readily detected.”
Actions to increase natural gas pipeline safety: “The PUCO has taken action to have some older piping materials removed and replaced. The PUCO recently required Ohio’s four major natural gas utilities to gradually update old cast iron and bare steel pipelines with more modern protected steel and plastic lines.”
When it comes down to the condition of a natural gas pipeline, it depends on the operator. Each operator needs to show that their piping “meets or exceeds the minimum federal safety standards.”
The pipeline safety regulations rely on performance standards rather than the age o the pipelines–this is their way to esnure safety. According to The PUCO, other criteria pipelines must be protected from is corrosion, having adequate wall thickness and be free of material defects.
“Ohio’s four large natural gas distribution companies are currently undergoing infrastructure replacement programs to replace bare steel and cast iron pipelines,” said Schilling. “I always like to point out is encouraging Ohioans to call 8-1-1 before doing any digging or excavating.”
“In my 10 years working in Kent, I cannot recall a pipeline issue affecting Kent, so City Council has not had a reason to take a position on pipelines that I am aware of,” Ruller said. “Certainly we would expect the state agencies to be sensitive to environmental protection and public health and safety for any pipeline issues impacting Kent.”
