The American Petroleum Institute (API), along with the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL), has released the pipeline industry’s 2017-2019 Pipeline Safety Excellence Strategic Plan and 2016 Performance Report. The Performance Report shows the number of incidents dropped by 10% from 2015 levels, while the Pipeline Safety Excellence Strategic Plan summarizes the industry’s track record on pipeline safety and outlines steps taken by operators to advance safety efforts throughout the pipeline supply chain.

The strategic plan acknowledges areas for improvement and where challenges remain. It also highlights the public benefits of pipelines and explains the extensive protections taken by operators to protect the public and the environment.

“Pipelines are one of the safest and most efficient ways to transport liquid energy,” said API pipeline manager David Murk. “While nearly 100% of crude and petroleum products reach their destination safely, the industry remains committed to zero incidents.”

Murk added that strategic planning and the establishment of long-term goals will be critical for continuous, industry-wide pipeline safety improvements. “This plan will help drive advances in pipeline safety technology, strengthen emergency prepared- ness and response planning, and encourage the adoption of holistic pipeline safety management systems.”

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter. For more information or to subscribe visit https://bpnews.com/index.php)