Friday, July 10, 2015
Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) chairman David Porter has laid out several policy changes to increase commission inspection staff safety in the pipeline areas in South Texas. Enhancements include ensuring that RRC staff and inspectors who want to carry firearms for self-protection on duty have the opportunity to obtain their concealed handgun license in a timely manner.
In addition, inspectors in identified areas of concern will be required to use the buddy system to ensure they are not alone in potentially dangerous areas. Satellite telephones will be purchased for inspector vehicles in remote areas of South Texas that are close to the U.S.-Mexico border and have limited mobile communications.
“The federal government has been ineffective in preventing illegal activity along the border, and with the unprecedented amount of oil and gas activity in the Eagle Ford Shale in recent years, commission inspectors in South Texas have voiced concerns about their safety,” Porter said. “It is the Railroad Commission’s duty to protect the health and safety of all Texans, and as railroad commissioners this responsibility extends to ensuring that our staff is protected while doing this important work.”
He added that commission staff will continue to evaluate the potential need for additional safety measures in the future. Porter has visited several South Texas oil and gas facilities and pipeline rights-of-way near the border and has met with field staff, operators, law enforcement, and security officials to ensure the safety of critical energy infrastructure. An inspection of the area has exposed potentially dangerous situations for RRC inspection staff.
In addition, inspectors in identified areas of concern will be required to use the buddy system to ensure they are not alone in potentially dangerous areas. Satellite telephones will be purchased for inspector vehicles in remote areas of South Texas that are close to the U.S.-Mexico border and have limited mobile communications.
“The federal government has been ineffective in preventing illegal activity along the border, and with the unprecedented amount of oil and gas activity in the Eagle Ford Shale in recent years, commission inspectors in South Texas have voiced concerns about their safety,” Porter said. “It is the Railroad Commission’s duty to protect the health and safety of all Texans, and as railroad commissioners this responsibility extends to ensuring that our staff is protected while doing this important work.”
He added that commission staff will continue to evaluate the potential need for additional safety measures in the future. Porter has visited several South Texas oil and gas facilities and pipeline rights-of-way near the border and has met with field staff, operators, law enforcement, and security officials to ensure the safety of critical energy infrastructure. An inspection of the area has exposed potentially dangerous situations for RRC inspection staff.
