Pipelines Critical to Safely Delivering Michigan Energy

(September 19, 2018) — The American Petroleum Institute (API) highlighted the energy industry’s commitment to safety and the important role pipelines play in the life of every Michigan resident at an August U.S. Senate Commerce Committee field hearing on pipeline safety in the Great Lakes region.

“Pipelines are critical to safely delivering the energy that Michigan consumers need and demand every day,” said API pipeline manager David Murk. “Enbridge’s Line 5 provides a vital link to propane and other petroleum products in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, providing the energy that’s needed to heat homes, fuel vehicles, and power Michigan industry. Further, promoting safety and protecting the public and the environment is a top priority for pipeline operators and a central component to pipeline design, construction, and maintenance.”

Murk explained that during pipeline development, operators design routes to avoid environmentally sensitive areas. Pipelines are constructed from certified steel pipe that meets or exceeds federal quality regulations. Every project undergoes rigorous environmental review and must comply with existing environmental laws before it can be built and placed into operation. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration also routinely inspects pipelines during their construction and throughout their operation to ensure they are being maintained safely and responsibly.

“Oil spill planning, preparedness, and response are critical components of both onshore and offshore pipeline operations,” he said. “Operators follow federal and state regulations when developing response plans for a potential spill to ensure a well-organized and an efficient response should an incident occur. Pipeline operators are also working with first responders and government agencies on a number of initiatives going beyond regulation to properly and effectively improve emergency response efforts. Nationwide, nearly 8100 first responders have completed API’s online pipeline emergency response training.”

Murk added that the pipeline industry “strives to safely deliver the energy that Michiganders need to heat and power their homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals and we are committed to continuing our work with leaders and regulators at all levels of government to ensure that pipelines continue to safely and reliably transport energy to Michigan.” Murk’s full testimony is available on the API website, api. org, under the Blog, News, Media and Testimony and Speeches tabs.

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, September 17, 2018)