"Regulators Investigate 'Unsafe' NY Natural Gas Line"

"A key natural gas pipeline which crosses southern New York state is in danger of rupturing and could pose a safety threat, according to a recent report from regulators."



"An investigation by the New York State Department of Public Service into a leak on the Millennium Pipeline in January found that uninspected faulty welds were responsible for the accident.

Now the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is conducting its own investigation along a large stretch of the pipe between Corning and Ramapo, concerned that similar problems are likely to occur at other points on the line.

'It appears that the continued operation of the affected pipeline without corrective measures would pose a pipeline integrity risk to public safety, property, or the environment,' the PHMSA said in a letter to the pipeline operator, Columbia Gas Transmission, on July 6."

Edward McAllister and Eileen Moustakis reports for Reuters August 11, 2011.

 

Source: Reuters, 08/08/2011