The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has issued a new regulation that aims to reduce hazards of pipelines that carry natural gas, carbon dioxide and other dangerous liquids. It would apply to new pipelines or replacement onshore lines that are 6-in. dia. or larger.
A key provision in the rule, released by DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on March 31, is a requirement that such pipelines have remotely controlled or automatic shutoff valves, or equivalent technologies. Congress mandated those safety features in a pipeline safety measure enacted in 2012.