NTSB Safety Recommendation P-09-005

NTSB safety recommendation P-09-005.

TO THE AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE: Revise American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1162 to explicitly identify 911 emergency call centers as emergency response agencies to be included in outreach programs under a pipeline operator’s public education program.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Issued Date: 2009-10-27

Adopted Date: 2009-10-14

Overall Date Closed: 2013-12-16

Synopsis: On November 1, 2007, at 10:35:02 a.m. central daylight time, a 12-inch-diameter pipeline segment operated by Dixie Pipeline Company (Dixie) was transporting liquid propane at about 1,405 pounds per square inch, gauge (psig), when it ruptured in a rural area near Carmichael, Mississippi. The resulting gas cloud expanded over nearby homes and ignited, creating a large fireball that was heard and seen from miles away. About 10,253 barrels (430,626 gallons) of propane were released. As a result of the ensuing fire, two people were killed and seven people sustained minor injuries. Four houses were destroyed, and several others were damaged. About 71.4 acres of grassland and woodland were burned. Dixie reported that property damage resulting from the accident, including the loss of product, was $3,377,247.

Probable Cause: The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the November 1, 2007, rupture of the liquid propane pipeline operated by Dixie Pipeline Company near Carmichael, Mississippi, was the failure of a weld that caused the pipe to fracture along the longitudinal seam weld, a portion of the upstream girth weld, and portions of the adjacent pipe joints.

Keywords: Public Education (Pipeline), Training and Education

Ntsbnumber: DCA08MP001

Report Number: PAR-09-01

Addressee Name: American Petroleum Institute

Addressee Status: Closed - Acceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 2013-12-16

Addressee Acronym: API

Addressee Organization Type: A-Associations

Communication Date: 2009-11-18

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: Letter Mail Controlled 12/3/2009 4:54:52 PM MC# 2090709: - From Jack Gerard, President and Chief Executive Officer: API’s Operations Technical Committee is currently undertaking a thorough review of API Recommended Practice 1162, Public Awareness Program for Pipeline Operators in accordance with API’s Procedures for Standards Development. I have communicated this recommendation to the 1162 task group so they may consider it in their review of the standard. I anticipate that the standard will be balloted for revision early next year and published mid-year. At that time, we will send you a detailed synopsis of the revisions made to the document in response to the above recommendation along with a copy of the publication. Should you need any additional information in the interim, please contact David Miller, API Standards Director at 202-682-8159.

Addressee Acronym: API

Addressee Organization Type: A-Associations

Communication Date: 2010-04-16

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: The NTSB is pleased that the API has agreed to consider revising RP 1162, Public Awareness Program for Pipeline Operators, during the API Operations Technical Committee’s current review of that document, in accordance with API’s Procedures for Standards Development. The NTSB understands that the revised RP 1162 was balloted for revision early in 2010 and will be published mid year. Pending publication of the revised document containing the recommended addition, Safety Recommendation P 09-5 is classified OPEN -- ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE. We would appreciate receiving periodic updates on the API’s progress on this issue and receiving a copy of the revised RP when it becomes available.

Addressee Acronym: API

Addressee Organization Type: A-Associations

Communication Date: 2013-12-16

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: We have reviewed the API’s Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators, RP 1162, second edition, dated December 2010, and are pleased that the requested information is included at section 5.5.2, “Emergency Officials.” Because this action satisfies Safety Recommendation P-09-5, the recommendation is classified CLOSED—ACCEPTABLE ACTION. Thank you for your prompt action and your commitment to pipeline safety.