NTSB Safety Recommendation P-90-013

NTSB safety recommendation P-90-013.

TO THE RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION: Assess the adequacy of and modify, as necessary, its program for monitoring and detecting inadequacies in state pipeline safety programs accepted by RSPA for determining compliance with federal pipeline safety standards. (Superseded by P-90-028)

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Superseded

Issued Date: 1990-04-20

Adopted Date: 1990-03-27

Overall Date Closed: 1990-10-01

Synopsis: IN A 7-MONTH PERIOD BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 16, 1988, THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD INVESTIGATED 5 NATURAL GAS ACCIDENTS IN THE KANSAS CITY-TOPEKA AREA THAT INVOLVED THE GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS OWNED BY KANSAS POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY (KPL). CORROSION DAMAGE WAS INVOLVED ON EACH OF THE 3 GAS SERVICE LINES AND THE 2 CAST IRON GAS MAINS. EACH OF THE GAS LINES INVOLVED WERE INSTALLED BEFORE THE FEDERAL MINIMUM GAS PIPELINE SAFETY REGULATIONS BECAME EFFECTIVE AND THE FAILURES ON THE GAS SERVICE LINES INVOLVED CUSTOMER-OWNED PIPE THAT HAD NOT BEEN PROTECTED AGAINST CORROSION DAMAGE. THESE ACCIDENTS KILLED 4 PEOPLE, INJURED 12 OTHERS AND DESTROYED 4 HOUSES.

Probable Cause: None

Ntsbnumber: DCA89MP014

Report Number: PAR-90-03

Addressee Name: RSPA

Addressee Status: Closed - Superseded

Addressee Date Closed: 1990-10-01

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1990-10-01

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: The Safety Board also believes that the inadequacy of OPS resources is the primary reason for the problems previously identified in RSPA's oversight of State pipeline safety programs, in its lack of frequent and thorough inspections of pipeline operators for which OPS has sole responsibility, and in its previous reluctance to implement resource consuming enforcement actions. Although accomplishment of the objectives of Safety Recommendations P-87-28, P-88-13, and P-90-13 is needed, the Safety Board does not believe it is reasonable t o expect OPS to accomplish those objectives without adequate resources to fulfill its responsibilities. Consequently, the Safety Board has reclassified Safety Recommendations P-87-28, P-88-13, and P-90-13 as CLOSED--SUPERSEDED by Safety Recommendation P-90-28.

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1990-09-28

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Communication Contents: TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OPS MONITORING OF STATE AGENCIES, OPS IN COORDINATION WITH THE SATATES AND ITS REGIONAL CHIEF HAS MADE MANY MODIFICATIONS INCLUDING THE ADDITON OF A NEW SECTION IN 1989 TO THE STATE EVALUATION MONITORING FORM TO DETERMINE THE ADEQUACY OF STATE PROGRAMS.

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1991-05-07

Communication Type: Official Correspondence