Pipeline Safety: Updating Facility Response Plans in Light of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Jun 23, 2010

PHMSA-2010-0175

Summary: PHMSA is issuing an Advisory Bulletin to operators of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities required to prepare and submit an oil spill response plan under 49 CFR part 194. In light of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which has resulted in the relocation of oil spill response resources to address the oil spill, PHMSA is reminding operators of their responsibilities to review and update their oil spill response plans and to comply with other emergency response requirements to ensure the necessary response to a worst case discharge from their pipeline facility.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Hess, Director for Emergency Support and Security, (202) 366-4595 or by e-mail at PHMSA.OPA90@dot.gov.

MTA Chair Keith Klein Testifies Before Congress on CSA 2010

Minnesota Trucking Association Chairman Keith Klein testified today before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Highways and Transit CSA 2010. In his remarks, he provided a real-life perspective regarding what is and is not working with this new enforcement program.

He stressed the need to address several items, including warnings carrying the same weight as citations, using power units instead of mileage as the measure of exposure, and using all crashes in the database instead of those where carrier was at fault or accountable. During questioning, he also emphasized the need to add positive points to the system to recognize carrier actions, such as terminating poor performing drivers.

Keith wore multiple hats at the hearing, also serving as the official ATA representative and the only motor carry on the panel. Today's hearing came about as a direct result of MTA lobbying regarding CSA 2010. During the past year, MTA leaders had met with Representatives Jim Oberstar and Tim Walz and shared results of the report prepared by the MTA CSA 2010 Task Force.