Pipeline Special Investigation Report
Evaluation of Pipeline Failures During Flooding
And of Spill Response Actions, San Jacinto River
Near Houston, Texas, October 1994

NTSB Number SIR-96/04
NTIS Number PB96-917004
PDF Document (876K)

Abstract: In mid-October 1994, major flooding occurred in the San Jacinto River flood plain near Houston, Texas. Due to the flooding, eight pipelines ruptured and many others were undermined. Ignition of petroleum and petroleum products released into the river resulted in 547 people receiving (mostly minor) burn and inhalation injuries. The Safety Board undertook a special investigation that focused on the following safety issues: (1) the adequacy of Federal and industry standards on designing pipelines in flood plains, (2) the preparedness of pipeline operators to respond to threats to their pipelines from flooding and to minimize the potential for product releases, and (3) the preparedness of the Nation to minimize the consequences of petroleum releases. The report also addresses the need for effective operational monitoring of pipelines and for the use of remote- or automatic-operated valves to allow for prompt detection of product releases and rapid shutdown of failed pipe segments. The Safety Board made nine safety recommendations: one to the Research and Special Programs Administration, five to the National Response Team, and one each to the American Petroleum Institute, the Association of Oil Pipe Lines, and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America.