|
From:
|
NTSB
|
|
To:
|
PHMSA
|
|
Date:
|
4/8/2015
|
|
Response:
|
We are aware that you completed the requested inspection of Enbridge Incorporated’s IM program. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation P-12-5 is classified CLOSED—ACCEPTABLE ACTION. For your information, the companion recommendation to Enbridge Incorporated, Safety Recommendation P-12-11, was classified “Closed—Acceptable Action” on November 20, 2014.
|
|
|
From:
|
PHMSA
|
|
To:
|
NTSB
|
|
Date:
|
1/22/2015
|
|
Response:
|
-From Timothy P. Butters, Acting Administrator: PHMSA proposes closure of this recommendation. PHMSA has developed a comprehensive approach to improving Enbridge's safety record, including reviewing its IM program for the entire Lakehead system. The Lakehead Plan addressed multiple IM elements, including improvements to risk modeling, pipeline integrity verification, in-line inspection, pipe replacement programs, valve placement, leak detection systems, and other safety improvements.
Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL), retained under our Corrective Action Order as an independent third-party verification agent, completed its review of the Lakehead Plan and considers the Plan adequate and anticipates an improvement in safety performance when the plan is fully implemented. At this stage, DNV GL is currently monitoring the implementation of the Lakehead Plan to evaluate its effectiveness. Through our inspection and enforcement program, PHMSA will continue to review and closely monitor the ongoing efforts of both DNV GLand Enbridge to ensure implementation of the Lakehead Plan and requirements contained in PHMSA enforcement actions and regulations. Our goal is to ensure improvements occur not only to Enbridge's integrity management program, but to its overall safety performance.
PHMSA will also continue to review and improve its regulations. PHMSA has drafted an NPRM titled "Pipeline Safety: Safety of On-Shore Hazardous Liquid Pipelines," which proposes changes to integrity management requirements. The NPRM is currently under review with the Office of Management and Budget, and our anticipated publication date is May 2015.
|
|
|
From:
|
NTSB
|
|
To:
|
PHMSA
|
|
Date:
|
1/3/2014
|
|
Response:
|
We are aware of PHMSA’s civil action against Enbridge relating to the company’s failures that resulted in the Marshall, Michigan, oil spill, and we note that, after the July 2012 failure of Enbridge’s pipeline in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, PHMSA issued a corrective action order to the company. We are encouraged (1) that PHMSA reviewed Enbridge’s compliance with the new regulations on control room management and public awareness effectiveness and (2) that the agency will continue monitoring Enbridge’s progress and compliance. Pending completion of these efforts, Safety Recommendation P-12-5 remains classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.
|
|
|
From:
|
PHMSA
|
|
To:
|
NTSB
|
|
Date:
|
8/29/2013
|
|
Response:
|
-From Cynthia L. Quarterman, Administrator: PHMSA has issued a record setting $3.7 million civil penalty against Enbridge for findings relating to Enbridge’s existing integrity management program, which failed to prevent the significant oil spill at Marshall, Michigan. PHMSA also developed a comprehensive approach to reviewing Enbridge’s actions.
Following another Enbridge pipeline failure on July 27, 2012, on Enbridge’s Line 14 in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, PHMSA issued a Corrective Action Order (CAO) covering far more than typical requirements normally contained in CAOs. The order required the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to improve the safety record on Enbridge’s entire Lakehead system. The Lakehead Plan addressed multiple integrity management elements, including improvements to risk modeling, pipeline integrity verification, in-line inspection, pipe replacement programs, valve placement, leak detection systems, and other safety improvements.
Det Norske Veritas (DNV), retained under our CAO as an independent third party verification agent, completed its review of the Lakehead Plan and submitted a final report to PHMSA on June 30, 2013. DNV considers the Plan adequate, and when it is implemented effectively, anticipates an improvement in safety performance. DNV will monitor the implementation of the Lakehead Plan to evaluate its effectiveness in improving safety performance and integrity management.
In addition to the PHMSA oversight described above, PHMSA has also conducted a review of Enbridge’s compliance with the new regulations on Control Room Management and public awareness effectiveness. PHMSA will continue to closely monitor Enbridge’s progress toward implementing the Lakehead plan, requirements contained in PHMSA enforcement actions, and regulatory requirements. PHMSA will also continue to review and improve its regulations.
|
|
|
From:
|
NTSB
|
|
To:
|
PHMSA
|
|
Date:
|
1/11/2013
|
|
Response:
|
The NTSB notes that PHMSA plans to conduct a comprehensive inspection of Enbridge’s integrity management program, once the company completes revisions to its integrity management program as delineated in Safety Recommendation P-12-11. We also note that, on August 6, 2012, PHMSA executed a Consent Agreement and Order incorporating a comprehensive safety plan for oversight of Enbridge’s Lakehead system consistent with Safety Recommendation P-12-11, which includes additional elements to improve the safety record of Enbridge’s Lakehead pipeline system. Pending completion of the recommended action, Safety Recommendation P-12-5 is classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.
|
|
|
From:
|
PHMSA
|
|
To:
|
NTSB
|
|
Date:
|
11/1/2012
|
|
Response:
|
-From Cynthia Quarterman, Administrator: PHMSA will conduct a comprehensive inspection of Enbridge’s integrity management program as recommended by NTSB. The timing of the inspection will be contingent on Enbridge’s completion of its revisions to the integrity management program as delineated in Safety Recommendation P-12-11. Additionally, on August 6, 2012, PHMSA executed a Consent Agreement and Order incorporating a comprehensive safety plan for oversight of Enbridge’s Lakehead system.
|
|
