Pipeline safety. Information on gas distribution system operators reporting unaccounted for gas
According to Department of Transportation records, 92 of the 1491 gas distribution system operators reported high levels of unaccounted for gas (unaccounted for gas is the difference between the amount of gas purchased and sold) for 1984, the latest year for which data were available. Of the 92 gas system operators, 64 were municipals (gas systems owned by a governmental entity, such as a city or county) and 28 were nonmunicipals. Based on the data we reviewed, these 92 gas systems did not report any accidents during calendar year 1984. Part I provides more details on the unaccounted for gas of municipal gas systems. Federal and industry officials consider that unaccounted for gas in excess of 15% of gas purchases high and worthy of investigation. High levels of unaccounted for gas can occur for a number of reasons, including errors in metering and billing, not accounting for gas used by city or company facilities, and leaking gas pipelines. While it may, a leak does not always indicate a safety problem. For example, a slow leak in an open area may not be a safety hazard. The Secretary has the authority to regulate any liquid deemed hazardous when transported by pipeline, and therefore could regulate hazardous liquids not currently regulated including methanol and carbon dioxide. However, the Department of Transportation has no plans to regulate any additional liquids. Part II provides more details. 4 figs., 2 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- General Accounting Office, Washington, DC (USA). Resources, Community and Economic Development Div.
- OSTI ID:
- 5754130
- Report Number(s):
- GAO/RCED-86-87BR; ON: TI86901399
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Briefing report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Fossil and Synthetic Fuels, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
MATERIAL UNACCOUNTED FOR
PIPELINES
SAFETY
ERRORS
INVESTIGATIONS
LEAKS
METERING
NATURAL GAS
TRANSPORT
US DOT
US GAO
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
US ORGANIZATIONS
032000* - Natural Gas- Transport
Handling
& Storage
294003 - Energy Planning & Policy- Natural Gas