Enbridge Energy Partners LP met requirements of a July 31 correction action order and was allowed to restart a crude oil pipeline in Wisconsin following repairs of a July 27 rupture, the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced.
“PHMSA staff worked with Enbridge straight through the weekend and entered into a pipeline safety plan that encompasses every aspect of safety on the entire Lakehead System as well as ensuring a safe way to move forward with restarting Line 14,” PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman said on Aug. 6, adding, “We will continue to keep the public updated as we take the next steps to address pipeline safety.”
A consent agreement which Enbridge reached with PHMSA requires a daytime restart for the 467-mile line, prior notification of emergency responders along its entire length, aerial patrol of the pipeline’s right of way during and after the restart to inspect for leaks, and foot patrols of pumping stations, valves, and other key areas.
PHMSA said Line 14’s pressure will be restricted to 80% of the pressure when the line failed on July 27. Greater pressure can’t be used until the failure’s root cause is determined and remedial actions are taken.
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