The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Office of Pipeline Safety" ...
-
Pipelines: The invisible danger
In a four-part investigative series American-Statesmen examines "the operation and regulation of some of the most profitable companies in America, those that operate pipelines carrying oil, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas and other hazardous materials." The reporting team reveals the dangerous - and at times deadly - condition of the pipelines the American industry uses to transport crude oil and natural gas. The stories point to statistics showing that from 1984 through 2000 a total of 366 people have died in the USA as a result of pipeline leaks and explosions. Inspections have showed that one inactive pipeline, which passes through the populated area of Austin, has had "4,000 anomalies" caused by weak steel skin. Texas is notorious for the highest death toll, since it is the state with the most miles of pipelines. The follow-up editorials focus on the need for reforms, and suggest new federal and state regulation that would improve pipeline safety.
Tags: environment; pollution; natural resources; gas explosions; OPS- Office of Pipeline Safety; NTSB- National Transportation Safety Board; Association of Oil Pipe Lines; EPA- Environmental Protection Agency; "railroad fatigue"; federal records; corrosion; safety violations; fines; maintenance; CAR
-
Explosive Issue: Gas-Pipeline Tragedies Have Energy Industry, Regulators Under Fire
"The U.S. agency that inspects pipelines, federal officials say, lacks trained manpower, reliable data on accidents and the will to crack down on unsafe practices before deadly blasts occur. The pipeline industry has resisted calls from the National Transportation Safety Board and others for mandatory periodic inspections of pipelines and national employee-training standards. Meanwhile, the nation's pipelines continue to age, many of them now more than 50 years old and too narrow to accommodate the probes sent through pipes to inspect them internally for defects."
Tags: NTSB; natural gas; explosions; sonar; corrosion; Malaga; OPS; Office of Pipeline Safety; self-regulating; retrofit; oil; increased civil penalties; accident-reporting regulations; "high consequence areas"; operating pressure