API-AOPL Annual Report Shows Liquids Pipeline Incidents Down Significantly

(P&GJ) - The American Petroleum Institute (API), in coordination with the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) has released the 2019 API-AOPL Liquids Pipeline Performance Report, which details a 20% decrease in liquids pipeline incidents impacting people or the environment over the last five years despite increases in both pipeline mileage and barrels delivered. 

The latest report highlights significant, positive safety trends in key performance indicators identified by federal and state regulators, public safety advocates and industry, including: 

  • Total liquids incidents impacting people or the environment decreased 20% over the last five years 
  • Pipeline incidents impacting people or the environment caused by incorrect operation are down 38% over the last five years 
  • Pipeline incidents impacting people or the environment caused by corrosion, cracking or weld failure decreased 35% over the last five years 
  • Over the last five years, liquids pipeline mileage has increased 12%, including a 30% increase in crude oil pipelines, and barrels delivered increased 44%

“The natural gas and oil industry continues to demonstrate that safety is our number one priority – with pipeline incidents declining over 20 percent in the last five years,” said API Pipeline Manager David Murk.

“Our industry continues to use cutting edge technologies, share lessons learned and leverage data to address pipeline risks as we work towards our goal of zero incidents," Murk said.  "The industry is meeting increasing demand for gasoline, jet fuel and petroleum products that power our modern way of life, all while operating safely and protecting employees, surrounding communities and the environment.” 

Andy Black, president and CEO of AOPL, added: “Government data captured in this report shows how liquids pipelines are getting safer with fewer pipeline incidents impacting people or the environment.”

API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 700 standards in its first 100 years to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability. Today, API represents more than 600 members throughout the natural gas and oil industry, including large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, marine businesses, and service and supply firms.

AOPL represents liquids pipeline owners and operators transporting crude oil, petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and home heating oil), and industrial products (propane and ethane). AOPL has over 50 pipeline-owning or -operating member companies, which transport more than 97 percent of interstate liquid barrel-miles delivered by pipeline.

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