"As N.J. Pipeline Network Grows, Safety Is Concern"

"With more than 1,500 miles of aging natural gas pipelines already crisscrossing New Jersey, and five new projects to expand the network’s capacity being proposed or recently completed, federal authorities are raising concerns about the safety of such pipelines nationwide, especially in densely populated areas.

A recent study by the National Transportation Safety Board — which focused on pipelines in high population areas — pointed out weaknesses in inspection plans and federal oversight of the pipelines. A particular concern is the risk of accidents due to corrosion in lines installed before 1970.

The report was spurred by major pipeline accidents in Florida, California and West Virginia in the past five years. The explosions and fires killed eight, injured more than 50 and destroyed 41 homes."

James M. O’Neill reports for the Bergen Record FebruaRY 13, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

Press Release of 1/27/15 (NTSB)

"Safety Study: Integrity Management of Gas Transmission Pipelines in High Consequence Areas
NTSB SS-15/01" (NTSB)