Kentucky legislators are being asked to bring Kentucky into federal compliance for certain aspects of the federal pipeline safety act. Legislation addressing those issues passed the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee last week.
Tom Fitzgerald with Kentucky Resources Council said the measure broadens the state’s involvement when pipelines are severed during digging.
“Having state capacity to deal with the ‘before you dig’ program and with prevention of damage to pipelines is very important, because PHMSA does not have the staff in the southeast part of the U.S. to effectively be where they need to be,” said Fitzgerald.
PHMSA stands for the federal agency “Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration.”
Fitzgerald said the State Public Service Commission would get notice of any pipeline damage within 30 days of the incident.
“They will be able to compile that information and hopefully will help in the development of a mandatory notice program,” said Fitzgerald. “The “Before You Dig” program is not mandatory, the 8-1-1 program. And it really needs to be.”
Fitzgerald said the legislation currently being considered in the general assembly also gives the state the ability to enforce federal penalties.
