New pipeline safety rule pending after increase in accidents

(AP) — A long-delayed rule to strengthen safety requirements for pipelines that move oil and other hazardous liquids will be unveiled this month following a recent surge in accidents, the U.S. government's pipeline safety administrator said Friday.

More than five years in the making, the rule will determine if extra safety measures that are required in environmentally sensitive and populated areas should be expanded to new locations.

A boom in U.S. energy production in recent years has led to rising numbers of pipeline accidents.

[...] an estimated 30,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Yellowstone in January from a Bridger Pipeline LLC line near Glendive, temporarily shutting down the eastern Montana city's water supply.

Phillips 66 Pipeline LLC President Todd Denton said at least one anticipated requirement under the rule — more inspections of lines using mechanical devices that travel through pipelines to identify flaws or corrosion — is something his company already is doing.