When a farmer accidentally ruptured a pipe while using an excavator last October, it took pipeline operator Williams Cos. over an hour to halt the methane leak. The incident, which occurred in Canyon County, Idaho, resulted in the emission of methane with a short-term climate impact equivalent to the annual emissions from 17,000 US cars. Regulators are now investigating why it took Williams so long to respond to the leak, as well as highlighting the importance of preventive measures such as calling a program to mark the location of underground pipes prior to excavation work.
Both Williams and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) attribute the accident to the farmer’s failure to call the program that marks the location of underground pipes. However, PHMSA is also examining the operator’s response time as part of its investigation. US pipeline operators are required to respond to and isolate leaks as quickly as possible, but response times can vary depending on various factors such as the type of valves used and the distance between them. In this case, the line involved in the rupture runs under agricultural fields.
The incident underscores the need for stricter regulations. PHMSA recently passed a rule that applies to large, new pipelines and replacements, mandating the use of valves that can automatically shut down to limit leaks to 30 minutes. Williams’s incident report reveals that the remotely controlled upstream valve shut 29 minutes before the manual downstream valve, highlighting the potential for rupture mitigation valves to react more quickly.
Aside from the environmental impact, the leak also had consequences for the local community. Authorities evacuated residents within a four-mile radius of the accident, and responders reported hearing a loud roaring sound and feeling the ground shake from a quarter of a mile away.
Williams has submitted a report to PHMSA, stating that it does not plan to investigate controller or control room issues related to the incident. However, the company emphasized that it is conducting a full review of the event. While Williams initially claimed to have isolated the damaged section of pipeline within an hour, further examination shows that it took 65 minutes to stop the leak.
The farmer involved in the accident was taken to the hospital but discharged later the same day with no significant injuries. Excavator damage is one of the leading causes of pipeline incidents in the US, according to PHMSA.
Scientists tracked the massive methane leak using a breakthrough technique involving satellite observations. The leak released an estimated 840 metric tons of methane, which was visible in satellite data for five hours and dispersed over a distance of 75 miles. The incident was also tracked by the United Nations’ International Methane Emissions Observatory.
This incident highlights the pressing need for improved safety measures and stricter regulations within the pipeline industry. The investigation into Williams Cos.’ response time will shed light on potential areas for improvement to prevent similar leaks in the future.
