Tiny Holes, Faulty Parts to Blame for Failed Pipeline Inspections
DENVER (AP) — Colorado regulators say tiny holes or faulty parts could be the reason that about 430 oil or gas pipelines failed a leak-detection test after a fatal explosion blamed on gas seeping from a severed line.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission said Thursday the number of pipelines that failed represents 0.35 percent of the lines tested.
Gov. John Hickenlooper also noted the failures are relatively low but said each leak requires attention.
Regulators say the status of another 13,000 pipelines remains unclear, and they’re working with energy companies to get more information.
More than 107,000 pipelines either passed the test or were out of service and sealed.
The state ordered tests on pipelines within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of occupied buildings after the fatal explosion in April.
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