The US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on Wednesday unveiled proposed regulations designed to enhance the safety of pipelines transporting CO2 and hazardous liquids.
This move comes amid a surge in the adoption of carbon capture technologies aimed at combating climate change.
These new rules aim to bolster existing safety standards and, for the first time, introduce specific regulations for the pipeline transport of gaseous carbon dioxide.
Recognizing the growing importance of carbon capture and sequestration in the fight against global warming, the US anticipates a significant increase in the number of carbon dioxide pipelines across the nation.
One key aspect of these proposed regulations is the requirement for more comprehensive vapor dispersion analyses.
This will improve the ability to safeguard public health and the environment in the event of a pipeline failure.
Relevant: Summit Gets The Green Light For Carbon Capture Pipeline In Minnesota
PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown emphasized the critical need for stronger carbon dioxide pipeline safety standards: “I have learned firsthand from affected communities in Mississippi and across America why we need stronger CO2 (carbon dioxide) pipeline safety standards.”
Brown was referring to the 2020 incident in Satartia, Mississippi, where a Denbury pipeline rupture led to the release of a substantial volume of CO2. This event resulted in local evacuations and the hospitalization of 45 individuals.
It’s important to note that liquid CO2 undergoes vaporization upon atmospheric release. This vapor, being 1.53 times denser than air, can displace oxygen, posing a significant risk of asphyxiation to both humans and animals.
In 2023, a settlement was reached between Denbury and PHMSA regarding the 2020 incident, resulting in a penalty of approximately $2.8 million. This figure represents a reduction from the initial penalty proposed in 2022.
Read more: PHMSA Proposes $4M Fine For Denbury Carbon Pipeline Rupture
