Agenda Packets - 1987/03/16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DOCKETS UNIT PACE THREE MARCH 24, 1987 Response: Only when the regulations are explicit will pipeline operators provide this type of information. It is clear from our own experience that operators will only do what is clearly mandated and use Federal regulations as a buffer between themselves and any efforts by local jurisdictions to review their operations. (c) At present, do operators voluntarily provide the information upon request of local authorities? Response: The City of Mounds View's experience during the past eight months with WPL as well as the testimony of Pipeline operators during hearings on Minnesota legislative proposals containing similar requirements as outlined in this proposal indicates that operators are unwilling to allow review of their operations and are skeptical of ti:e ability of local jurisdictions to comprehend the information. (d) How will the proposed requirement benefit emergency preparedness? Response: Emergency preparedness will benefit from this require- ment in that public safety agencies will be able to include details on pipeline operations in their emergency plans. Because the City had not had liaison with WPL prior to July 8, 1986, the agencies responding to the emergency on that date were unaware of the exact details of the situation during the first moments of the incident. Such details can be extremely important when dealing with life and death situations. 2. Proposal• Require operators to provide land owners within 1/2 mile of pipelines, written notice of each pipeline's existence, its location, and how to identify and respond to hazards. (H.R. 262) Establish standards for uniform public education programs. (Minn. Rep., Rec. 2.3) Response: An unofficial survey of residents along the route of WPL's No. 2 - 8 inch line in Mounds View indicates that few were