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    Repiglican Roast

    A spirited discussion of public policy and current issues

    Name:
    Location: The mouth of being

    I'm furious about my squandered nation.

    Saturday, August 12, 2006

    ANCHORAGE: Repair of leaking pipelines could cost $170 million, says BP

    [...]
    The Alaska shutdown came just two days after BP executives wrapped up a U.S. tour to apologize for the first two disasters. Although it's big of BP to apologize, it has much to be sorry for. Oil companies typically run an electronic device called a "smart pig" through pipelines every week or two to check for problems; BP, it turns out, had not "pigged the pipelines" that feed oil from the field to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline since 1992, even to make sure its alternative approach to inspection was working. Even after the March spill, it took a federal order to finally run the pig — and discover the corrosion.

    BP will probably — and deservedly — face costly consequences for its neglect. But going forward, Congress and federal regulators need to enact tougher regulations for all feeder pipelines. As for BP, restoring its reputation demands a thorough review of worker safety and pipeline maintenance. Expect BP to ramp up its we're-warm-and-fuzzy marketing budget, but it may have to settle for less profit (the company's net income was $7.3 billion this last quarter, up 30%) if it wants to act more responsibly in the future.

    The Texas disaster was more devastating on a human level, and the March oil spill was worse environmentally. But even a partial oilfield closure hurts U.S. consumers where they feel it most, at the gas pump.

    [...]

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