Houston operator of ruptured gas pipeline fined in 2011 inspection
/LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Federal inspectors found several violations during their most recent review of Spectra Energy’s Texas Eastern Transmission system, which includes the pipeline that burst last month in the Arkansas River.
Spectra Energy was cited during the 2011 inspection for three violations, including failure to inspect sections of pipe for corrosion, and was required to pay a civil penalty of $134,500, according to reports by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
The 24-inch pipeline ruptured May 31, and roughly 4 million cubic feet of natural gas flooded in the river.