[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 92 (Friday, July 15, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    INTRODUCTION OF THE DURHAM WOODS NATURAL GAS SAFETY ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 1994

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues may recall, 
soon after midnight on March 24, 1994, a 36-inch interstate natural gas 
transmission pipeline exploded in Edison. Four months after the blast, 
it is still difficult to comprehend the devastation and horror caused 
by one defective 36-inch piece of natural gas pipeline. Eight apartment 
buildings were demolished. Hundreds of cars were scorched, and some 
even melted from the intense heat. Windows were shattered and roofs 
buckled.
  For the 1,500 people who lived at the Durham Woods apartment complex, 
March 23 was a night of sheer terror. Men, women, and children fled 
their homes with just the clothes on their backs in a race for their 
lives against a roaring wall of fire.
  Miraculously, only 1 person died; 29 others escaped with only minor 
injuries.
  Although the physical rebuilding of Durham Woods has begun, the pain 
and financial hardship are far from over. Close to 130 families were 
left without a home, and virtually all their possessions were burned 
beyond recognition. For those who were fortunate enough to return to 
their homes, they may never feel safe again. They have to live with the 
fear of knowing that several hundred yards from their homes, buried 15 
feet below the ground, is a pipeline that almost ended their lives.
  This fear is not confined to Durham Woods. The intensity of the 
explosion shook people out of their sleep in communities throughout 
central and northern New Jersey, leaving them frightened about their 
own safety. Residents throughout New Jersey have begun to wonder and 
worry about the hidden danger buried under their homes, businesses or 
the schools their children attend.
  And there is reason for concern. Throughout New Jersey, there are 961 
miles of interstate pipelines that are regulated by the Federal 
Government. There are another 27,725 miles of intrastate pipelines that 
carry natural gas to homes and businesses.
  Natural gas pipelines can be found throughout the United States. 
Since 1970 over 500 people in our country have died in natural gas 
pipeline accidents.
  Although the final verdict is still out on the cause of the Edison 
explosion, it has sounded the alarm for more stringent controls over 
natural gas pipelines. At this point, it appears that the owner of the 
pipeline, Texas Eastern, had been complying with all Federal rules and 
regulations regarding inspection of this section of pipeline. The 
pipeline, which was built in 1961, had been tested in 1986. Authorities 
now believe a gouge in the pipeline caused by heavy machinery triggered 
the blast.
  The Federal and State laws currently on the books failed to protect 
the Durham Woods families. And they can't be relied upon to safeguard 
thousands of other families in New Jersey who live near natural gas 
pipelines.
  This is why today I am introducing bipartisan legislation to toughen 
pipeline safety laws in order to ease the fears of residents in our 
State and throughout our Nation.
  First, we need to develop a greater public awareness of the dangers 
posed by damaging a pipeline and the critical importance of notifying 
the owners of natural gas pipelines before performing any construction 
work near a pipeline. Under my legislation, for the first time it would 
be a Federal crime to damage a natural gas pipeline and not report the 
damage promptly to the operator of the pipeline or appropriate 
authorities. Anyone found guilty of this offense could receive a 10-
year prison term.
  Second, it is essential to ensure that the public and anyone planning 
to do excavation work near a pipeline knows exactly where this 
potential hidden danger lies. My bill would require that all intrastate 
natural gas pipelines located in densely populated areas be clearly 
identified with line markers. Right now, only companies without damage 
prevention programs are required to post markers. That's simply 
inadequate. Markers are a relatively inexpensive means of safeguarding 
the public and should be required for all pipelines in densely 
populated areas.
  Third, there is an urgent need for more frequent inspections of 
pipelines. Specifically, my bill would require natural gas pipeline 
operators to inspect pipelines once a month to check for potential 
problems, such as construction activity, in the area.
  Fourth, my bill would also require that the latest technology--the 
smart pig--be used to internally inspect pipelines. Pipelines in 
densely populated areas that are piggable would then have to be 
inspected with a pig at least once every 7 years.
  Fifth, to promote compliance with pipeline safety requirements owners 
of natural gas pipelines and construction crews must know that if they 
violate the law, they'll face tough penalties. My bill would double the 
criminal and civil penalties for anyone violating Federal pipeline 
safety standards. The minimum jail term would increase from 5 to 10 
years. Furthermore, anyone convicted of deliberately sabotaging a 
pipeline would face a 30-year prison term.
  Finally, some concerns have been raised about whether these natural 
gas pipelines, which now carry huge volumes of highly pressurized gas, 
are still safe. To answer this very serious question, my bill would 
require the U.S. Department of Transportation to conduct an assessment 
of the risk to the public safety and environment posed by natural gas 
pipelines.
  We have all learned some very frightening lessons from the explosion 
that ripped apart Durham Woods. The pipelines that crisscross the 
Nation carrying natural gas can no longer be ignored. Out of sight can 
no longer mean out of mind. One oversight or unreported construction 
accident can lead to disaster. Stringent new precautions are essential 
to ensure that these pipelines meet the highest safety requirements.
  For the residents of Durham Woods the night of March 23 is a 
nightmare they will have to live with the rest of their lives. We in 
Congress must take all the necessary steps to ensure that nightmare is 
never repeated. The millions of Americans who live and work near 
natural gas pipelines need to know that every possible precaution has 
been taken to keep them safe.
  Mr. Speaker, my bill would make the transportation of natural gas by 
pipeline safer, and I urge my colleagues to support this needed 
legislation.

                          ____________________