ADEQUACY OF THE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF THE TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE AND TERMINAL. STATEMENT OF JAMES DUFFUS, III, BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER, POWER AND OFFSHORE ENERGY RESOURCES, COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

This is the testimony of James Duffus, III, Director, Natural Resources Management Issues, Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division, General Accounting Office, on the adequacy of regulatory oversight efforts intended to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). It is reported that while several federal and state agencies have the authority to regulate TAPS, the pipeline has not received the systematic, commprehensive oversight needed to ensure compliance with operational safety, emergency response, and environmental requirements. This is of particular concern because of recent disclosures by the pipeline operator that TAPS is experiencing significant corrosion problems. Also, the Exxon Valdez accident and subsequent concern about oil spill preparedness have increased the frequency of federal and state oversight of TAPS. In addition, efforts are underway to improve agency coordination and cooperation. These efforts show promise if organized and staffed appropriately.

• Corporate Authors:

  U.S. General Accounting Office

  441 G Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20548
• Publication Date: 1990-3-29

Media Info

• Pagination: 8 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cooperation; Coordination; Corrosion; Environmental protection; Interagency relations; Maintenance practices; Oversight; Safety; Testimony
• Identifier Terms: Alaska Gas Pipeline; Trans Alaska Pipeline
• Uncontrolled Terms: Operation and maintenance
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Environment; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00600579
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: GAO/T-RCED-90-55
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 31 1991 12:00AM