Safety is our top priority, and in the event of a pipeline accident, our first task is to always address the immediate safety issue—ensure the spill is contained and that emergency responders have the information and support they need to protect people and the environment.
The pipeline that ruptured in Williams County, ND has been shut down. PHMSA investigators have been on site and are actively investigating the cause. The investigation includes monitoring of company actions, overseeing the extraction of the affected pipeline segment to be sent for metallurgical testing, reviewing control room procedures and records and coordinating with state regulatory and environmental officials. The investigation results will help us determine why the pipeline failed, what needs to be done to ensure the integrity of the pipeline, whether non-compliance contributed to the failure and if enforcement action is appropriate.
Investigation Lead Agency
DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Status
- (10/31/2013) PHMSA issues safety order to Tesoro Pipeline Company
- PHMSA is continuing its investigation into the circumstances leading to the September 29, 2013 Tesoro crude oil pipeline failure.
- The pipeline segment remains shut down as PHMSA seeks to determine the cause of failure.
- The failed section of pipe has been transported to a metallurgical laboratory for further examination.
- PHMSA is requiring Tesoro to submit a restart plan to be reviewed and approved before the pipeline will be allowed to return to service. PHMSA has not approved a restart plan at this time.
North Dakota Pipeline Profile
Pipelines play a vital role in our daily lives. Cooking, cleaning, commuting, air travel, and the heating of homes and businesses are all made possible by the fuels delivered through pipelines.
Click here for a profile of North Dakota’s pipelines. Each state pipeline profile includes:
- Overview of the purposes of pipelines and the importance of pipeline safety
- Interactive map of pipelines in the area and their operators
- Records of pipeline incidents in the state
- Details about federal/state inspections and enforcement
Related Links
PHMSA’s Office of Governmental, International, and Public Affairs
Help for media inquiries and publicly available information.
PHMSA Stakeholder Communications
Public access to information about PHMSA’s pipeline safety activities and safety requirements for the nation’s pipeline operators.
PHMSA Enforcement Database
Summary of PHMSA’s enforcement activity.
Pipeline Operator Information
Obtain details about specific pipeline operators, including incidents, mileage, and regulatory compliance.
Natural Gas Pipelines Information
Get information and updates on natural gas pipelines from a central location.
National Pipeline Mapping System Public-Viewer
The NPMS Public-Viewer is an online application that displays pipelines in a selected local area.