Regulation TREND. Pressure Testing Standards. Flow lines.

Why is this gaining attention? A fatal explosion in a flow line near a Colorado neighborhood

How are flow lines regulated?

• Generally most states may only regulate digging, backfilling, leaks, and spills
• Only California regulates the pressure of these lines & requires submission of detailed maps of small oil and gas pipelines in populated areas
• Pennsylvania has pressure-testing rules for “well development pipelines” that carry frack water to sites, but not for  gathering pipelines 

What information are some saying Colorado regulators should have about these lines?

• Where most flow lines are located
• The location of flow lines in areas with intense home development

E&E News | Most states don’t regulate lines linked to Colo. explosion