RSPA
12-02
Contact:
Joe Delcambre
Debbie Hinz
Tel.:
202-366-4831
Monday, June 17, 2002
U.S.
Department of Transportation Seeks Penalty Against Distrigas for
Security and Safety Violations
The
U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Special Programs
Administration (RSPA) today announced it is proposing a $220,000 civil penalty
against Distrigas of Massachusetts Corporation. Distrigas, a subsidiary of
Tractebel LNG, N.A., operates a liquid natural gas (LNG) facility in Everett,
MA. The penalty action includes
fines against Distrigas for security and safety violations.
“The
safe and secure operation of pipelines and liquid natural gas facilities (LNG)
is our top priority,
and we insist that pipeline operators make it theirs, as well,” said Ellen G.
Engleman, RSPA Administrator. “We
will continue to enforce the law to protect the American people and the
environment.”
The
violations were discovered by RSPA’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) during an
inspection of the Distrigas facility. Inspectors
found Distrigas had failed to train their contract security personnel in
security procedures established prior to Sept. 11, 2001.
Moreover, a follow-up inspection found that even as late as April 2002,
not all contract security employees had been trained in security procedures. The
majority of the penalty is for the security training failures.
Inspectors
of the OPS also found that Distrigas had inadequate measures in place for
corrosion control monitoring and training for employees in operations,
maintenance and fire protection.
In
addition to the proposed civil penalty, Distrigas would have to comply with an
order to ensure personnel receive security training. Distrigas also would be required to take specific corrective
actions regarding atmospheric corrosion control and ensure that appropriate
employees receive refresher courses in operations, maintenance and fire
protection.
RSPA
has public responsibilities for safe and secure movement of hazardous materials
to industry and consumers by all transportation modes, including the nation’s
pipelines, as well as the safe and secure operation of LNG facilities; rapid
response to emergencies by government agencies; and applying science and
technology to meet national transportation needs.
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