The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has proposed a hefty $2.4 million fine against Denbury, the company responsible for constructing a carbon dioxide pipeline in Mississippi. This fine comes as a result of alleged intimidation and obstruction of federal inspectors during their examination of the replacement pipeline. The incidents, which occurred at Republic Testing Laboratories in LaPorte, Texas, involved taunting, physical blockades, and a lack of cooperation with the inspection process.
Denbury, which is owned by ExxonMobil, has received the notice from PHMSA and is currently considering its next steps. Republic Testing Laboratories, on the other hand, has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. The inspections were conducted to assess the welds on a section of pipe intended to replace Denbury’s previous 24-inch pipeline that ruptured in 2020 near Satartia, Mississippi, resulting in numerous hospitalizations.
Bill Caram, the executive director of the Pipeline Safety Trust, expressed shock at the alleged behavior, stating, “I have never come across such blatant disregard for safety oversight as what was detailed in that report.” The incident has raised concerns about the safety of carbon capture technology, with opponents arguing that it is unproven and poses significant risks. However, the technology is seen as a crucial tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is expected to drive significant growth in the construction of CO2 pipelines in the coming years.
Allegations of Intimidation
PHMSA’s report outlines a series of incidents between August and December 2023 that violated federal law at the Republic Testing Laboratories facility in Texas. These incidents included physical obstruction of inspectors, failure to conduct required tests in their presence, and mocking and intimidation of PHMSA personnel by Republic employees. The report also highlighted instances where data was withheld from inspectors and where proper documentation of equipment readings was prevented.
One particularly concerning incident occurred when a Republic employee made a sexist comment towards a PHMSA inspector, leading to the inspector’s departure from the site due to safety concerns. Despite PHMSA’s request for the removal of the employee, they continued to be involved in the inspection process, further hindering the agency’s efforts to conduct a thorough examination of the pipeline. This behavior has raised alarms among environmental advocacy groups, with concerns that such incidents may become more common as pipeline construction accelerates.
The Importance of Weld Inspections
Welds are a critical component of pipeline infrastructure, and failures in these areas are a common cause of leaks and ruptures. Carbon dioxide pipelines, in particular, require welds that can withstand rapid cooling during decompression, making the proper inspection of these welds crucial to preventing incidents like the Satartia rupture in 2020. The mishandling of inspections and the lack of cooperation with federal oversight agencies pose significant risks to public safety and the environment.
As the nation looks to expand its carbon capture and sequestration efforts, the construction of CO2 pipelines is expected to increase substantially. Ensuring the integrity of these pipelines through thorough inspections and adherence to safety protocols is essential to prevent incidents that could endanger lives and ecosystems. The actions of Denbury and Republic Testing Laboratories serve as a stark reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight in the construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
