The Gas Pipeline Safety Section conducts and carries out the inspection and monitoring activities of all gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems operating in Alabama, including offshore in state waters. The responsibility was given to the Commission by the Alabama Legislature to assure and obtain compliance with the Minimum Federal Gas Pipeline Safety Standards adopted by the United States Department of Transportation pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968.
The Alabama Public Service Commission currently regulates 114 intrastate gas systems, 87 master meters, 13 hazardous liquid systems, three liquefied petroleum systems and six liquefied natural gas systems. The Gas Pipeline Safety Section develops and presents programs to promote safe operations by natural gas transmission and distribution systems. When a system is in noncompliance, immediate action is taken. An important function of this section is accident prevention. The section conducts safety seminars around the state, as well as fire schools and plastic pipe qualification classes. A tabulation of the section's activities in FY-00 is listed below: