Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

Regulators Demand Repair of Leaking Alaska Gas Pipeline, Citing Public Hazard

Inside Climate News: Federal regulators have given oil and gas operator Hilcorp until May 1 to permanently repair a pipeline spewing more than 200,000 cubic feet of gas a day into Alaska's Cook Inlet or shut it down, citing public safety and environmental risks. The line has been leaking since late December, the regulator disclosed, longer than reported by the company.

The directive by the U.S. Transportation Department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires Hilcorp to submit a repair plan and do a comprehensive safety inspection of the line. The proposed safety order, issued March 3, adds to mounting pressure on Hilcorp to fix a rupture some fear could lead to severe environmental damage. Cook Inlet is home to endangered beluga whales and other protected species.

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