Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Compliance Actions
The PUCO is committed to ensuring the safe, reliable and environmentally sound operation of Ohio's natural gas pipeline system. PUCO investigators inspect each natural gas pipeline system in the state at least once every two years and review records and procedures implemented by utilities. When violations are detected, the PUCO orders corrective action and may assess fines and other penalties to ensure that Ohio’s natural gas pipeline systems continue to deliver natural gas safely and reliably.
Ohio is home to over 100 unique pipeline operators that operate over 56,000 miles of distribution lines, over 10,000 miles of transmission lines, and over 1,100 miles of gatherings lines. The PUCO employs field inspectors who perform compliance inspections of gas pipeline operators to ensure they are following design, construction, operation and maintenance safety regulations.
When PUCO inspectors discover apparent violations of state or federal pipeline safety standards, a letter of probable noncompliance is issued, identifying the apparent violations and directs the operator to address the issue to come into compliance. A summary of compliance actions is available on the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) website.
Occasionally, violations require formal investigations by the Commission. In recent years the PUCO has enforced compliance actions by issuing fines and ordering operational changes.