OREANDA-NEWS. API today released a new report, with the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL), confirming that pipelines continue to be one of the safest ways to efficiently transport energy across the United States. The report highlights liquid pipeline safety performance and industry-wide efforts to improve pipeline safety in 2016 and beyond.

“Safety is a core value throughout our industry,” said API Pipeline Manager David Murk. “This report shows the tremendous priority we place on pipeline safety, but as an industry we can always do more. By constantly evaluating our safety programs and activities, learning from past experiences, and making timely and adequate adjustments, our industry will continue working towards its goal of zero incidents.”

Despite a 13 percent increase over the last five years in miles of pipeline delivering crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas liquids, pipeline incidents per mile larger than 500 barrels are down nearly a third. Incidents potentially impacting people or the environment outside of an operator’s facility are down 52 percent since 1999.

The report summarizes industry-wide proactive pipeline safety principles; provides a transparent analysis of industry safety records, including where performance is improving and where challenges remain; and outlines the significant efforts liquid pipeline operators continue to make in advancing technologies and implementing innovative approaches to inspecting, monitoring, and managing pipeline safety programs.

“Pipelines are a vital part of this nation’s energy infrastructure and ensuring they continue to operate safely will be critical to securing our energy future,” said Murk.  “Plus, the construction of new pipelines will create jobs, grow the economy and guarantee all Americans are benefitting from our nation’s energy renaissance.”