Grandfathered

In the article “Senate Passes Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Bill” (see Daily GPI, Oct. 19), NGI incorrectly stated that a provision that would have grandfathered older pipelines from having to install certain safety devices had been removed from S. 275. In fact, senators included in the bill an amendment calling “for testing to confirm the material strength of previously untested natural gas pipelines located in certain areas.” The amendment would require tests on pipelines operating at more than 30% of specified minimum yield strength in densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas. Language requiring the use of automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves “on transmission pipelines constructed or entirely replaced” after a final rule is issued remains in the legislation. NGI regrets the error.

Two environmental groups have asked a federal court in Pittsburgh to enjoin the Municipal Authority of the City of McKeesport from accepting any wastewater from Marcellus Shale drilling operations at its sewage plant, but an official with the facility says it hasn’t accepted Marcellus wastewater for the last three months.