Pipeline operators can now inspect valves less often, up to 15 months apart

The US pipeline safety agency proposes letting hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipeline operators inspect their valves less frequently. Instead of a strict annual check, they can now go up to 15 months between inspections.

This change gives pipeline operators more flexibility in scheduling maintenance, potentially reducing operational costs. It shifts the responsibility for determining the exact schedule to the operators themselves, within the new maximum interval. This could mean fewer routine checks, relying more on operators' internal risk assessments.