Editorial: Inspect all oil pipelines

Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006 | 7:33 a.m.

Heavy corrosion along at least 16 miles of a key pipeline forced BP last week to announce it was shutting down much of its Alaskan oil production. This set off an immediate surge in gas prices, as oil from Alaska accounts for 8 percent of the U.S. supply.

Earlier this year, in March, federal regulators ordered BP to begin inspections after an environmentally damaging leak in another of its Alaskan oil field pipelines. It was this order that led to the discovery of the 16-mile section of corrosion, along a network of pipes that feed oil to the main Trans Alaska Pipeline. BP acknowledged that these particular pipelines had not been cleaned of corrosion-causing sludge since 1992.

This acknowledgement infuriated many members of Congress, some of whom began questioning the integrity of all 200,000 miles of interstate oil pipelines throughout the country. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., called on the Transportation Department to immediately begin inspecting the pipelines.

He also asked for a review of all documents filed by oil companies to ensure they were at least on record as saying they have followed their inspection plans.

With energy analysts noting the coming potential for gasoline at $4 a gallon, at least on the West Coast, which depends heavily on Alaskan oil, we agree with Schumer, who said the country cannot afford "any more surprises in the oil markets." Schumer asked for the inspections to take place over the next 30 days, "before another disruption causes a national energy emergency."

From environmental and economic standpoints, as well as from a "peace of mind" standpoint, the Transportation Department should respond positively to Schumer's call. How many other companies have allowed 14 years to go by without checking for corrosion?