We will be looking to see if the regulations that we have in our books were all followed. Acuna said the environmental impact is non-existent because liquid petroleum gas, upon hitting air, evaporates. The pipeline that burst is usually inspected between 12 and 24 months. Concerns about the time between inspections should not worry the public because of the commission's approach, he said. The commission has about 25 inspectors who routinely travel throughout the state to examine pipelines.
Pipeline safety is always a concern.
A pipeline burst is classified as a hazardous material emergency. The oil and gas companies that use the lines have their own emergency response teams to respond to breaks. After that, the situation is left to the emergency personnel's discretion. That way, the gas doesn't spill out farther, where it could be re-ignited later. In case of leaks, the city has several hazardous-waste handling teams that can respond.