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Pipeline venting test prompts criticism after limited county notification
Summary
Commissioners reported a recent pipeline venting incident that produced loud venting and said most operators failed to give local supervisors an advance contact number; one operator (Plains Pipeline) provided a higher-level number for escalation.
County officials reported that a controlled venting of a pipeline created alarm in a rural area and that some pipeline operators did not notify local emergency contacts prior to the event. The judge said the incident was reported to the Railroad Commission and that county staff worked to compile better contact lists for rapid response.
Officials said Plains Pipeline was the only operator that provided an alternative supervisor number for escalation; commissioners emphasized the need for operators to share 24‑hour supervisory contacts with local emergency management so the county can file complaints or coordinate before incidents occur.
