There are several federal and state government agencies that are involved when a pipeline is planned, constructed and operated.
The primary federal agency responsible for the safety of pipelines is the
Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
OPS develops regulations and rules which the pipeline companies are required to follow. These rules are to ensure that the pipelines are installed correctly and operated safely to provide many years of reliable service. Working with many state agencies, OPS also has the responsibility of inspecting the pipeline companies periodically to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations.
