GIRS 2023-04: UCLA-CEC Project: Natural Gas Pipelines and Storage Mitigation Report

By: Douglas Honegger
DOI:10.34948/N3QG6M

Introduction:

Prior to about 1970 the potential for earthquake-generated ground displacements was not considered for pipelines in North America. Pipelines of this vintage constitute a large fraction of the existing pipeline infrastructure. There are no regulatory requirements that impose a duty on energy pipeline operators to investigate potential seismic hazards to existing pipelines. Some energy pipeline companies have undertaken seismic hazard studies and subsequently implemented measures to retrofit their pipelines to accommodate seismic hazards. These efforts are typically driven by concerns related to potential threats to public safety, lengthy interruptions to operation in the event of earthquake damage, and financial liabilities from a large release of product.

(full introduction available in the report)