Apparently an actual fire or explosion may (or may not) count
as an accident according to PHMSA,
but there’s a huge gap in PHMSA’s definitions:
they don’t seem to say they apply to methane.
And guess whose Public Awareness Program PHMSA requires pipeline operators to follow?
According to PHMSA’s Glossary and Definitions,
Accident
A release of the hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide transported that results in any of the following:
- explosion or fire not intentionally set by the operator.
- release of Continue reading PHMSA abnormal vs. accident