The American Petroleum Institute, along with the Association of Oil Pipe Lines, released the pipeline industry’s 2017-2019 Pipeline Safety Excellence Strategic Plan and 2016 Performance Report summarizing the industry’s track record on pipeline safety and outlining the steps being taken by pipeline operators to advance safety efforts throughout the pipeline supply chain.

“Pipelines are one of the safest and most efficient ways to transport liquid energy,” said API Pipeline Manager David Murk. “While nearly 100 percent of crude and petroleum products reach their destination safely, the industry remains committed to zero incidents. Strategic planning and the establishment of long-term goals will be critical for continuous, industry-wide pipeline safety improvements.”

In 2016, the number of incidents dropped by 10 percent from 2015 levels. The Strategic Plan and Performance Report acknowledges areas for improvement and where challenges remain; highlights the public benefits of pipelines; and explains the extensive protections taken by pipeline operators to protect the public and the environment.

“This plan will help drive advances in pipeline safety technology, strengthen emergency preparedness and response planning, and encourage the adoption of holistic pipeline safety management systems,” said Murk.