PHMSA Touts Record Enforcement Numbers in 2012

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a press release today indicating that the agency posted record enforcement numbers in 2012.  According to the press release, PHMSA issued 116 final orders for the year, the second highest total in its history, and proposed a record $8.7M in fines for pipeline safety violations.  The press release also notes that PHMSA has proposed over $32M in civil penalties and issued 509 enforcement orders since 2008.  The recent reauthorization of the federal pipeline safety laws doubled the maximum administrative civil penalties that can be assessed for violations to $200K per day, per  violation, not to exceed $2M for any related series of violations.