Redmond, Austin Are Miles Apart on Pipeline Safety
Fri., Oct. 25, 2002
Here are some key distinctions between a Redmond, Wash., ordinance regulating development near a hazardous pipeline, and a draft ordinance proposed by the city of Austin:
Setback for schools, daycare centers, hospitals, etc.: 500 ft.
Setback for schools, daycare centers, hospitals, etc.: 200 ft.
Redmond
Setback for schools, daycare centers, hospitals, etc.: 500 ft.
Setback for all other new construction: 25 ft.
Other safety features: Mitigation measures (emergency plans, employee training, education programs) are required to minimize impact in the event of pipeline failure. The fire marshal determines what level of planning and procedure is necessary based on nature, occupancy, and location of development.
Austin
Setback for schools, daycare centers, hospitals, etc.: 200 ft.
Setback for all other new construction: 10 ft.
Other safety features: None; however, pipeline companies are required to have a minimum of $50 million in liability insurance.
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