[PA Engineer]

I have actually heard rumblings for years within the oil support (corrosion) industry. System failures occur often, however this was a critical infrastructure failure that brought BPs dirty laundry to the forefront.

We have heard of water mains "wearing out", buildings exploding from gas line leaks, and concrete replacement in coastal and northern locations. These are typical local problems that do not receive national attention. Nevertheless these are "corrosion" related issues, but are not critical to national security. It happens regularly.

The BP issue is a national security problem. There are regulations on the books that should have been applied, however the DOT OPS is not known for enforecement prior to failure.

[ASOC]

The lines in question are not regulated, other than where they leak : )

Low pressure lines or feeder lines are not looked at by the state or FedGov. That, however, is likely to change.

The biggest casulaties are local polititions (the Gov) and folks who buy gas made from the oil.

If you know any welders, tell them to get up here and get tested/certified - there are bucs to made....for a while anyway.

[hedgetrimmer]

The BP issue is a national security problem

It is precisely why we should NOT sell or lease any part of our vital national infrastructure to FOREIGN COMPANIES.

The American people have no authority over these companies. But the "free traders" are pressing on with even more infrastructure sellout, as in our ports, and the Trans-texas corridor.