Energy

Draft oil-pipeline protection law under review

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-27 10:05
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BEIJING: Chinese legislators Monday started discussing for the second time a draft law on the protection of oil and natural gas pipelines which spells out the responsibilities of pipeline companies.

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According to the draft, companies must take safety measures while constructing pipelines and ensure the quality of materials.

Companies must have professional personnel regularly patrol pipelines and deal with any potential safety issues in a timely manner, the draft said.

They must place warning signs near pipelines according to state standards and replace damaged signs as soon as possible.

The draft law says pipeline companies must offer compensation to land owners whose land use is curtailed by the pipeline.

Buildings and facilities like pools and greenhouses that may damage pipelines are prohibited in the buffer area.