Who is responsible for hazardous liquids that flow through pipes?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for hazardous liquids that flow through pipelines because it regulates the transportation of hazardous materials in the United States. This includes ensuring the safety and integrity of pipelines that carry these substances. The DOT sets various standards and regulations that pipeline operators must adhere to in order to prevent spills and leaks, and it oversees the enforcement of these regulations. This encompasses aspects such as pipeline construction, maintenance practices, and emergency response plans related to hazardous liquids.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in environmental protection and may become involved in the aftermath of spills or leaks, it is the DOT that specifically governs the transportation mechanisms, including those related to hazardous liquids. Local health departments and state regulatory agencies may have roles that intersect with the DOT's responsibilities, but their focus is often narrower and typically more concerned with local health or particular state regulations rather than the overarching transportation regulations imposed by the DOT.