Senate Approval of Oil Pipeline Safety Bill Sets Stage for Enhanced Physical Security of Critical Energy Assets
Manufacturer of fiber-optic system notes securing pipelines with advanced technology will also help safeguard against environmental damage

NEWTOWN, PA, October 23, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With a unanimous vote, the U.S. Senate passed legislation Monday to strengthen safety and environmental protection in oil and gas pipeline transport. A similar measure in the U.S. House of Representatives is now in committee. This recent legislative activity underscores the importance of deploying state-of-the-art technology to secure energy and other critical assets, according to Optellios, Inc., the leader in smart sensing technology for long-distance monitoring, detection and security in the oil and gas, chemicals, critical infrastructure, and other markets. The technology can also be deployed as an early warning system to immediately and accurately pinpoint possible pipeline leaks or spills.

"It has never been more important to ensure the safety and reliability of production and distribution assets for the oil and gas industry," said David Smith, president and chief executive officer of Optellios. "In today's fragile economy, threats to pipeline infrastructure can have a significant impact on both industries and communities, whether they are intentional disruptions due to terrorism or theft, or inadvertent damage caused by simple excavation equipment or pipeline leaks. Just as important, the legislation now moving through Congress addresses a key step in protecting the critical pathways that run through local communities, ecosystems and habitats."

The proposed federal legislation comes at a time of heightened controversy over a planned cross-border pipeline that would carry oil from Canadian fields to Gulf Coast refineries in the US, taking a path through six states and a wide variety of communities and ecosystems.

According to Smith, enhanced physical security of energy transport lines and installations also would address key environmental concerns over potentially dangerous oil leaks "The proposed law is a win-win scenario for industry, consumers, and environmentalists alike. Projects involving pipelines and other critical, and controversial, oil and gas assets now can leverage the benefits of smart intrusion and leakage detection technology. Products like FiberPatrol by Optellios, for example, can be deployed over very long distances at a cost-effective rate, to minimize intrusions, energy disruptions, and the chance of undetected oil spills or leaks. The public can rest easier with greater confidence in supply and peace of mind regarding the safety of the pipelines that may pass through their communities. For legislators, this is a real opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure while protecting the habitats these pipelines go through."

Press Release Contact Information:

Brian Freeman
Optellios, Inc.
VP, Sales & Marketing
11 Penns Trail, STE 300
Newtown, PA
USA 18940
Voice: 267-364-5298
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