Today’s natural gas gathering pipelines are designed, constructed and maintained to ensure the safe transport of natural gas for decades to come. A combination of the use of quality materials, high construction standards, adherence to state and federal regulations and a century of pipeline technology merge to create confidence in the installation and operation of the natural gas pipeline system.
The epoxy-coated, high-grade steel pipe, which is often used to build a gathering pipeline system, plays an important safety role. The protective coating and heavy-wall thickness of the pipe work to inhibit corrosion and minimize any possibilities of a leak. When installing pipelines, X-rays of field welds are taken on-site to ensure the integrity of the welds and hydrostatic testing uses high water pressure to verify that the pipeline string is strong and has an airtight seal.
It is important to note that even if a pipeline is not punctured or severely damaged resulting in an immediate incident, even slight, unreported damage can cause corrosion or other problems, which could result in a serious incident months or even years later. Even minor scratches, scrapes, gouges, dents or creases to the pipeline or its epoxy coating could result in future safety problems.
Pipelines are operated under specific federal and state regulations and industry standards intended to ensure the safety and health of the public and the environment. Gathering lines in populated and environmentally sensitive areas are regulated and controlled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is authorized to enforce federal safety regulations and to perform pipeline inspections.
Mockingbird Midstream Gas Services designs pipelines to meet or exceed the standards required by the federal government, using a more stringent safety factor for pipe design specification in all new pipeline routes throughout the Haynesville Shale. The pressure at which the pipe operates is also an indicator of the safety measures taken when transporting natural gas. Pipelines are legally required to operate at pressures significantly below the actual rated design strength of the pipe and components.
The location of valves is another safety component built into the pipeline infrastructure. Valves are needed at specific locations as specified by federal or state regulations, so that the flow of gas may be shut off to a particular area of the pipeline. This ability to isolate part of the system allows for required maintenance of that section of the pipeline and in the unlikely event that a leak or other emergency occurs, it allows for rapid containment of the gas stream.
Regulatory agencies like the RRC employ trained and experienced inspectors, who periodically inspect or audit pipeline companies and their facilities for compliance with the regulations. These inspections may occur on an increased basis if deemed necessary. The auditor may look at documents, records or specific pipeline sites during an audit, in addition to interviewing responsible personnel to evaluate their knowledge of pipeline safety.
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With a network of 2 million miles of pipeline1 operating safely within the U.S.,
it is clear that this technology has been embraced by generations.
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PHMSA provides regulatory guidance for pipeline companies to develop, implement and evaluate public education and awareness programs. Chesapeake is fully committed to promoting the safety of our pipelines through increased public awareness and knowledge of those living and working alongside our pipeline systems. We also work closely with local public officials, emergency responders and excavators to ensure public safety.
Key safety information includes instructions on contacting Chesapeake in the event of an emergency, recognizing and responding to a leak, identifying pipeline locations and being proactive on underground damage prevention. This is accomplished through the mailing of educational materials, media advertising, participation in public meetings and educational associations, promoting the company’s website and a variety of other methods. For more information on public awareness and pipeline safety, visit www.chesapeakemidstream.com/information/safety/.
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Sourcing Reference:
1 U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Division, July 2008