Today’s natural gas gathering pipelines are constructed and maintained to ensure the safe transport of natural gas for decades to come. It is a combination of quality materials, high construction standards, adherence to state and federal regulations and a century of pipeline technology which merge to create confidence in the natural gas pipeline system.
The epoxy-coated, high-grade steel pipe, usually used to build a gathering pipeline system, plays an important safety role. The protective coating and thick walls of the pipe work to inhibit corrosion of the steel and minimize any possibility of a leak developing after construction. Also, when installing pipelines, radiographs (X-rays) are taken at the work site to verify the quality and integrity of the welds connecting the sections of pipe. Hydrostatic testing of the entire pipeline system after construction uses high water pressure to verify the strength of the pipeline string and that there are no immediate leaks.
Pipelines are operated under specific federal and state regulations and industry standards intended to ensure public and environmental safety and health. Gathering lines are regulated and controlled by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is authorized to enforce federal regulations and to audit pipeline inspections.
Mockingbird Midstream Gas Services (MMGS) generally designs pipelines to meet or exceed standards required by the federal government on all new pipelines throughout the Haynesville Shale. As required by law, pipelines are only allowed to operate at pressures substantially below the actual rated strength of the steel pipe and the hydrostatic pressure at which the pipeline was tested.
Regulatory agencies like the RRC employ trained and experienced inspectors, who periodically inspect of audit pipeline companies and their facilities for compliance with the applicable regulations.
The number and location of valve sites is another safety component built into the pipeline infrastructure. Valve sites are needed at specific intervals, to stop the flow of gas to a particular area of the pipeline. The ability to isolate part of the route allows for the use of maintenance tools to clean, maintain and periodically inspect the internal surface of the pipeline. If a leak or other emergency situation occurs, valves allow for swift containment of the gas stream by shutting off the affected sections of the pipeline.
With a network of two million miles of pipeline* operating safely within the U.S., it is clear that this technology has been embraced by generations.
*U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Division, July 2008
DIG TESS
Because the number one cause of pipeline incidents is a result of third-party digging*, MMGS actively participates in the Texas Excavation Safety System, otherwise known as DIG TESS. DIG TESS is a one-call system which aims to prevent these types of excavation incidents from occurring. Simply calling the number 811 can help save lives and protect infrastructure.
Any excavator breaking ground to a specified depth of 18 inches or greater — from professionals to do-it-yourself homeowners — is required to call DIG TESS (811) at least 48 hours prior to digging. The system alerts MMGS of the planned excavation, and in some cases MMGS sends a representative to monitor any construction around the pipeline.
Through the DIG TESS system, marked lines will show excavators the approximate location of underground lines and prevent undesired consequences. By calling 811 before starting a digging project, citizens can help keep their community safe.
As a member of DIG TESS, MMGS is involved in public awareness initiatives for pipeline operators and the general public.
*Railroad Commission of Texas, 2006 press release
The pipeline safety regulations require pipeline companies to have public awareness programs to inform and educate the general public, public officials, emergency responders and excavators (those digging around pipelines) about pipelines. Topics may include locations of pipelines, general pipeline safety awareness, how to recognize a potential leak or problem, the purpose of pipeline marking signs and means of notifying the company in case of a problem. Outreach is accomplished through several means such as mailing out brochures to residents and businesses along a pipeline route, media advertising in the community, participation in public meetings and the use of education consortia.