Public Officials Pipeline Safety Newsletter
Consultation Zones
Since 1950 the population of the U.S. has more than doubled to include close to 310 million people. The effects of this incredible growth, which has its roots in the post World War II boom years, can be clearly seen in the ever-expanding trends toward urban renewal and suburban development. Read more.
Does Age Matter?
The subject of again has been debated by many. Some cite things only get better with age, while others are inclined to toss out the old and go with the newer, cooler version when it is released. Our aging national infrastructure is one subject for such discussion. Just exactly when does a road need to be replaced versus repaired? This question can be asked of virtually any public facility or even the personal items we use in our everyday lives, from our roads and bridges to our clothes and furniture. And pipeline infrastructure is no exception. Read more.
Increasing safety. . . During Public Works Projects
How can water under high pressure assist with making public works’ projects safer? The answer may be simpler than you would expect. As project is in the planning stages, even before digging occurs, the application of a strong jet of water can confirm the location and expose the presence of existing underground facilities. Not only does this aid with protecting the integrity of the equipment that is in place, but it also ensures the safety of the workers as the project moves forward. Read more.
The Five W’s of Consultation zones
What is a consultation zone? An area surrounding a transmission pipeline that warrants additional communication between key stakeholders. Read more.
Pipelines for Gas development and the resulting byproducts
It was less than a decade ago that many were questioning the continued domestic availability of natural resources such as natural gas and crude oil. Since that time, new technology has improved on established methods of extracting resources, resulting in the ability to produce these minerals from areas previously thought to be untouchable. The ensuing boom has come about through what is being described as an unconventional production of natural gas and oil from layers of shale. Read more.
Types & Purposes of Pipelines
Gathering Pipelines. Collect natural gas and oil from the well head and transport it to processing facilities. Gathering pipelines vary in size and pressure and are found only in producing regions. Read more
Putting consultation Zones to the Test
You may wonder why a rural county in South Dakota that has more cows than people, with a population just shy of 32,000, went to the trouble of adopting both a consultation and a planning zone. We did too, so we reached out to Robert Hill, the Director of Planning, Zoning and Drainage for Brookings County, South Dakota, to learn why he successfully pushed for such a measure and how it has impacted his community. Read more.
The importance of Emergency Responders Being Familiar with Pipelines in Their Area and Emergency Response Plans
Do you know if your emergency responders are prepared? Almost everyone is aware that emergency responders receive extensive training for certain hazardous situations such as fires, car accidents, evacuations, and personal injuries. But what training have they received in regard to incidents that involve natural gas or hazardous liquid releases? Read more
Signs of a Release
Everyone should be aware of the signs of a potential pipeline release. They can be recalled easily by associating them with the senses of sight, smell and sound. While the signs of a release will vary depending on the product that is being transported, following these guidelines will help you respond and summon help safely. Read more.
Pipeline Markers
Pipelines are buried in areas called rights-of-way. Pipeline markers are used to designate the general route of the pipeline. Markers can also be found where a pipeline crosses a street or railroad, emerges from the ground, or in waterways. Be Aware: Pipeline markers will not designate the exact location, depth or number of pipelines in the area. Markers com in different shapes and sizes, but will always include the words “warning”, “danger”, or “caution”; provide a number to reach the company in the event of an emergency; and provide the name of the pipeline company. Read more.
Maintaining R-O-W
Ask any landowner about the effort they put into the upkeep of their property and you will likely get a description of some dreaded household chore or a rundown of the time and labor that are required to maintain a well-manicured lawn. Now imagine for a moment that the property you are responsible for mowing and manicuring is 100 feet wide and several thousand miles long. You just vicariously experienced the daunting task that pipeline operators face each day — that of maintaining their rights-of-way. Read more.
Emergency Response Standard Adopted
In our last issue, we highlighted an effort by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) to develop an accredited practice in the wake of a pipeline-related emergency. The effort was initiated after the National Transportation Safety Board issued recommendations in a report following a pipeline accident in Carmichael, Mississippi in 2007. Read more.
