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WHERE ARE PIPELINES LOCATED?
Our country is crisscrossed
with more than 1.7 million miles of underground, high-pressure pipelines.
Because they are buried, line markers are used on the surface to show the approximate location of the pipelines at many points along their route. These
markers should list the product being transported, the name of the
pipeline operator and a telephone number of a company representative who
can be reached 24 hours a day.
Though helpful, markers and indicators provide limited information and cannot be relied upon to reveal the exact position of a pipeline. Markers are placed near the pipeline but they are necessarily on the surface, and pipelines may not follow a straight line between markers. Furthermore, pipeline markers don't provide information
on the depth, size or number of pipelines traveling the same route.
Ask your local fire department where pipelines are in your
neighborhood.
STOP!
Before you dig, call for information at least 48 hours before any
work begins. Most areas have a "one call" number that will alert
you to all buried utilities. A nationwide "Dig Safely"
number is 1-888-258-0808.
HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A PIPELINE LEAK?
SIGHT: Most liquid petroleum
leaks can be detected visually. A petroleum leak may appear as a puddle or other accumulation on the ground. Certain products vaporize when released, appearing as a mist or dense cloud originating near
the damaged pipeline. An area of dead or discolored vegetation in
an otherwise green right of way may indicate a leak. If a leaked
commodity has ignited, flames are the most obvious sign of a
pipeline emergency.
SOUND: A high-pressure liquid
pipeline leak may be detected by a hissing or roaring sound. The
volume of the sound will depend on the size of the leak, pressure
and size of the pipeline involved.
SMELL: Most petroleum products
have a distinctive odor. Any strange or unusual odor in the area
of a pipeline may indicate a leak.
YOU DISCOVER A LEAK. WHAT NOW?
DON'T: Light a match, start
an engine or activate any kind of electrical switch, including lights,
or do anything that may cause a spark.
DON'T: Drive into a vapor cloud.
DON'T: Have any kind of contact
with any escaping material. Some products are toxic and/or corrosive.
DO: Leave the area immediately.
Warn others in the area.
DO: Refrain from any activities
that could cause heat or sparks.
DO: Turn off any running machinery.
DO: Notify 911 or emergency personnel
once you are clear of the danger area.*
*Even a cellphone or pager can cause a spark. Be sure you are clear
of the danger area before using any communications device.
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