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If you were to look at a map of underground pipeline, you would find it resembles a road atlas on many levels. The crisscrossing intricate pattern of roadways provides safe and economic transportation to virtually any location, with large piping (much like interstates) feeding into smaller local pipes or arterials. Oil and gas pipeline is the most economic, efficient, and safe method of oil and gas transportation and distribution, but just like the United States' roads and highways, if they are not properly maintained and respected, pipelines can be dangerous to the public. Most of the general public is aware of precautions and regulations that must be followed on roadways, and there must be no less caution practiced when dealing with pipelines, large or small.

It is common sense to most citizens that digging into an interstate highway with heavy equipment is neither legal nor safe. This kind of disruption in the flow of traffic could have catastrophic results, causing accidents and delaying the public from reaching their destinations, even costing them wages and time. If the damage were severe enough it might even cost more tax payer's dollars or affect larger private interests. This kind of mistake is rarely, if ever, committed on interstate highways, yet construction crews and property owners cut into major pipelines frequently, creating a huge risk of human life. It should also be common sense that digging to any depth greater than a couple feet, especially on highly residential or commercial properties, without the certainty of the pipeline right of way is very dangerous. This should not be the only instance for precaution. Private builders are constantly building over pipeline easements endangering themselves and making it very difficult to maintain the pipeline. A simple inquiry to locate the exact location of piping on a property can prevent so many problems.

Private pipeline companies such as Chevron, WUTC, and Western Pipeline Corporation are primarily responsible for the safety and reliability of their pipeline systems, but it is extremely difficult to monitor the activities of every individual near a pipeline. Pipeline companies are required to post pipeline markers that serve as a warning for local pipelines, but they do not necessarily designate the location or depth of the pipeline. So it is still important to confirm the location of piping before beginning any building, farming, or excavation. If someone accidentally digs into a pipeline, whether they pierce it or not, they must contact the pipeline company immediately. Even if there is no immediate danger, a dent or cut in the pipeline may cause further corrosion in the future. If a leak is detected by sight or smell, then all persons should evacuate the area immediately, in the direction the wind is blowing, and call 911 Emergency Assistance.

Like roadways, pipeline transportation is a large reason for so many luxuries in the United States. However, unlike problems with roads and highways, the need for pipeline maintenance and caution hides beneath the surface of the earth, and as a result many people completely forget about it. If we exercised as much caution around pipelines as we do on our roadways, pipeline disasters would rarely occur.

About the Author: Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation
Western Pipeline Corp is a successful, private independent producer of oil and natural gas.