Pipeline safety is the natural gas pipeline industry’s number one priority. Natural gas pipeline companies spend a large part of their operating budgets to ensure that pipelines run safely and reliably. Natural gas pipeline operators’ history of commitment to safety is confirmed by studies showing that natural gas pipelines historically have been by far the safest mode of transportation in the United States.
Several reasons motivate natural gas pipeline companies’ emphasis on pipeline safety. First and foremost is concern for the safety of those in the public community whose homes or businesses may be located near a pipeline, and, likewise, for the safety of employees and contractors working at compressor stations or at other points along the pipeline. Additionally, natural gas pipelines are part of the communities they pass through, and awareness of the presence of a pipeline and understanding the emphasis on pipeline safety are of paramount importance. Natural gas pipelines participate in community awareness programs to assist communities in understanding the elements of pipeline safety.
Natural gas pipeline companies also have inherent business reasons to ensure the safe operation of gas pipelines. The value of natural gas as an energy source to the public, and therefore the business value of pipeline companies, is highly dependent on maintaining the reputation of natural gas and its transportation as economic, safe, reliable and environmentally beneficial. In contrast to many oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines are not part of a vertically integrated structure.
Natural gas pipelines are highly engineered systems that are managed utilizing comprehensive design, construction, operating, inspection and maintenance practices and procedures. Many of these practices are based on international engineering consensus standards. Operators’ pipeline safety programs are designed to prevent pipeline failures, detect anomalies and perform repairs. These often exceed regulatory requirements. The pipeline industry continually strives to improve its safety and reliability record by directing and funding research and developing new engineering standards.
Natural gas pipelines monitor and control safety in many ways. No single tool or technique provides all the answers, but collectively these tools make natural gas the safest form of energy transportation. Continued investment is the key to maintaining a long-lived investment such as a pipeline.
Over the years, INGAA members have developed and incorporated new technology into all aspects of their pipeline business. Investment in the development of new technologies is a key component to improving pipeline safety continuously. Natural gas companies work with R&D organizations, the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI), the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and others, to plan and support R&D investments, including participation in collaborative federal natural gas R&D programs within the Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Energy Fossil Energy Office. It is very important that industry and government officials work collaboratively to maximize the benefits that can be achieved with available funding.
Public education is a primary element of safety efforts by pipeline companies. The importance of education is emphasized in the federal and state programs and legislation described below. Public education and awareness contributes significantly to preventing unintentional third-party excavation damage, the leading cause of pipeline incidents.