America's vast underground infrastructure
provides essential energy and other services to communities across the country
and protecting this infrastructure is a everyone's responsibility.
The United States has the largest network of energy pipelines of any nation in the world. While many forms of transportation are used to move products such as natural gas, liquid natural gas products and liquid products through Illinois to marketplaces, pipelines remain the safest, most efficient and economical way to move these natural resources.
One of the greatest single challenges to safe pipeline operations is the accidental damage caused by excavation, construction, farming activities - or even homeowner excavation and maintenance. First and foremost, pipeline companies are responsible for the safety and reliability of their own pipeline systems. Additionally, federal and state regulators oversee compliance with a host of regulatory requirements.
Is There A Pipeline Near Your Excavation Site?
The easy answer to this question is that pipelines exist everywhere and
excavators should always be cautious of the following:
- Pipeline markers along a pipeline route or at a road crossing only indicate a pipeline is nearby. The markers are not always located precisely over the pipeline, nor do the markers indicate the depth of the line.
- A pipeline may curve or angle underground as it runs between the markers in order to avoid some natural or manmade feature or another underground facility.
What If A Leak Occurs?
Despite the industry's best efforts and governmental regulations, leaks from
a pipeline sometimes occur. If you have detected the signs of a leak
you should take the following actions:
- Leave the area immediately. Walk into the wind away from possible hazardous fumes.
- Warn others--do not touch, breathe or make contact with leaking fluids.
- Eliminate all ignition sources. Do not light a match, start an engine or use any type of phone or pager in the immediate area.
- From a safe location, call 911 or your local emergency response number, the pipeline company and then JULIE at 811 or 800-892-0123.
- Do not operate pipeline facilities, including valves.
- Do not drive into the leak or vapor cloud area.
What If
I Damage A Pipeline?
If you should accidently hit or damage a pipeline, it is important to
contact the pipeline company involved and JULIE (811 or 800-892-0123).
Even if the pipeline is only nicked, it is vital to report this damage.
Pipelines are coated to protect them from corrosion and ignoring even
the slightest damage is setting that pipeline up for corrosion. At
some point, this can become a dangerous leak.
If you have any questions or need more information about digging near a pipeline, please visit www.ilnipa.com for pipeline company contacts in your area.