PIPELINE PURPOSE AND RELIABILITY

The purpose of natural gas pipelines is to carry one of the world’s most efficient and environmentally-friendly fuels to businesses and homes like yours. These pipelines help meet the energy needs of the region. According to federal statistics, pipelines are the nation’s safest and most reliable energy transportation system. These pipelines transport the natural gas which provides about 24 percent of all the energy used in the United States per day.
In the United States alone, there are over 300,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines in use every day. Transmission pipelines are typically larger than gathering and distribution lines. They transport energy products across the country and to storage facilities.

Local Distribution Companies deliver natural gas to most homes and businesses through underground main and utility service lines. These lines cover over 800,000 miles of underground pipeline in the United States. 		  Gas Stove

MEASURES TAKEN BY PEOPLES GAS TO MAINTAIN SAFE OPERATIONS

To prepare for the event of a leak, pipeline companies regularly communicate, plan and train with local emergency responders. Upon the notification of an incident or leak the pipeline company will immediately dispatch trained personnel to assist emergency responders. Pipeline operators and emergency responders are trained to protect life, property and facilities in the case of an emergency. Pipeline operators will also take steps to minimize the amount of product that leaks out and to isolate the pipeline emergency.

HIGH CONSEQUENCE AREAS AND INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT

Per federal regulations, Peoples Gas denotes certain parts of the pipeline as High Consequence Areas (HCAs). These are generally places with a large number of people congregated along Peoples Gas’ transmission pipeline system. In addition, Peoples Gas has an Integrity Management Program that details the safety measures required to keep our pipelines safe. These safety measures include scheduled corrosion inspections and control, leak survey, valves to isolate sections of the pipeline, and the use of leak detection equipment.

Peoples Gas is committed to safety. That’s why we follow state and federal regulations, as well as perform extensive quality control checks. We also work to educate residents about how to recognize and prevent natural gas leaks.

MAINTAINING SAFETY AND INTEGRITY OF PIPELINES

Pipeline operators invest significant time and capital maintaining the quality and integrity of their pipeline systems. Most active pipelines are monitored 24 hours a day via manned control centers. Pipeline companies also utilize aerial surveillance and/or on-ground observers to identify potential dangers. Control center personnel continually monitor the pipeline system and assess changes in pressure and flow. They notify field personnel if there is a possibility of a leak. Automatic shut-off valves are sometimes utilized to isolate a leak.

USE NPMS TO UNDERSTAND WHERE THE LARGER (TRANSMISSION) GAS LINES ARE IN YOUR AREA

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety has developed the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) to provide information about gas transmission and liquid transmission operators and their pipelines. The NPMS web site is searchable by zip code or by county and state, and can display a county map that is printable. For a list of pipeline operators with pipelines in your area and their contact information, go to www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov. Operators of production facilities, gas/liquid gathering piping and distribution piping, are not represented by NPMS nor are they required to be.
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 702 N Franklin St., Tampa FL 33602
Toll-Free: 877 TECO PGS (877-832-6747)
damage_prevention@tecoenergy.com 		@tecopeoplesgas