… Frequently Asked Questions …
pipeline safety
pipeline safety
At MarineSafe811, we don’t believe in meeting the bare minimum. We challenge industry standards by:
- Utilizing advanced mapping and drilling technology to prevent damage to aquatic habitats.
- Collaborating with leading marine biologists to develop groundbreaking safety protocols.
- Offering regular training on best practices for our team to keep us at the forefront of pipeline safety.
Our approach guarantees that your projects don’t just comply with regulations—they set new benchmarks for marine conservation in the industry.
pipeline safety
At MarineSafe811, we don’t believe in meeting the bare minimum. We challenge industry standards by:
- Utilizing advanced mapping and drilling technology to prevent damage to aquatic habitats.
- Collaborating with leading marine biologists to develop groundbreaking safety protocols.
- Offering regular training on best practices for our team to keep us at the forefront of pipeline safety.
Our approach guarantees that your projects don’t just comply with regulations—they set new benchmarks for marine conservation in the industry.
Protecting Our Oceans, One Pipeline Project at a Time
Protecting Our Oceans,
One Pipeline Project at a Time
- Pipeline Information:
Generally, pipelines are classified as Hazardous Gas or Hazardous Liquid. There are also non-hazardous pipelines like water, sewer, etc.
Hazardous Gas or Liquid lines generally fall into three categories: Transmission, Distribution, or Gathering.
Transmission lines are generally larger with higher pressures and do not connect to public customers. They are pipelines that connect to a series of other pipelines that are not gathering pipelines, transport gas or liquid from a gathering pipeline or storage facility, and connect to a distribution center, another storage facility, or a large volume customer like a refinery.
Distribution lines are generally smaller lines with lower pressure and are used to provide gas and liquid to private or business customers. Distribution lines supply homes and businesses that use natural gas.
Gathering lines are usually smaller and mean a pipeline that transports gas or liquid from a well site to a production facility, larger transmission lines, or other processing facilities.
Helpful link: https://pipeline101.org/
Pipelines can be marked by buoys, cane poles, PVC, GPS coordinates, or permanent marks on or near the banks of the body of water. “Don’t know Anchor or Dredge” signs are commonly seen near various waterways.
You should be able to find much of the following information on pipeline signs: Do Not Anchor or Dredge, owner/ operator company name, product information, and an emergency phone number.
Helpful link: https://pipeline101.org/topic/how-can-you-identify-pipelines/
Pipeline depths can vary widely depending on the condition and location. The minimum requirement when lines are installed is 3ft. below the ground or water bottom. Some states may have greater depth requirements. On-land and Underwater installation depth requirements may be different. When crossing large navigable waterways, pipelines could be greater than 25ft below the water bottom vs. only a few feet deep for smaller water bodies. You should never assume you know the pipeline depth and location; contacting 811 will help you get that information for your project.
This is why an 811 notification for ANY water-bottom contact or work activity and dredging or marine construction should be made before starting – contact the owner/ operator. They may provide GPS coordinates.
Hazardous Gas and Liquid pipelines are mostly all steel with protective coatings and cathodic protection (which prevent corrosion and protect the integrity of the line). Some gas distribution lines are plastic and have lower pressures, generally 60PSI or less.
Pipeline sizes can range from 1” to 60” in diameter. Transmission lines generally have higher pressure ranges from 200 PSI to 2500 PSI. Distribution and gathering lines are usually less than 200 PSI and are down to 1 PSI. Pressures on all types of pipelines can vary widely depending on the application.
- 811 Notifications:
The one call system works differently in each state. Laws vary by state; you should always contact 811 to verify those laws. Other things also vary by state, including the timeframes for notifications, marking, and work duration. Other things that may vary by state include the types of markings used, the role of each stakeholder group, the tolerance zones (which can also vary by operator), and there may be different tolerance zones for dredge or marine construction companies.
How 811 tickets or notifications are taken varies from state to state because they use various software systems. Some states may have a “Marine or Underwater” specific ticket; look for this in the state you work in. Most states have a “Description of work,” type of work or activity field or drop-down menu – in these cases, look for keywords “Dredging or Marine Construction” or type one of those words in the blank field. Remember a few things when submitting a marine notification or locate request. In the comments or remarks section, you should provide information such as the project coordinates, the names and types of the vessels, the project manager, and the local vessel or Captain’s contact details in the ticket comment or remarks section.
This ticket is where no field markings will occur; they are great for project planning. Not all states have this feature; look for this in the ticket type. Generally, if available, it will give the user a list of pipelines and utilities that are registered in the area you provide.
An emergency locate request can be made in a situation that endangers life, health, or property or where the public needs uninterrupted service. If services are interrupted, immediate re-establishment of service compels immediate action.
- Emergency Response, Planning, and Notifications:
·If ANY contact with an underwater pipeline occurs, there is a requirement to contact the National Response Center at telephone number 1-800-424-8802.
ANY spill or release, no matter the cause, must be reported to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. Report the location, release time, wind or water direction, product type, or what’s observed.
Call 911 and the pipeline company owner/ operator immediately.
Eliminate ALL sources of ignition and turn off all equipment, motors, machinery, portable radios, cellular phones, etc.
Evacuate the area and move people upwind, if possible, at least ¼ mile.
Prevent other vessels and bystanders from entering the area.
Avoid contact with any gas or liquid escaping from the pipeline.
Notify any others in the impact area.
Contact 811 to Submit a “DigUp or Damage” Ticket or an Emergency Repair Notification if needed.
Attempt to stop the leak.
Avoid entry into the area of the release.
Operate any pipeline valves or mechanisms.
Extinguish any fires.
Come into contact with escaping product.
A pipeline fire is burning the gas or liquid coming from the pipeline. If you extinguish the fire, it could make a large gas plume that could explode or make a spill larger. Unless it’s an extreme emergency, let the pipeline operator advise and work with the emergency responders on the best way to mitigate the fire.
If you are in the field, look for a pipeline sign; it usually has a number that can direct your call or handle an emergency. Most pipeline operators have a website and look for “Pipeline Safety.” It usually has a number and email contact for inquiries.
For a release or spill in a marine environment or the water, you may see a rainbow sheen on the water, bubbling, hydrocarbon odor may be present, or oil on the surface. Most hydrocarbons are lighter than water and will float to the surface.
Contact the owner/ operators directly (if known).
Contact 811 to Submit a “DigUp or Damage” Ticket or an Emergency Repair. Notification if needed.
Do not attempt to repair any pipeline.
Do not backfill the area around the damaged line
Reporting damage may be required by law. All damages should be reported.
- Pipeline Identification and Information:
The U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Pipeline Safety has developed the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) to provide information about gas and liquid transmission operators and their pipelines. The NPMS website is searchable by zip code, county, and state and can display a printable county map. The site also provides the public a resource to obtain a list of operators and their contact information by county or state. Operators of production facilities, gas or liquid gathering piping, and distribution piping are not represented by NPMS, nor are they required to be. Some individual states may also have a pipeline identification or mapping system, which could provide additional information.
Helpful Link: https://www.pipelinesafetyinfo.com/national_pipeline_mapping/
State Pipeline Data Sources – some states have databases on identifying pipelines and information within their state boundaries; state permitting agencies may also provide information. Search each state or inquire about the 811 notification center where state public pipeline data can be found.
Offshore in Federal Waters – outside individual state boundaries, you can reference the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) data sources.
A pipeline fire is burning the gas or liquid coming from the pipeline. If you extinguish the fire, it could make a large gas plume that could explode or make a spill larger. Unless it’s an extreme emergency, let the pipeline operator advise and work with the emergency responders on the best way to mitigate the fire.
If you are in the field, look for a pipeline sign; it usually has a number that can direct your call or handle an emergency. Most pipeline operators have a website and look for “Pipeline Safety.” It usually has a number and email contact for inquiries.
For a release or spill in a marine environment or the water, you may see a rainbow sheen on the water, bubbling, hydrocarbon odor may be present, or oil on the surface. Most hydrocarbons are lighter than water and will float to the surface.
Contact the owner/ operators directly (if known).
Contact 811 to Submit a “DigUp or Damage” Ticket or an Emergency Repair. Notification if needed.
Do not attempt to repair any pipeline.
Do not backfill the area around the damaged line
Reporting damage may be required by law. All damages should be reported.