Wyoming Gas Company monitors the operation of our pipeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We ensure the safe and reliable operations of our pipelines through routine inspections, computer monitoring systems, corrosion protection, maintenance, regular employee training and more. Our pipelines are designed, tested, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with all applicable federal and state requirements.
Call Before You Dig (811)
Most pipeline accidents occur when individuals are not aware of a pipeline’s location before they begin their work. The best way to solve this is to call before you dig! One easy phone call to 811 starts the process to get your underground pipelines and utility lines marked for FREE. When you call 811 from anywhere in the country, your call will be routed to your state One-Call Center. Once your underground lines have been marked for your project, you will know the approximate location of your pipelines and utility lines, and can dig safely.
How do you know where a pipeline is located?
Most pipelines are buried underground to protect them from the elements and minimize interference with surface uses. Pipeline rights-of-way are clearly identified by pipeline markers that identify the approximate — NOT EXACT — location of the pipeline. Every pipeline marker contains information identifying the company that operates the pipeline, the product transported, and a phone number that should be called in the event of an emergency. Markers do not indicate pipeline burial depth, which will vary. Markers are typically seen where a pipeline intersects a street, highway or railway. You will also find them at river crossings, fence lines and property boundaries. For any person to willfully deface, damage, remove, or destroy any pipeline marker is a federal crime.
Pipeline Marker — This marker is the most common. It contains operator information, type of product and an emergency contact number. Size, shape and color may vary.
Aerial Marker — These skyward facing markers are used by patrol planes that monitor pipeline routes.
Casing Vent Marker — This marker indicates that a pipeline (protected by a steel outer casing) passes beneath a nearby roadway, rail line or other crossing.
How do you recognize a pipeline leak?
• Sight: Natural gas is colorless, but vapor and “ground frosting” may be visible at high pressures. A natural gas leak may also be indicated by bubbles in wet or flooded areas, distinct patches of dead vegetation, dust blowing from a hole in the ground or flames if the leak is ignited.
• Sound: Volume can range from a quiet hissing to a loud roar depending on the size of the leak and pipeline system.
• Smell: An unusual smell or gaseous odor will sometimes accompany pipeline leaks. Natural Gas is colorless, tasteless and odorless unless commercial odorants or Mercaptan are added. Gas transmission/gas gathering pipelines are odorless, but may contain a hydrocarbon smell.
What to do if a leak occurs:
• Turn off any equipment and eliminate any ignition sources without risking injury.
• Leave the area by foot immediately. Try to direct any other bystanders to leave the area. Attempt to stay upwind.
• From a safe location, notify the pipeline operator immediately and call 911 or your local emergency response number. The operator will need your name, your phone number, a brief description of the incident, and the location so they can initiate the proper response.
What not to do if a leak occurs:
•DO NOT cause any open flame or other potential source of ignition such as an electrical switch, vehicle ignition, burning match, etc. Do not start motor vehicles or electrical equipment. Do not ring doorbells to notify others of the leak. Knock with your hand to avoid potential sparks from knockers.
• DO NOT come into direct contact with any escaping liquids or gas.
• DO NOT drive into a leak or vapor cloud while leaving the area.
• DO NOT attempt to operate any pipeline valves yourself. You may inadvertently route more product to the leak or cause a secondary incident.
• DO NOT attempt to extinguish a petroleum product or natural gas fire. Wait for local firemen and other professionals trained to deal with such emergencies.
What to do in case of damaging/disturbing a pipeline:
If you cause or witness even minor damage to a pipeline or its protective coating, please immediately notify the pipeline company. Even a small disturbance to a pipeline may cause a future leak. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease is cause enough for the company to inspect the damage and make repairs.
Excavators must notify the pipeline company through the One-Call Center immediately but not later than two hours following the damage incident.
Pipeline Integrity Management
With the passage of the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) established a regulation prescribing standards for integrity management programs for distribution pipeline operators. DOT formally proposed the Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) rule in June 2008. Wyoming Gas Company has developed its Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) to more effectively perform safety-related activities such as testing and inspections, repairs, and maintenance of the pipeline system. Furthermore, our program is critical in determining the prioritization and timeline of pipeline integrity work while also standardizing the manner in which Wyoming Gas Company continually monitors and documents the work associated with the integrity of the pipeline.
Wyoming Gas Company is committed to continuing to operate safe and reliable pipelines. Senior Management fully supports the processes and procedures contained in our DIMP and has directed employees to meet the goals and objectives of the program.