Pipelines fuel the lives of people in communities across North America, delivering products that provide energy, heat homes, and contribute to the manufacturing of thousands of everyday consumer goods that provide the fuel we need for the life we want.
Enbridge plays a key role in this energy infrastructure, and we take seriously our responsibility to reliably and safely deliver crude oil. Every day, we must demonstrate this commitment to safe, reliable and economical service and security.
Pipelines are the safest and only practical transportation mode to move large quantities of petroleum. We have developed a comprehensive preventive maintenance program, including around-the-clock computerized monitoring, regular inspections, aerial patrols of rights-of-way and educational outreach to landowners and excavators.
For new pipelines, safety begins with the planning and design process. Steel pipe and connected facilities are designed with a safety factor that meets or exceeds federal regulations and national technical standards. During construction, the pipeline installation is thoroughly inspected, and after construction, the pipeline is tested before beginning operations. Regular inspection and maintenance allow our systems to operate reliably and safely while minimizing the impact on the environment and public safety.
Safety, A Team Effort
Being responsible for pipeline safety, however, does not mean working alone. We regularly communicate important information about our systems to local governments, community fire and police departments, utilities, contractors, landowners and neighbors.
Enbridge conducts a public awareness program along our pipelines to provide information to the affected public, emergency preparedness information to local officials and damage prevention guidance to excavators and residents along the route. All members of affected communities should know where pipelines are located in their communities, be aware of what to do in an emergency, and avoid damage to pipelines from excavation.
One important measure that communities can take to prevent excavation accidents is to enact zoning requirements that will protect both the pipelines and the nearby landowners' residences and other structures. When growth has occurred in once-rural areas, communities have absorbed land criss-crossed by once-isolated pipeline rights-of-way. Enbridge will work with local planners, developers and zoning departments to provide information about pipeline routes so that unsafe encroachments are avoided.
Dig Safely
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Pipeline markers are posted at frequent points along the pipeline route to show the approximate location of the pipeline. Even though underground pipelines are identified above ground, the marker may not necessarily be directly over the pipeline. Unfortunately, pipeline accidents do happen from time to time as a result of damage from third-party activities. However, such incidents have been reduced through "Dig Safely" programs.
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"Dig Safely" starts with calling before you dig, waiting the required amount of time, respecting the marks and digging with care..
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Most states require excavators to notify a local One-Call Center of any proposed digging or soil-disturbing activity at least two, sometimes three, business days before beginning any excavation. This is a free service.
One-Call notification can now be completed locally in most areas in the U.S. by calling 811. This three-digit number connects callers with the nearest One-Call Center.
Click here
to get online One-Call information. When you call 811, the operator will redirect your call to your Local State One-Call Center and request the location where you plan on doing work. Your call will then be routed to Enbridge, and we will send a locator to mark the locations where you can dig safely within a few days.
In Canada, please use the following One-Call Center numbers:
Prevention is Enbridge's first priority. But, if an emergency situation occurs, we are prepared.
Preparedness means developing integrated response plans based on expertise, planning and teamwork. We have an Emergency Response Program in place that will, as necessary, promptly and effectively shut down the pipeline, dispatch responders and take measures designed to protect the safety of the public, employees and the environment.
Enbridge provides information about its systems and transportation products to local fire, police and ambulance responders, and we work closely with these first responders to plan ahead. We hold regular training exercises in select locations throughout the year to keep employees' skills fresh. We also conduct mock emergency drill exercises to practice emergency response. Landowners and neighbors help reduce the potential for an emergency by observing right-of-way safety precautions to help prevent accidents.
Our public safety priority incorporates high operating standards and comprehensive maintenance programs. These include around-the-clock computerized monitoring by trained operators, internal electronic inspection, aerial patrols (and in some cases foot patrols) of right-of-way, periodic hydrostatic pressure testing, ongoing training of pipeline maintenance and emergency response crews and other extensive employee training programs. We also have proactive public education and community outreach programs.
For additional information on how Enbridge maintains the integrity of its pipeline systems refer to these sections of our company websites at
www.enbridge.com
or
www.enbridgepartners.com
.