HOW DOES A NATURAL GAS PIPELINE OPERATE?

Think of a natural gas pipeline as an energy highway. American pipelines transport natural gas from nearly 275,000 gas wells in various production areas of the country over hundreds or thousands of miles to customers in cities, towns and industrial facilities. The gas is compressed when it comes out of the wells, and this compression helps it move at about 15 miles per hour through the pipes. Though the friction of the gas against the pipes slows it down at some points along the way, the pipelines operate compressor stations at points about 75 miles apart along the route to compress the natural gas and then push it along. The natural gas in a pipeline is roughly the same temperature as the earth around the pipeline, though the periodic compression can increase the temperature for a short distance. The gas moves relatively quietly on its journey through the pipeline system. The only noise comes at the compressor stations, whose motors generate the equivalent noise of a plane engine. To minimize noise, compressor stations, which are about the size of a barn, are insulated and operate under federal regulations and specifications. Natural gas is delivered to local gas distribution companies (LDCs), which in turn distribute the gas to homes, businesses and factories. Pipelines also deliver gas to end-users, such as electric generators.

Why are pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the interstate transport of goods and services, and oversees safety on the interstate natural gas pipeline industry through the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968. Shipping natural gas from the wellhead to consumers through the interstate pipeline system is a form of transportation.

Are natural gas pipelines safe?

Yes. The companies that build and operate natural gas pipelines have created the safest mode of transportation today, surpassing highway, rail, air and water. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statistics show the pipeline industry to be the safest in the country in terms of fatalities per year. The pipeline industry has extensive experience with use of redundant safety systems, round-the-clock monitoring and extensive inspection and maintenance to keep the pipelines operating in top condition. And pipeline operators coordinate their procedures with local authorities in case of emergencies. Pipeline companies also engage in community awareness programs to educate residents about pipeline safety. The focus on pipeline safety education is on construction and excavation damage, the primary cause of pipeline accidents. To respond to this potential damage to their facilities, pipelines have developed One-Call, a 911-style program in which consumers and excavators can call to pinpoint the location and depth of pipelines and cables in their area before they excavate. The national number is 1-888-258-0808. Pipelines spend more than $560 million a year on research, facility inspection and testing, maintenance, emergency planning and public awareness. With hundreds of thousands of miles of pipeline already in the ground, it is inevitable that development of homes, businesses, schools and recreation areas will take place near existing pipeline sites. If an area is developed after a pipeline is built, the pipeline owner is required by law to upgrade its maintenance and safety practices. Homes and businesses are not permitted to be built on the pipeline right of way. The right of way is kept well-manicured and attractive.

Why do you need to build new natural gas pipelines?

As the cleanest of all fossil fuels, natural gas is quickly becoming the fuel of choice for the future. It also is safe, inexpensive and easily available in many places around the United States. These qualities are helping to boost consumer demand, which at more than 22 trillion cubic feet per year is an all-time high. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that demand for natural gas will reach 30 Tcf by 2010. This means that the natural gas pipeline industry must respond with more facilities to supply the additional demand for natural gas.

What impact does a natural gas pipeline have on the environment?

Very little. Pipeline companies work hard to keep the environmental disruptions to a mini mum, and to restore the construction sites to their former condition. Pipeline companies may conduct maintenance or clear trees along the right of way for maintenance and access purposes. The only physical evidence of a pipeline will be markers and, if necessary, small above-ground maintenance facilities that are gated and secured. Pipeline companies continuously monitor their systems to detect leaks. They are able to detect these leaks by monitoring pressure, walking or flying over the line looking for dead grass along the route, using sensors called "smart pigs" to run through the lines to detect corrosion, as well as a number of other measures. Leaks on pipelines generally are slow-developing and are easily detectable before they become serious. Natural gas pipelines carry methane. It also is important to remember that natural gas itself is difficult to ignite. You need a very hot temperature, and a precise measurement of air and gas, to start a fire. If natural gas does catch fire, the fire rises straight up because natural gas is lighter than air. It does not spread out.