Public awareness and pipeline safety are paramount to the safe operation of our pipelines. Enterprise participates in numerous outreach efforts targeted at various stakeholder audiences to increase awareness about the importance of the, “811…Call Before You Dig” message, including our participation in collaborative sponsorships through the Common Ground Alliance.
Call 811 Before You Dig
Safe excavation practices are key to a successful project and it is important to know that not all pipelines follow a straight line. Enterprise policy requires a Company representative be on site for all excavations that take place within 12 feet of a Company pipeline to ensure safety. The policy also requires hand digging when working within the tolerance zone.
Live Near a Pipeline?
The Department of Transportation statistics confirm pipelines are the safest means of transporting energy. Approximately two-thirds of the natural gas, crude oil and refined petroleum products we use in our everyday lives are transported through underground pipelines making them an essential component of our nation’s infrastructure.
- Each year, Enterprise distributes brochures which contain pipeline safety messages to 2.5 million stakeholders who live and work near our pipelines
- Meetings with emergency responders and excavators take place annually in counties located in all 27 states where Enterprise pipelines traverse
Public safety and environmental protection are paramount in all facets of our company including design, construction and the safe operation of our pipelines and company assets. We work with qualified personnel to ensure compliance with federal, state and company safety standards and specifications. We do this through the implementation of solid management practices, inspection and oversight which is outlined in the “Building Pipelines” and “Operating Pipelines” diagrams.
Life safety is always the number one priority when responding to any pipeline emergency. We maintain and develop relationships with local response organizations through drills, liaison meetings and other interactions which are designed to promote open communications and enhance our unified efforts in the event of a pipeline emergency.
Enterprise personnel continuously monitor the pipeline system to prevent damage and identify potential problems. Personnel are highly trained and prepared to respond to pipeline emergencies. The “Responding to Emergencies” diagram provides a high-level overview of the internal efforts that take place when responding to an emergency along one of our pipelines or company assets.
Sight
- A pool of liquid on the ground near a pipeline
- A rainbow sheen on water
- Dead or discolored vegetation amid healthy plants
- Water bubbling or being blown into the air
- A low-lying, dense white cloud or fog originating near the pipeline location
- Frozen ground near the pipeline
- Fire or explosion near the pipeline
Sound
- An unusual hissing or roaring sound coming from the vicinity of the pipeline or connecting facility
Smell
- Any strange or unusual odor in the area of the pipeline
- Some Enterprise Products pipelines transport natural gas, which is odorless in its natural state and have mercaptan added to odorize the product. Mercaptan is a chemical odorant that aides in leak detection and has a rotten egg smell
Encroachment Brochures
Encroachment Guidelines – English
Encroachment Guildelines – Spanish
Encroachment Application
Search for a Pipeline
Please visit our main site to search for a pipeline in your area by address or GPS coordinates.