What are gas and hazardous liquid pipelines?
The energy transportation network of the United States consists of over 3.3 million miles of pipelines that transport Gas and Hazardous Liquids. That’s enough to circle the earth about 100 times. These pipelines are operated by approximately 3,000 pipeline companies, large and small. For more detailed information on pipeline mileage and facilities in the U.S., please visit the Pipeline Mileage and Facilities webpage. Gas Pipelines transport natural gas and propane. Hazardous Liquid Pipelines generally transport crude oil and refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, butane, ethane, and propane.
Depending on where they are in a transportation system, pipelines are either:
- Transmission pipelines, which are the large lines (typically 6-48 inches in diameter) that move long distances across the country, often at high pressures (typically 200 – 1500 psi)
- Distribution pipelines, which are a system of mains and service lines that deliver natural gas to individual homes and businesses. They operate at a relatively low pressure.
- Gathering pipelines, which transports gas or hazardous liquids away from the point of production (well pad) to another facility for further refinement or to transmission pipelines.
- Production Lines, which are near the wellhead and are used to produce and prepare gas and hazardous liquid for transport.
Although pipelines exist in all fifty states, most of us are unaware that this vast network even exists. This is due to the strong safety record of pipelines and the fact that most of them are located underground. Installing pipelines underground protects them from damage and helps protect our communities as well.
Where Are They?
Most gas and hazardous liquid pipelines are buried underground. To ensure your safety and avoid damaging underground lines, you must call your state one-call center before digging; including common projects like planting trees and shrubs or installing fences and mailboxes. 811 is the National Call Before You Dig phone number for every state.
Most gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines are located underground in rights-of-way (ROW). A ROW consists of consecutive property easements acquired by, or granted to, the pipeline company. The ROW provides sufficient space to install a pipeline, perform pipeline maintenance and inspections, as well as a clear zone where encroachments can be monitored and prevented.
To find out if a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline is located near you, please visit the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) webpage and search by your county or zip code.
Pipeline operators are required to post brightly-colored pipeline markers along their ROW to indicate the presence of – but not necessarily the exact location of – their underground pipelines. Markers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They contain information about the nearby pipeline as well as emergency contact information for the company that operates it. To learn more about pipeline markers, please visit the Pipeline Markers Briefing webpage.
Gas distribution systems consist of distribution main lines and service lines. Distribution main lines are generally installed in underground utility easements alongside streets and highways. Distribution service lines run from the distribution main line into homes or businesses. Distribution main and service lines are not generally indicated by above-ground markers. To ensure safety and avoid damaging underground lines, anyone planning to dig or excavate is required by law to contact their state one-call center 48 to 72 hours before digging. 811 is the National Call Before You Dig phone number for every state.
Why Do We Need Them?
Pipelines play a vital role in our daily lives. They transport fuels and petrochemical feedstocks that we use in cooking and cleaning, in our daily commute and travel, in heating our homes and businesses, and in manufacturing hundreds of products that we use daily.
Gas and hazardous liquids are vital energy sources that play a crucial role in our country’s overall energy consumption. To meet our energy needs, we transport large volumes of these resources. The most efficient, reliable, and safest method for transporting gas and hazardous liquids is through pipelines. Pipelines not only ensures the secure transport of these energy sources but also supports our economy and bolsters energy independence.
Here is more information about pipelines that you may find interesting:
Natural Gas Pipeline Systems: From the wellhead to the consumer
Petroleum Pipeline Systems: From the wellhead to the consumer
Basics of gas and oil exploration
Technologies of gas and oil exploration
Early days of the oil industry
Disclaimer: Links to web sites outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT) are offered for your convenience in accessing related information. Please be aware that when you exit the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) web site, the privacy policy stated on our web site may NOT be the same as that on other web sites. OPS takes no responsibility for and exercises no control over the organization, views, or accuracy of the information contained on their servers.