what el paso natural gas does to make pipelines safe€¦ · for el paso natural gas pipeline...

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At El Paso Natural Gas, we are committed to safety. As an industry leader in transporting natural gas, we take many measures to maintain the integrity of our pipeline system. High Strength Pipeline Materials with Corrosion Protection Throughout our system, we use high strength steel pipe that meets or exceeds standards set by the natural gas industry and the federal government. In populated areas, we install pipe with increased wall thickness to provide an even greater level of protection from puncture and corrosion. All of our pipe is coated with a special material that helps prevent corrosion. During construction, a protective coating is applied around each weld before the pipeline is laid in the ground. Additionally, hydrocarbon liquids, carbon dioxide, and water are removed at processing plants to create pipeline quality natural gas and protect the pipeline from the corrosive effects of these contaminants. As required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, cathodic protection is used to suppress the corrosive effects of the soil. Routine Testing and Inspection We regularly inspect and test our pipelines to identify potential trouble spots. One of the tests performed prior to initial operations is hydrostatic testing. Sections of the pipe are filled with water and then pressurized well beyond the pipe’s normal operating pressure to identify if any weaknesses in the pipe are present. We also conduct routine inspections along our pipeline system. During construction, we non-destructively test each pipe weld to ensure all welds meet exacting standards. Once the pipeline is in operation, we visually inspect it by flying and driving along the pipeline right of way, checking for any indication of soil erosion, landslides, construction, excavation work, or anything else that could damage the pipeline and affect its safe operation. Additionally, we monitor the systems that provide corrosion protection to our pipelines. Sophisticated Pipeline Operations and Monitoring To ensure the safe operation of our pipeline system, we employ highly trained, experienced technicians to operate the system in accordance with federal, state, and local government regulations. Each professional shares El Paso’s commitment to a safe operating environment. The safe operation of the system is our primary consideration. This is evidenced by how we monitor and control the pipeline transportation of natural gas. We closely regulate the gas pressure within the limits established by the U.S. Department of Transportation to maintain the integrity and ensure the reliable, safe operation of the pipeline system. Compressor stations at intervals along the pipeline system are equipped with several safety devices. One of these safety systems, common to all compressor stations, is an Emergency Shutdown System. When activated, the Emergency Shutdown System stops the engines, isolates and vents the compressor piping, and routes the gas away from the station. If the pressure within the pipeline changes at any time, our gas control center is alerted. The center is designed to monitor and control the entire pipeline system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, using sophisticated computer and telecommunications equipment. If there are abnormal pressure fluctuations anywhere along the pipeline, the control center takes appropriate action which may include diverting the gas flow around the problem area, selectively isolating sections of the pipeline to reroute the gas flow. Thus, our high standard of safety is maintained while service to customers is minimally affected. Public Awareness Programs Even with all we do at El Paso Natural Gas to operate the pipeline system safely, we still need the help of the public. To this end, we have an extensive program in place to ensure the public knows about our pipeline and can assist us in keeping our pipeline operation as safe as possible. We work with local construction companies and landowners whose property is close to the pipeline by providing them with important information about the location of the pipeline, emergency procedures, and the names and telephone numbers of our key employees. Additionally, we identify the location of our pipelines with markers, flags, or signs. We provide information about who and where to call in the event of an emergency or if it becomes necessary to dig near the pipeline. Anyone who needs to perform excavation activities should notify the state’s One Call Center of the exact location of a planned excavation. One Call will contact the pipeline operators, who will send a representative out to mark the pipelines in the vicinity of the excavation. What El Paso Natural Gas Does TO MAKE PIPELINES SAFE Understand the signs of a pipeline leak Because of the stringent maintenance and inspection procedures employed by El Paso Natural Gas and the pipeline industry, failures of pipeline systems are very rare. However, please remember that any pipeline leak can be potentially dangerous. You should be aware of the possible signs of a pipeline leak: A blowing or hissing sound Dust blowing from a hole in the ground Blowing water, continuous bubbling, or an oil sheen in wet or flooded areas A gaseous, hydrocarbon, or other unusual odor A spot of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area Flames, if a leak has ignited Act immediately if you suspect a leak Many pipelines contain colorless and odorless products that are highly flammable. If you recognize any of the signs listed on the left you should: Avoid any open flames or other sources of ignition Do not start up or shut down motor vehicles or electrical equipment (including switches and telephones) Evacuate the area and try to prevent unsuspecting people from entering Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area From a safe distance, notify the pipeline company immediately so the leak can be verified and necessary corrective measures taken If the pipeline company is unknown, call 9-1-1 or contact your local fire, police, or sheriff's department and advise them of the location and nature of the situation Get help from local law enforcement officials to isolate the area What YOU Can Do To Help (cont’d) A list of state One Call Centers and their respective telephone numbers are provided on this brochure. Company representatives can be made available for group meetings and presentations about pipeline safety. For El Paso Natural Gas pipeline emergencies, contact gas control at (800) 334-8047.

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Page 1: What El Paso Natural Gas Does TO MAKE PIPELINES SAFE€¦ · For El Paso Natural Gas pipeline emergencies, ... y agua en las plantas de procesamiento para producir gas natural de

At El Paso Natural Gas, we are committed to safety. As an industryleader in transporting natural gas, we take many measures to maintain the integrity of our pipeline system.

High Strength Pipeline Materials with Corrosion ProtectionThroughout our system, we use high strength steel pipe that meets orexceeds standards set by the natural gas industry and the federal government. In populated areas, we install pipe with increased wallthickness to provide an even greater level of protection from puncture

and corrosion.All of our pipe is coated with a special

material that helps prevent corrosion. Duringconstruction, a protective coating is appliedaround each weld before the pipeline is laid inthe ground. Additionally, hydrocarbon liquids,carbon dioxide, and water are removed at processing plants to create pipeline quality

natural gas and protect the pipeline from the corrosive effects ofthese contaminants.

As required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, cathodicprotection is used to suppress the corrosive effects of the soil.

Routine Testing and InspectionWe regularly inspect and test our pipelines to identify potential trouble spots. One of the tests performed prior to initial operationsis hydrostatic testing. Sections of the pipe are filled with water andthen pressurized well beyond the pipe’s normal operating pressure

to identify if any weaknesses in the pipeare present.

We also conduct routine inspectionsalong our pipeline system. During construction, we non-destructively testeach pipe weld to ensure all welds meetexacting standards. Once the pipeline is inoperation, we visually inspect it by flyingand driving along the pipeline right of way,

checking for any indication of soil erosion, landslides, construction,excavation work, or anything else that could damage the pipelineand affect its safe operation. Additionally, we monitor the systemsthat provide corrosion protection to our pipelines.

Sophisticated Pipeline Operations and MonitoringTo ensure the safe operation of our pipeline system, we employ highlytrained, experienced technicians to operate the system in accordancewith federal, state, and local government regulations. Each professional

shares El Paso’s commitment to a safe operating environment.The safe operation of the system is our primary consideration.

This is evidenced by how we monitor and control the pipeline transportation of natural gas. We closely regulate the gas pressure

within the limits established by the U.S. Department of Transportation tomaintain the integrity and ensure the reliable, safe operation of the pipelinesystem.

Compressor stations at intervalsalong the pipeline system are equipped

with several safety devices. One of these safety systems, common toall compressor stations, is an Emergency Shutdown System. Whenactivated, the Emergency Shutdown System stops the engines, isolates and vents the compressor piping, and routes the gas awayfrom the station.

If the pressure within the pipeline changes at any time, our gas control center is alerted. The center is designed to monitor andcontrol the entire pipeline system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,using sophisticated computer and telecommunications equipment. If there are abnormal pressure fluctuations anywhere along thepipeline, the control center takes appropriate action which mayinclude diverting the gas flow around the problem area, selectivelyisolating sections of the pipeline to reroute the gas flow. Thus, ourhigh standard of safety is maintained while service to customers isminimally affected.

Public Awareness ProgramsEven with all we do at El Paso Natural Gas to operate the pipeline system safely, we still need the help of the public. To this end, we havean extensive program in place to ensure the public knows about ourpipeline and can assist us in keeping our pipeline operation as safe as possible.

We work with local construction companies and landownerswhose property is close to the pipeline by providing them with important information about the location of the pipeline, emergencyprocedures, and the names and telephone numbers of our keyemployees.

Additionally, we identify the location of our pipelines with markers, flags, or signs. We provide information about who and whereto call in the event of an emergency or if it becomes necessary to dignear the pipeline. Anyone who needs to perform excavation activitiesshould notify the state’s One Call Center of the exact location of aplanned excavation. One Call will contact the pipeline operators, whowill send a representative out to mark the pipelines in the vicinity ofthe excavation.

What El Paso Natural Gas Does

TO MAKE PIPELINES SAFE

Understand the signs of a pipeline leak

Because of the stringent maintenance and inspection proceduresemployed by El Paso Natural Gas and the pipeline industry, failures of pipeline systems are very rare. However, please rememberthat any pipeline leak can be potentially dangerous. You should beaware of the possible signs of a pipeline leak:

• A blowing or hissing sound

• Dust blowing from a hole in the ground

• Blowing water, continuous bubbling, or an oil sheen in wet or flooded areas

• A gaseous, hydrocarbon, or other unusual odor

• A spot of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area

• Flames, if a leak has ignited

Act immediately if you suspect a leakMany pipelines contain colorless and odorless products that arehighly flammable. If you recognize any of the signs listed on the leftyou should:

• Avoid any open flames or other sources of ignition

• Do not start up or shut down motor vehicles or electrical equipment (including switches and telephones)

• Evacuate the area and try to prevent unsuspecting peoplefrom entering

• Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area

• From a safe distance, notify the pipeline company immediately sothe leak can be verified and necessary corrective measures taken

• If the pipeline company is unknown, call 9-1-1 or contact yourlocal fire, police, or sheriff's department and advise them ofthe location and nature of the situation

• Get help from local law enforcement officials to isolate the area

What YOU Can Do To Help (cont’d)

A list of state One Call Centers and their respective telephone numbers are provided on this brochure. Company representatives can be made available for group meetings and presentations about pipeline safety.

For El Paso Natural Gas pipeline emergencies, contact gas control at (800) 334-8047.

Page 2: What El Paso Natural Gas Does TO MAKE PIPELINES SAFE€¦ · For El Paso Natural Gas pipeline emergencies, ... y agua en las plantas de procesamiento para producir gas natural de

Qué hace El Paso Natural Gas por LA SEGURIDAD DE SUS GASODUCTOS

Entienda las señales de fuga en un gasoducto

Las fallas de los sistemas de gasoductos son muy infrecuentesdebido a los estrictos procedimientos de mantenimiento e inspecciónempleados por El Paso Natural Gas y la industria de los gasoductos.Sin embargo, recuerde que cualquier fuga en un gasoducto puedeser peligrosa. Manténgase alerta a las posibles señales de fuga en ungasoducto:

• Un sonido de soplido o silbido

• Polvo que sale de un agujero en el suelo

• Expulsión de agua, burbujeo continuo o una capa brillosa deaceite en áreas mojadas o inundadas

• Olor a gas, a hidrocarburo u otro olor inusual

• Una sección de vegetación seca o descolorida en medio de unárea verde

• Llamas, si la fuga se encendió

Actúe de inmediato si sospecha que hayana fuga

Muchos gasoductos contienen productos incoloros e inodoros queson altamente inflamables. Si reconoce alguna de las señales indicadas a la izquierda, usted:

• Debe evitar las llamas expuestas u otras fuentes de ignición

• No debe poner en marcha ni apagar los vehículos motorizados oel equipo eléctrico (incluso conmutadores y teléfonos)

• Debe abandonar el área e intentar prevenir la entrada de personas desprevenidas

• Debe abandonar el equipo que se esté utilizando en o cerca delárea

• Una vez que se encuentre a una distancia segura, debe notificarde inmediato a la compañía propietaria del gasoducto para queésta verifique la fuga y tome las medidas correctivas necesarias

• Si no sabe cuál es la compañía propietaria del gasoducto, llameal 9-1-1 o comuníquese con el departamento de bomberos, lapolicía o el aguacil local e indique la ubicación y naturaleza delproblema

• Debe solicitar ayuda de las autoridades policiales locales paraaislar el área

Oué puede hacer USTED para ayudarnos (cont.)

En este folleto se incluye una lista de los Centros de Llamada Única estatales consus respectivos números de teléfonos. Hay representantes de la compañíadisponibles para hablar sobre la seguridad de los gasoductos en reuniones de grupos y conferencias.

Para emergencias de gasoductos de El Paso Natural Gas, sírvase contactar al centrode control de gas al (800) 334-8047.

En El Paso Natural Gas, estamos comprometidos a la seguridad.Como líder de la industria en el transporte de gas natural, tomamosmuchas medidas para mantener la integridad de nuestro sistema degasoductos.

Gasoductos con materiales de alta resistencia yprotección contra la corrosiónA lo largo de todo nuestro sistema, utilizamos gasoductos quecumplen o exceden las normas establecidas por la industria del gasnatural y el gobierno federal. En áreas pobladas, instalamos gasoductos de paredes más gruesas para ofrecer un nivel de

protección aún mayor contra las perforacionesy la corrosión.

Todos nuestros gasoductos están revestidos con material especial que ayuda aprevenir la corrosión. Durante la construcción,se aplica un revestimiento protector alrededorde cada soldadura antes de tender el gasoducto en el suelo. Además, se extraen loslíquidos de hidrocarburos, dióxido de carbono

y agua en las plantas de procesamiento para producir gas natural decalidad para gasoducto y para proteger el gasoducto contra los efectos corrosivos de estos contaminantes. Se utiliza proteccióncatódica para suprimir los efectos corrosivos en el suelo, tal como lorequiere el Departamento de Transporte de Estados Unidos.

Pruebas e inspecciones de rutina Realizamos inspecciones y pruebas regulares de nuestros gasoductospara identificar posibles áreas problemáticas. Una de las pruebasrealizadas antes de iniciar las operaciones es la prueba hidrostática.Para determinar si hay secciones débiles en la tubería, se llenan con

agua algunas secciones de la misma yluego se presurizan con presionesmucho más altas que la presión deoperación normal de la tubería.

También realizamos inspeccionesde rutina a lo largo de nuestro sistema degasoducto. Durante la construcción, realizamos pruebas no destructivas decada tubo soldado para verificar quetodas las soldaduras satisfacen las

exigencias de las normas. Una vez que el gasoducto está enoperación, realizamos una inspección visual aérea y terrestre manejando a lo largo del derecho de paso del gasoducto paradetectar cualquier evidencia de erosión del suelo, derrumbamientode tierra, trabajos de construcción o excavación, o cualquier otracosa que pudiese dañar el gasoducto y afectar la seguridad de suoperación. Además, observamos los sistemas que ofrecen protección contra la corrosión a nuestros gasoductos.

Operaciones y monitoreo sofisticados de nuestros gasoductosPara garantizar la operación segura de nuestro sistema de gasoductos,empleamos técnicos altamente capacitados y especializados paraoperar el sistema de acuerdo con los reglamentos gubernamentales

federales, estatales y locales. Cada profesional comparte el compromiso de El Paso de mantener la seguridad del entorno deoperaciones.

La operación segura del sistema es nuestra consideración principal. Esto es evidente por la forma en que observamos y

controlamos el transporte por gasoductodel gas natural. Regulamos con alta precisión la presión del gas dentro de loslímites establecidos por el Departamentode Transporte de Estados Unidos, paramantener la integridad y garantizar elfuncionamiento confiable y seguro delsistema de gasoducto.

Las estaciones de compresores a intervalos a lo largo del sistemade gasoducto están equipadas con varios dispositivos de seguridad.Uno de estos sistemas de seguridad, el cual es común a todas lasestaciones de compresores, es el sistema de paro de emergencia.Cuando está activado, el sistema de paro de emergencia detiene losmotores, aísla y ventila las tuberías de compresores y dirige el gaslejos de la estación.

Si la presión dentro del gasoducto cambia en algún momento,se alerta de inmediato a nuestro centro de control de gas. El centroestá diseñado para observar y controlar el sistema completo degasoductos las 24 horas, 365 días por año, mediante sofisticadoequipo de computación y telecomunicaciones. Si se detectan fluctuaciones de presión anormales en cualquier sección a lo largodel gasoducto, el centro de control toma las medidas apropiadas, lascuales podrían incluir desviar el flujo de gas alrededor del área delproblema o aislar en forma selectiva secciones del gasoducto paracambiar la trayectoria del flujo de gas. De esta manera, se mantienennuestras altas normas de seguridad con un efecto mínimo en el servicio a nuestros clientes.

Programas de concientización públicaJunto con todo lo que hacemos en El Paso Natural Gas para operaren forma segura nuestro sistema de gasoductos, también necesitamosla ayuda del público. Con ese fin, hemos establecido un extenso programa para asegurar que el público esté informado acerca denuestro gasoducto y pueda ayudarnos a mantener su funcionamiento con el menor riesgo posible.

Trabajamos con compañías de construcción locales y con propietarios de terrenos cercanos al gasoducto, y les proporcionamosinformación importante acerca de la ubicación del gasoducto, procedimientos de emergencia, y los nombres y números de teléfonosde nuestros empleados clave.

Además, identificamos la ubicación de nuestros gasoductoscon marcadores, banderas o letreros. Proporcionamos informaciónsobre dónde y a quién llamar en caso de una emergencia o si esnecesario excavar cerca del gasoducto. Cualquier persona quenecesite realizar actividades de excavación debe notificar la ubicación exacta de una excavación planificada al Centro deLlamada Única (One Call Center) estatal. Dicho centro contactará alos operadores del gasoducto, quienes enviarán un representantepara marcar las tuberías en las inmediaciones de la excavación.

Page 3: What El Paso Natural Gas Does TO MAKE PIPELINES SAFE€¦ · For El Paso Natural Gas pipeline emergencies, ... y agua en las plantas de procesamiento para producir gas natural de

Qué puede hacer USTED para ayudar nos

Reconozca los marcadores de tuberías

Se utilizan varios tipos de letreros marcadores de gasoductos paraindicar la presencia y ubicación general de las tuberías subterráneas.Los letreros presentan información acerca del producto transportadoen el gasoducto, quién opera el gasoducto y cómo contactar a lacompañía propietaria del mismo.

Excave sin riesgo

La probabilidad de dañar un gasoducto durante las actividades deexcavación o construcción se puede reducir significativamente si usted:

• Llama al Centro de Llamada Única (One Call Center) de su estado antes de excavar

• Espera a que un representante del gasoducto marque el sitio(usted no incurre ningún costo por este servicio)

• Respeta todos los marcadores de gasoductos

• Excava con cuidado

CALL BEFORE EXCAVATINGOR IN AN EMERGENCY

1–800–334-8047

HIGHPRESSUREPIPELINE

NOTICE:DAMAGE OR REMOVAL

OF THIS SIGN IS AFEDERAL OFFENSE

SUBJECT TO A $5000FINE AND/OR 1 YEAR

IMPRISONMENT

WARNINGGAS

PIPELINE

Voltee la tapa hacia abajo para continuar

National One Call Directory – by state

Emergency Gas Control (800) 334-8047P. O. Box 1087Colorado Springs, CO 80944

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Safety First!¡Primero la Seguridad!

ARIZONA Arizona Blue Stake, Inc. (800) 782-5348 or (602) 263-1100

CALIFORNIAUnderground Service Alert North (800) 227-2600Underground Service Alert South (800) 227-2600 or (800) 422-4133

COLORADOUtility Notification Center of Colorado (800) 922-1987 or (800) 833-9417

NEW MEXICONew Mexico One Call System, Inc. (800) 321-ALERT or (505) 260-1990Las Cruces-Dona Ana Utility Council (888) 526-0400 or (505) 526-0400

OKLAHOMACall Okie (800) 522-6543 or (800) 654-8249

TEXASLone Star Notification Center (800) 669-8344 or (713) 223-4567Texas Excavation Safety System (800) 344-8377Texas One Call System (800) 245-4545 or (412) 415-5000

REV 4/03

Necesitamos la ayuda de los propietarios de terrenos, de los excavadores y del público en general para man-tener la seguridad de nuestro sistema de gasoductos. Sírvase leer la siguiente información y utilice nuestrosnúmeros de teléfonos sin cargo para comunicarse con nosotros las 24 horas, siete días a semana, si observaalguna actividad anormal cerca de una de nuestras instalaciones de gasoductos.

Page 4: What El Paso Natural Gas Does TO MAKE PIPELINES SAFE€¦ · For El Paso Natural Gas pipeline emergencies, ... y agua en las plantas de procesamiento para producir gas natural de

Safety First!¡Primero laSeguridad!

Pipeline markers...

...come in different shapes...

... for easy recognition.

WhatYOUCanDo To Help

Turn flap down to continue

Recognize pipeline markers

Various types of pipeline marker signs are used to show the presenceand general location of underground pipelines. The signs displayinformation about what each pipeline transports, who operates thepipeline, and how to contact the pipeline company.

Dig safely

The likelihood of pipeline damage during excavation or constructioncan be greatly reduced if you:

• Call your state One Call Center before digging or excavating

• Wait for the site to be marked by a pipeline representative(There is no cost to you for this service)

• Respect all pipeline markers

• Dig with care

CALL BEFORE EXCAVATINGOR IN AN EMERGENCY

1–800–334-8047

HIGHPRESSUREPIPELINE

NOTICE:DAMAGE OR REMOVAL

OF THIS SIGN IS AFEDERAL OFFENSE

SUBJECT TO A $5000FINE AND/OR 1 YEAR

IMPRISONMENT

WARNINGGAS

PIPELINE

To maintain a safe pipeline system, we need the assistance of landowners, excavators, andthe general public. Please read the following information and use our toll-free telephonenumbers to notify us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if you observe any abnormal activitynear one of our pipeline facilities.