Before you dig, excavate, or blast, call 811.
To prevent natural gas leaks due to ruptured pipelines, it is important for everyone to call 811 before they begin any digging project. It's free, and it's the law!
Pipeline Safety
At Peoples, pipeline safety is our top priority. Here, you can learn about our emergency plans, safety commitment, and infrastructure maintenance efforts.
Natural gas pipelines are among the safest methods of fuel transportation. The industry invests millions annually in research and technology to enhance safety and reliability of the vast network of pipelines spanning the United States.
To maintain safety, the natural gas pipeline industry follows strict regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration. These standards govern the design, construction, maintenance, and testing of pipeline systems.
Mandated Pipeline Integrity Management programs require operators to assess pipeline integrity and analyze risks, particularly in highly populated areas. At Peoples, we use preventive and mitigative measures to minimize risks, prevent leaks or failures, and ensure the safe delivery of natural gas to homes and businesses.
Putting safety first: Emergency Response Plan
Peoples prioritizes protecting the public, employees, environment, and property while maintaining a reliable pipeline system. We follow federal, state, and local regulations for identifying and managing emergencies.
Our emergency response plan outlines procedures, guidelines, support, and communication to minimize risks to people, property, and the environment. It addresses potential emergencies across Peoples' transmission, distribution, storage, and gathering systems.
What Is a Pipeline Emergency?
A pipeline emergency is a suspected leak, fire or encroachment of the pipe. A leak can be identified by:
- SIGHT: Dirt or water blowing up from the ground may indicate a natural gas leak.
- SOUND: Natural gas leaks may have a loud, high-pitched whistle or roar.
- SMELL: A strong odor of natural gas can indicate unburned fuel
In the event of an emergency, please call Peoples emergency line at 1-800-400-4271. This line will answer 24 hours a day. Please use this line for emergencies only.
Natural Gas Safety for First Responders
The e-SMART tool helps first responders such as firefighters, police, and EMTs work safely during gas-related emergencies. As the first on the scene, they face the highest risks from natural gas leaks and fires. Click below for advanced safety information, training tools, and related resources.
Safety Resources & Commitment
We are committed to protecting you, your property, and the environment. By utilizing programs listed below, we are better equipped to detect the possibility of a leak prior to it actually occurring. Using the latest technology, security, and industry practices, natural gas pipelines are monitored to maintain service and safety.
Natural Gas Safety Programs
- Design and construction planning with local agencies
- Monitoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Integrity management programs
- Inspection by air and foot patrol
- Provide training for Emergency Responders and Excavators
- Public awareness and Damage Prevention Programs
- Coordination and communication with police and fire officials
Natural Gas Safety Websites
For more information regarding pipeline safety and an overview of the pipeline industry, please visit the following websites:
- Pipeline 101
- American Gas Association
- Common Ground Alliance
- Office of Pipeline Safety
- National Transportation and Safety Board
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- National Fire Protection Association
Maintaining Pipes: Peoples Pipeline Integrity Programs
Peoples places the highest priority on the safe operation of our pipeline system.
At Peoples, we have integrity programs mandated by federal code. These programs are designed to maintain the safe delivery of natural gas through the Transmission and Distribution systems in order to ensure the safety of our employees, customers, and the community. We adhere to all safety laws and regulations, responding to pipeline integrity issues in a prompt and efficient manner. Click through the options below to learn more about our programs.
Peoples Integrity Management Program
Peoples has an Integrity Management Program, designed to monitor transmission pipelines in our service areas. The plan outlines methods for handling threats and maintaining the integrity of the pipeline. Our program includes procedures and practices that ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to our customers. Here is a list of some of these procedures and practices:
All of Peoples' pipelines operate at closely monitored pressures within the parameters established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. We monitor our system 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, so that any changes in the system may be dealt with in a prompt fashion.
- Computer-assisted control centers with the ability to detect and interpret changes in line pressure.
- Periodic in-line inspections.
- Periodic aerial patrols to monitor our Right of Ways.
- Ground patrols to inspect situations that may affect the buried pipelines.
- Trained maintenance personnel to service and monitor stations along the pipelines.
Transmission Integrity Management Program
The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 mandates certain pipeline regulations and additional communication with businesses and residents in "High Consequence Areas" along natural gas transmission pipelines. These areas:
- Meet certain population density criteria
- Contain populations of impaired mobility, such as hospitals and schools
- Are where people congregate, such as parks and stadiums
Peoples Distribution Integrity Management Program
The Peoples Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) began in 2011, and is dedicated to the safe operation of the Distribution System that delivers natural gas to our customers. A committed staff maintains the integrity of the system, and ensures the safe delivery of natural gas to our customers. All employees are involved in Distribution Integrity. The DIMP Plan, managed by a team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), meets all the requirements of the code.
Public Awareness Program - RP 1162
Peoples maintains a Public Awareness Program to share safety and pipeline information with the public in accordance with RP 1162 guidance.
Customer Rights and Responsibilities: Right-of-Way
Here, we discuss a customer's rights and responsibilities when it comes to right-of-ways.
A pipeline right-of-way is a strip of land around natural gas pipelines and facilities, typically established through an easement agreement with a current or prior property owner. Easements grant Peoples permanent, limited access to operate, inspect, maintain, and replace pipelines.
Easements can be up to 60 feet wide. If your property includes an easement, it’s important to know its location and the position of Peoples’ pipeline within it.
For safety, rights-of-way must remain clear of trees, brush, buildings, and other obstructions. This ensures we can safely operate pipelines, respond to emergencies, prevent damage, perform maintenance, and meet federal and state inspection requirements.
Above-Ground Structures
Above-ground structures, such as buildings, storage sheds, and brick, concrete, or block fences and walls are NOT permitted within the right-of-way without the prior consent of Peoples.
Fences
Vinyl, wood, and/or chain link fences are permitted within the right-of-way if:
- Peoples gives prior written consent
- They follow the property line
- They cross the right-of-way at an angle not less than 90 degrees to the pipeline
- An adequately sized gate is installed in each fence crossing for periodic patrol and maintenance access
- No fence post is installed closer than 5 feet to the pipeline
Roads and Driveways
Concrete, asphalt, gravel, and/or dirt roads, driveways, and pathways are NOT permitted within the right-of-way without prior consent of Peoples.
Other Surface Improvements
Sport courts (i.e. tennis, basketball, etc.) concrete patios, or other hard-surface improvements are NOT permitted within the right-of-way without prior consent of Peoples.
Other Utilities
Other utilities may be installed within the right-of-way, with the property owner's consent, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Prior written consent must be obtained from Peoples to construct or install a proposed utility parallel within or crossing perpendicular to a Peoples easement. The other utilities must not interfere with the pipeline.
Cover
A minimum of 3 feet, but no more than 6 feet of cover must be maintained over the pipeline. Any exceptions or changes to the ground contour in the right-of-way require Peoples prior written consent.
Landscape
Do NOT plant trees or high shrubs on the right-of-way.
Storage
Do NOT build, store, or place anything on or near the right-of-way without first calling 811 or Peoples.
Excavating
Do NOT dig, tunnel, or bore without first calling 811.