Public safety is the top priority for Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline. The pipeline was designed and constructed and operates in accordance with the safety requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). According to National Transportation Safety Board statistics, the U.S. interstate pipeline system is the safest energy delivery system in the nation.

The pipeline is built of high-strength carbon steel and was coated with fusion-bonded epoxy, a corrosion resistant, non-conductive resin that provides cathodic protection and forms a waterproof seal around the pipe. Coating on the entire pipeline was electronically inspected before the pipeline was placed into the ground. Some pipe segments may have concrete coating for additional weight, as required. Additionally, the pipeline is periodically tested to verify its structural integrity.

Monitoring the Pipeline

Pipelines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are constantly monitored by technicians using advanced computer systems at the Gas Control Centre. The technicians keep detailed data on the entire pipeline system and can remotely operate shut-off valves along the route.

The pipeline easement is routinely patrolled by aircraft and, in heavily populated areas, by foot patrol. Computer-assisted control center also closely monitor the pipeline system. These control centres operate on a 24 hour basis with skilled controllers who can quickly isolate a section of pipeline, if necessary, by remotely closing valves.

Full time crews, based at points along the pipeline route, regularly travel in trucks and on foot to inspect valves and other parts of the system. They make sure the route is clearly marked and maintain contact with people living near the pipeline. If a problem occurs, these crews will take immediate steps to make repairs, minimize danger to the public and protect the environment.

The public may contact the 24-Hour Gas Control/Emergency Response Center toll-free at 1-888-576-4634.

An important key to public safety is continuing pipeline surveillance. Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Operations conduct regular inspections of the right-of-way by air and on the ground.

Dig Safe: Using the Right-of-Way

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline adheres to very strict guidelines regulating right-of-way use. Government statistics cite damage by a third party, someone other than the owner or operator of the line, as the leading cause of accidents on natural gas lines. For the protection of the public and the pipeline, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline must approve any physical work conducted on the right-of-way.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline participates in the Dig Safe or One Call program for Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Dig Safe provides contractors and residents with accurate information about the location of the pipeline, informs Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline of planned excavations and allows Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline to monitor activities around the right-of-way. For more information on Dig Safe, go to www.digsafe.com.

Refer to Crossing and Encroachment Guide & Requirements for details on what activities require written consent, and how to obtain Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline’s written consent.

Safety Programs

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline closely adheres to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and U.S. DOT procedures for emergency response planning and incident reporting. An Emergency Response Plan has been filed with the appropriate agencies and includes the names and phone numbers of agencies and persons to be contacted in the event of an emergency.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Operations has extensive response expertise to effectively manage emergency situations.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Operations has established liaisons with state and municipal public safety officials and provided them with emergency response.