Greer CPW Pipeline Safety Public Awareness

Thank you for visiting; Greer CPW appreciates your time to learn about the energy pipeline in your area.

While these pipelines go unnoticed most of the time, the team at Greer CPW take a great deal of pride in building, operating, maintaining and improving the underground infrastructure that transports energy to Greenville and Spartanburg counties, and we want to share some important information to keep you safe when digging, or in the unlikely event that you detect an unplanned release of natural gas.

PLEASE TAKE LESS THAN A MINUTE TO GIVE US FEEDBACK




Staying Safe in Your Neighborhood


Pipelines in Your Neighborhood

It is possible that pipelines carrying natural gas, petroleum or other various products are located within or near your neighborhood. These pipelines have an excellent safety record and pipeline companies have integrated numerous safety mechanisms to ensure maximum safety and efficiency for all pipelines. These mechanisms include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Adherence to U.S. DOT Regulation
  • Periodic pipeline patrols to ensure the security and integrity of each pipeline
  • Placement of proper markings so pipelines are easily identified including contact numbers on all signs and Emergency Plans with first responder training

How To Recognize A Leak

Even though pipelines have an exceptional safety record, a leak may occur. Indications of a leak might include:

SMELL: A strange or unusual odor in the vicinity of the pipeline. DO NOT depend on your sense of smell for indicating the continuing presence of any gas or for warning of hazardous concentrations.

HEAR: A hissing or roaring sound (caused by a product escaping from a pipeline).

SEE: Dirt flying in the air over or near a pipeline or bubbling in water. An ice ball on the ground in warm weather, pooling of liquid or a dense white vapor/fog over where a pipeline is located. Flames originating from an opening in the ground, dead vegetation, open flames near exposed pipeline.


If You Become Aware of a Leak

  • LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY IN AN UPWIND DIRECTION.
  • Call 911, then call Greer CPW at 865-848-5500 (Option 2)
  • Avoid operating a vehicle or any tools or equipment near the area of the leak.
  • Avoid direct contact with the escaping gas or liquids.
  • Avoid creating sparks or sources of heat which could cause the gas or other product to ignite. If you find yourself in a suspected gaseous area, DO NOT light a match, start an engine, or even switch on an electric light.
  • Notify the pipeline operator as soon as possible. If long distance, call collect. Give your name, a description of the leak and its location. If you do not know who to call, call your local fire, police, sheriff’s department, or state police. Advise them of the nature of the emergency and its location.

Possible Hazards of Pipeline Products

If a leak occurs on the pipeline, some of the materials being transported could cause environmental damage. Other products may be highly flammable, or harmful if inhaled, cause eye or skin irritation, and difficulty breathing. Because of these potential hazards it is important to be able to recognize a pipeline leak.


How Do I Know Where the Pipeline is Located?

The best way to identify the location of all underground facilities in a planned excavation area is to submit a locate request from 811. Many pipelines are not identifiable above ground.

Above-Ground Pipeline Markers

Some pipelines, known as transmission lines due to their higher pressures, are identifiable by pipeline markers that are installed above ground periodically and at intersections with railroads, highways and waterways. These markers come in a variety of shapes and colors.

It is important to recognize that these markers identify the approximate location of a pipeline right-of-way, which may be many feet wide, and that the marker is often not directly above the pipeline. Never use permanent pipeline markers as an indication of where to dig; always call for a facility locate request from 811.

    Find Pipelines Near You

    For a high-level overview of transmission and hazardous liquids pipelines, the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration maintains a public pipeline map viewer here.
    The NPMS map does not show distribution lines or service line or non-jurisdictional lines on private property. Never use the NPMS map to determine where it is safe to excavate. Always call 811 before you dig for the most up-to-date and accurate information about pipeline locations.


Additional Resources


Powered by EverLine and Studiothink


FOR MORE INFORMATION