Pipeline Safety is Serious Business for Walden Gas
Pipeline Safety is serious business for Walden Gas
Pipelines are the only practical means of transporting natural gas. Walden Gas operates 115 miles of gas transportation and distribution pipelines. These are part of a 1.5-million-mile national underground pipeline network. Most Americans are unaware of this vital transportation system that delivers about 25% of the energy that drives our economy.
All gas pipeline companies are subject to regulation by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and state agencies. Walden Gas operations are regularly inspected for DOT compliance by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission or the Wyoming Public Service Commission.
DOT requires Walden Gas and other pipeline companies to monitor and continually improve the safety and integrity of their pipelines. Walden Gas accomplishes this through its Operating Partnership with Pinedale Natural Gas (PNG). PNG has programs to qualify its workers and keep them substance-free, to increase public awareness about pipeline safety, and to avoid hazards through damage prevention. Because of DOT oversight, gas pipelines are the safest transportation system in the US.
Pipeline Safety from the Beginning
The DOT has rigorous standards for pipeline design, construction, maintenance, testing, and operation.
Every new PNG provided facility is designed to meet or exceed DOT requirements. PNG uses DOT-qualified plastic and steel pipe, meters and equipment; we coat and protect all steel pipe from corrosion; we use only qualified pipe welders and joiners; we inspect all pipe during construction; and test the completed project to at least 150% of its normal operating pressure.
While in service, the entire Walden Gas system is operated, maintained and monitored under the DOT regulations. Our extensive Operations & Maintenance plan details the DOT requirements. We check corrosion protection on steel lines. We check for leaks and abnormal conditions along each line. We mark our transmission pipelines with permanent yellow signs with contact numbers. We have our lines located when needed plus watch for unauthorized third-party excavators. We operate each valve and check pressure regulators and safety devices. We meet with local safety officials to review emergency response procedures. We place public awareness ads and send mailers to educate the public about gas safety. We have remote pressure monitors and a 24/7 response center to quickly respond to any leak, accident or other reported emergency.
All of these are part of Walden Gas’ written O&M, accident prevention, and emergency response procedures that comply with DOT regulations.
Our Operating Partner Pinedale Natural Gas operates about 120 miles of pipelines serving the town of Pinedale Wyoming, part of the 2.5 million mile pipeline system that delivers energy to over 60 Million homes, businesses & public buildings in the USA.
