Pipeline Safety
Conducting safe operations is ENSTAR’s first priority. ENSTAR operates and maintains approximately 3,500 miles of gas distribution and transmission main throughout its service area. ENSTAR’s gas pipeline system is designed, installed, and maintained with the highest regard for safety in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local government statutes and regulations. ENSTAR is regularly inspected to ensure that its pipeline operations meet industry standards.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Pipeline Safety (USDOT), Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) oversees minimum safety regulations for the transportation of natural gas by pipelines. The DOT safety regulations are currently published in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
A key component of safe operations is ensuring public awareness of the location of ENSTAR pipelines and providing general pipeline safety information.
ENSTAR Inspects its Pipelines Regularly, in Compliance with Applicable Regulations
ENSTAR’s Integrity Management Program (IMP) includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:
- Operators conduct in-line inspections using tools that travel through the pipeline recording information about the conditions of the pipe.
- Operators hydrostatically test pipelines.
- Operators perform Direct Assessments of the pipelines followed by pipeline data aggregation. ENSTAR further confirms findings and evaluates the results of the Direct Assessments.
- In each case of evaluation, if the pipeline is not in satisfactory condition, repairs are made to ensure the pipeline’s safe and continuous operability.
Contact the Engineering Department for any inquiries regarding ENSTAR's Integrity Management Program.
ENSTAR is Actively Regulated to Ensure Compliance with Safety Regulations
As a natural gas system operator, the DOT requires ENSTAR to:
- Deliver gas safely and reliably to customers.
- Provide training and written instruction for employees.
- Establish written procedures to minimize hazards resulting from gas pipeline emergencies.
- Keep records of inspections and testing.
- Test employees in safety-sensitive positions for prohibited drugs and alcohol.
- Be subject to periodic audits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
ENSTAR Only Permits Qualified Personnel to Work on its Pipelines
Only qualified individuals meeting all applicable requirements may perform work on ENSTAR facilities. At a minimum, such individuals must comply with applicable federal, state and local regulations, statutes, and ordinances.
