By James Prothro
Writing for the NVFC
In the tapestry of modern infrastructure, pipelines weave a crucial thread, silently conveying energy or other hazardous materials essential to our daily lives. These hidden conduits underpin much of our economic and energy infrastructure, making the safe operations of pipelines critical to both. To ensure both safety and an effective response to pipeline incidents, a dynamic partnership must exist between pipeline operators, emergency responders, and regulatory bodies like the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
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Despite the numerous benefits of pipelines, there are inherent risks involved in their operation. One of the primary concerns is the potential for leaks or ruptures, which can lead to significant environmental damage and pose a threat to public safety. The release of energy commodities or hazardous liquids, such as gasoline, jet fuel, and natural gas, can contaminate soil, waterways, and even the air we breathe. It is essential to recognize these risks and take appropriate measures to prevent, mitigate, and respond to pipeline incidents effectively.
The bedrock of pipeline safety in the United States is encapsulated in the pipeline safety regulations within Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 190-199. This comprehensive regulatory framework outlines guidelines for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and emergency response planning of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. By adhering to these standards, pipeline operators enhance the structural integrity of their pipeline operations, mitigating potential risks. These regulations stand as a safeguard, bolstering the resilience of pipeline networks.
Compliance is essential. Regular inspections, reporting, and implementation of preventive measures are key responsibilities of pipeline operators to ensure compliance with the regulations. Similarly, pipeline operators are required to develop and maintain emergency response plans and conduct emergency response exercises and drills, providing a clear framework for prompt and effective responses to incidents. Safety regulations require operators to notify emergency response officials of emergencies and coordinate with them preplanned and actual responses.
Emergency Responders and Firefighters: The First Line of Defense
When pipeline incidents arise, emergency responders and firefighters emerge as the vanguard of defense. Often the first to arrive on the scene of an incident, these professionals are armed with training and equipment to confront emergencies involving hazardous materials transported through pipelines. Their swift response plays a pivotal role in containing incidents, protecting lives, and minimizing environmental impact.
When responding to pipeline incidents, there are several key considerations that must be kept in mind. First and foremost, responders must prioritize their safety and the safety of others. Additionally, responders should have a thorough understanding of the substances being transported through the pipeline, as different materials may require different response strategies. Effective and timely communication among responders and with pipeline operators is also essential to coordinate efforts and mitigate the impact of the incident.
Collaboration: Forging a Resilient Response
The effectiveness of emergency response in pipeline incidents rests upon collaboration between pipeline operators and the emergency response community. The union of their skills and insights bolsters the overall safety of pipeline operations, encompassing the following aspects:
- Shared Expertise: Pipeline operators hold a wealth of knowledge about their systems, including pipeline routes, location, valve placements, and characteristics of transported materials. This information enables emergency responders to devise well-informed strategies for swift intervention.
- Customized Response Plans: Effective response demands meticulous planning and synchronization. The includes cooperative effort between pipeline operators and responders to create tailored emergency response plans for the unique characteristics of each pipeline and its surrounding environment.
- Training and Drills: Regular joint training sessions, exercises, and simulated drills amplify understanding and communication between pipeline operators and responders. These actions enable both parties to simulate their roles, pinpoint potential hurdles, and refine their response tactics.
- Prompt Communication: Timely communication during crises is paramount. Establishing clear lines of communication between pipeline operators and responders ensures rapid sharing of pivotal information, expediting informed decision-making and helping to accelerate an effective response.
Pipeline Emergency Responders Initiative (PERI)
PHMSA fosters collaboration between pipeline operators and emergency responders, exemplified by its Pipeline Emergency Responders Initiative (PERI) and an ongoing agreement with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). The PERI program plays an important role in closing the gap on communication and collaboration during pipeline emergencies. PERI originated when it became clear there was a gap in knowledge and information sharing from the pipeline operators to the emergency response community. Beginning in 2012, PHMSA worked side-by-side with pipeline operators and emergency responders to build this public-private partnership. PERI bridges that gap and fosters engagement, training, and information-sharing among the diverse stakeholders involved in pipeline safety and emergency response.
Since 2015, PHMSA has facilitated PERI outreach to all 50 states and will continue to encourage collaborative engagement as a model for safe, effective response to pipeline emergencies. Several states have developed PERI-like programs that serve their broader community well and have exemplified successful collaboration. Information regarding PERI is available at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/peri/pipeline-emergency-responders-initiative-peri-overview.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural emergency response teams, PHMSA collaborates closely with the NVFC to bring effective messaging to the many volunteers across the United States. Rural areas often contend with limited resources and unique obstacles when dealing with pipeline incidents. The joint efforts of PHMSA and the NVFC aim to bridge these gaps, ensuring that volunteer emergency responders are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and training to manage pipeline-related emergencies effectively. Learn more at www.nvfc.org/pipelines.
The message here is to encourage collaboration to enhance the preparedness and capabilities of emergency responders in dealing with incidents involving pipelines and hazardous materials. These initiatives can, and do, involve training programs, information sharing, resource allocation, and collaboration between local emergency response agencies, industry stakeholders and pipeline operators, and the responder community. They help ensure swifter and more effective actions during responses to pipeline emergencies. Collaboration among all parties is the perfect conduit for disseminating best practices, lessons garnered, and technological advancements in emergency management.
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Pipeline safety oversight and effective emergency response are intertwined elements in maintaining the integrity of our critical pipeline infrastructure. More importantly, collaboration between pipeline operators, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies like PHMSA improves the overall safety of the public and the first responders on the front lines. By adhering to federal pipeline safety regulations and using various initiatives like PERI, stakeholders work together to ensure that pipelines remain a reliable and safe means of transportation. Through ongoing collaboration, training, and information sharing, we can continue to strengthen the collective ability to respond to pipeline incidents swiftly and effectively, safeguarding both our communities and the environment.
James Prothro is a community liaison program manager for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. He advances the administration’s mission of pipeline safety by fostering collaborative partnerships through active engagement with pipeline stakeholders, leveraging technical expertise, and utilizing data, technology, and information, effectively mitigating risks to pipelines, the environment, and the public. He serves as PHMSA’s program lead with the National Volunteer Fire Council and the Pipeline Emergency Responders Initiative. Prothro brings over three decades of energy sector experience, spanning roles from pipeline design to wind power development. Prothro holds a bachelor’s degree in natural gas engineering from Texas A&I University.
