Pipelines play an important role in our daily lives. The 200,000 miles of oil pipelines traversing this country represents an estimated $200 to $400 billion investment in an infrastructure that is vital to our economy, safety, and standard of living. This system of pipelines serves as a national network to move the energy resources we need from production areas or ports of entry throughout North America to consumers, airports, military bases, population centers and industry every day.

Pipeline companies take their responsibility seriously to ensure safe and reliable operations. But the affected public along the pipeline route can also play an important role in pipeline safety. Awareness is the key to preventing pipeline accidents. Eyes and ears along our national pipeline network can assist with identifying potential problems, like unauthorized excavation on the right-of-way. Everyone can contribute to safety and security by knowing where pipelines are in their communities, how to recognize unauthorized activity or abnormal conditions that could be a leak and how to respond in the case of a pipeline accident.

Everyone should also be aware of his or her state’s system for contacting the local one-call center. Anyone using mechanized digging equipment—whether it is building a fence, digging drainage ditches, adding an addition to a house or building a new facility— is responsible for contacting the state’s one-call system to ensure that underground utilities are not hit during excavation activities.

So how can you learn more about the role you play in pipeline operations? Visit the Pipelines and You section to learn more information from our site, or click on the Dig Safely or Common Ground Alliance logos below. Both organizations are dedicated to educating the public about preventing damage of underground utilities, including pipelines.