Do You Live Near a Pipeline?

Pipelines exist almost everywhere throughout the U.S. and chances are you may live near or drive past one every day. Although pipelines are generally buried underground, there are several ways you can see if there is a pipeline in your neighborhood.

Pipelines are marked by above ground signs to provide an indication of their presence, location, product carried and the name and contact information of the company that operates the pipeline.

The signs are generally yellow, black and red in color.

The primary function of these above ground markers is to identify the location of the pipeline generally as an alert to those who might be working along the pipeline corridor for another utility or during the construction of homes or businesses nearby.

Pipelines are located in areas called a right-of-way (ROW) and these ROW’s are often recognizable as corridors that are clear of trees, buildings or other structures except for the pipeline markers. Another thing you might see out walking in your neighborhood or driving along the road is a fenced and secured area with some aboveground piping. These secured areas often house access to valves along the pipeline system. These valves are controlled remotely to stop the flow of products in a pipeline.