Safety is our top priority
Our goal is to make ConocoPhillips Pipe Line Company's (CPPL) pipelines safer by sharing important safety information with our neighbors.
Operating Safely
Some of the ways we make our pipelines and terminals safe include:
• Central control center manned 24-hours-a-day
• Aerial inspections of pipeline rights-of-way
• Internal inspections of pipelines (Play video)
• Hydrotesting – testing line integrity using water
• Cathodic protection to mitigate corrosion
• Emergency response training with local fire and police departments
• Excavator education and support of state one-call centers
Call Before You Dig
In addition to the precautions we take to maintain our pipelines, CPPL needs your help in keeping our pipelines safe. Many pipeline emergencies are attributed to damage caused by third parties digging or excavating around pipelines. Call your state’s one-call center at least two or three working days (varies by state) before digging. In fact, it’s the law to notify the one-call center before you dig.
The one-call center will let you know if there are any buried utilities in the area and the utility companies will be notified to come out and clearly mark the location of their lines.
If you should strike one of our pipelines, even if it does not appear that there is any damage, call 9-1-1, then call CPPL at 1-877-267-2290.
Look for Pipeline Markers
CPPL uses pipeline marker signs like the ones shown to indicate the approximate location of our pipelines underground and the type of product carried in the line. Our emergency phone number is listed on these signs, as well as on this site. A few things to remember about pipeline markers:
• Line markers are placed near the pipelines, but not necessarily directly on top of them
• A pipeline may not follow a straight line between markers
• Line markers cannot be relied on to provide information about the depth or number of pipelines in the area
It is against the law for any person to willfully and knowingly deface, damage, remove or destroy any pipeline sign or right-of-way marker.
If these signs are missing, damaged or otherwise unreadable, please contact us and we’ll replace them.
Maintaining Rights-of-Way
A right-of-way is a strip of ground where pipelines or other underground utilities are buried. If your property has a right-of-way on it, it’s important to keep it clear of trees, buildings, driveways, swimming pools and other structures that would impede our ability to conduct inspections, make repairs or respond to an emergency.
How to Identify a Possible Leak
Use your senses of smell, sight and hearing to detect a potential pipeline leak.
• Smell – Many petroleum products have a distinct smell. “Sour” crude oil contains a toxic gas called hydrogen sulfide (H2S) recognized by its rotten egg odor.
• Sight – Look for brown patches of vegetation or a pool of liquid above the pipeline. A low-lying fog around a pipeline could indicate a propane leak. A rainbow sheen on water is another sign of a possible leak.
• Sound – There may be a hissing or roaring sound associated with some pipeline leaks.
If You Suspect a Pipeline Leak or Other Problem:
1. Turn off engines if operating a motor vehicle or other machinery.
2. Get away from the area and keep others away.
3. Call 9-1-1.
4. Call CPPL’s emergency hotline: 1-877-267-2290.
5. DO NOT attempt to operate pipeline valves or other pipeline equipment.
6. DO NOT turn on an engine or drive into an area where there could be a petroleum product leak.