The Transportation of Natural Gas
“The efficient and effective movement of natural gas from producing regions to consumption regions requires an extensive and elaborate transportation system.”
The transportation system for the Natural Gas is not for an immediate transportation, it could be in a storage, since the gas consists of a complex network of pipeline which is designed to transport natural gas from it’s origin, to other areas.
http://www.naturalgas.org/naturalgas/transport.asp
Pipeline Companies Have More Rights than Residents?
“Hundreds of thousands of acres above the Marcellus Shale have been leased with the intent of drilling wells for natural gas. However, most of the leased properties are not adjacent to a natural gas pipeline. The total natural gas pipeline capacity currently available is a tiny fraction of what will be needed.
Several new pipelines must be built to transport millions of cubic feet of natural gas per day to major markets. In addition, thousands of miles of natural gas gathering systems must be built to connect individual wells to the major pipelines. And pipelines mean compressor stations, which have been implicated in health problems to nearby residents.”
I do not agree with this “idea” because not only may it be too close to the residents but because there was a recent explosion in San Francisco suburb and unfortunately many property owners will be asked to sign a “right-of-way agreement”; which is; If the owner signs and it turns out not to be associated with the gas production, the owner could be compensated for signing the agreement. The compensation could be as low as a few dollars per linear foot. So for these home owners it is a difficult decision.
http://marcellus-wv.com/impacts/pipelines
“Though pipeline companies are private, federal law gives them the right to take property for pipelines through eminent domain.”
The Law states that the pipeline companies are private and if they want to use a certain property they have the right to take it with no force. But because the law states the property could be in use for a pipeline project; the fear in home owners is at high risk, even though recently there has been news regarding the age of the pipe(s). The process of replacing the aged pipe(s) could turn into a non-noticeable leakage or even an eruptive pipeline which can cause a fire and lead to many residents’ homes damaged or even gone. So the real question is; how will the government look at this agreement regarding any tragic fire, explosion to homes that were against a pipeline project being built near their resident’s home?
Pipeline Information and Facts
How does the PNGTS Pipeline work?
Natural gas travels from producing regions in Canada to PNGTS's consumers through its high capacity pipeline. During transportation and storage, natural gas is compressed to save space. Current pipelines have the ability to compress natural gas to nearly 1,500 psi, but PNGTS operates closer to 1,100 psi. The PNGTS pipeline is made of high-strength welded steel and is designed to operate safely at pressures up to 1,440 psi. The pipe was tested at even higher pressure levels before being placed into commercial operation. However, because the gas is under high pressure, it is very important to protect the pipe from accidental scrapes and gouges through the use of the DigSafe system as well as periodic patrols of the right of way by PNGTS field personnel.
How long does a pipeline last?
A properly installed, well-maintained pipeline can operate safely and efficiently for decades. The pipeline has been coated and protected against corrosion, and all welds have been x-rayed during construction. In addition, PNGTS regularly inspects the system for damage or deterioration. Sections of pipe can be removed and replaced, if necessary.
How are Gas Pipelines Regulated?
As an interstate natural gas pipeline, PNGTS is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under the Natural Gas Act of 1938, FERC regulates both the construction of pipeline facilities and the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce. In addition, FERC also regulates the transportation of natural gas as authorized by The Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (one of the first efforts to deregulate the gas industry). Pipelines must also comply with stringent safety regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Of all transportation industries regulated by the DOT, including those utilizing highways, railroads, and air routes, the natural gas transportation industry has the best safety record.
What can cause a pipeline accident?
The vast majority of pipeline accidents in the United States are caused by third-party damage, typically when someone excavates too close to the pipeline without proper notification to the pipeline operator or DigSafe. Fortunately, this type of damage is preventable - through the cooperation of our landowners and contractors working along the right-of-way. Other factors that can cause a pipeline accident include construction material defects, internal pipe corrosion, external pipe corrosion, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. To increase safety and reduce the potential for a pipeline accident, PNGTS was designed and built with the following features:
-High grade materials standard in the industry
-Fusion bond coating of external pipe areas
-A cathodic protection system
Source:
http://www.pngts.com/safety.html#life
Accidents during Construction
How does the PNGTS Pipeline work?
Natural gas travels from producing regions in Canada to PNGTS's consumers through its high capacity pipeline. During transportation and storage, natural gas is compressed to save space. Current pipelines have the ability to compress natural gas to nearly 1,500 psi, but PNGTS operates closer to 1,100 psi. The PNGTS pipeline is made of high-strength welded steel and is designed to operate safely at pressures up to 1,440 psi. The pipe was tested at even higher pressure levels before being placed into commercial operation. However, because the gas is under high pressure, it is very important to protect the pipe from accidental scrapes and gouges through the use of the DigSafe system as well as periodic patrols of the right of way by PNGTS field personnel.
How long does a pipeline last?
A properly installed, well-maintained pipeline can operate safely and efficiently for decades. The pipeline has been coated and protected against corrosion, and all welds have been x-rayed during construction. In addition, PNGTS regularly inspects the system for damage or deterioration. Sections of pipe can be removed and replaced, if necessary.
How are Gas Pipelines Regulated?
As an interstate natural gas pipeline, PNGTS is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under the Natural Gas Act of 1938, FERC regulates both the construction of pipeline facilities and the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce. In addition, FERC also regulates the transportation of natural gas as authorized by The Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (one of the first efforts to deregulate the gas industry). Pipelines must also comply with stringent safety regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Of all transportation industries regulated by the DOT, including those utilizing highways, railroads, and air routes, the natural gas transportation industry has the best safety record.
What can cause a pipeline accident?
The vast majority of pipeline accidents in the United States are caused by third-party damage, typically when someone excavates too close to the pipeline without proper notification to the pipeline operator or DigSafe. Fortunately, this type of damage is preventable - through the cooperation of our landowners and contractors working along the right-of-way. Other factors that can cause a pipeline accident include construction material defects, internal pipe corrosion, external pipe corrosion, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. To increase safety and reduce the potential for a pipeline accident, PNGTS was designed and built with the following features:
-High grade materials standard in the industry
-Fusion bond coating of external pipe areas
-A cathodic protection system
Source:
http://www.pngts.com/safety.html#life