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 Our
Commitment
Millions
of energy consumers depend on Gulfstream Natural Gas System to
deliver clean-burning, domestic natural gas in an
environmentally safe, reliable manner 24-hours a day, 365 days a
year.
At
Gulfstream, we value your trust. That is why we are so committed
to doing everything we can to protect the integrity of our
operations. This includes continually monitoring and maintaining
our pipeline facilities to provide the uninterrupted supply of
energy so many have come to rely on.
Because
most of our facilities are underground, you may not give us much
thought. However, our operations do touch many lives and it is
important that we form a partnership with the public to ensure
the safety of this vast transportation network.
An
enviable record
According
to statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board and
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), natural gas
pipelines are this country’s safest form of energy
transportation. Interstate pipelines are regulated by the
DOT’s Office of Pipeline Safety, which imposes a broad range
of construction and operations standards and specifications.
The
Gulfstream system
Interstate
natural gas pipelines like Gulfstream undergo a wide range of
inspection requirements for design; material specifications;
construction standards; and operating, maintenance and testing
procedures, including:
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At
steel rolling mills, where pipe is fabricated, Gulfstream
utilizes the most sophisticated, high-strength steel
available – steel that, in many cases, exceeds both
federal and industry-wide standards.
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Protective
coatings are applied to the steel pipeline at the pipe mill
to control corrosion.
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During
construction Gulfstream carefully inspects the fabrication of the pipeline, including x-raying welds linking the
pipe joints.
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Once
the pipeline is in the ground and before it is placed into
service, it is pressure-tested with water in excess of its
operating pressure to test its ability to withstand high pressure.
This process is called hydrostatic testing.
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Mainline
valves are equipped with remote control technology and can
be shut off immediately from our centralized Gas Control
Center.
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After
the pipeline is placed into service, pipeline markers are
posted at regular intervals to mark its presence.
Gulfstream’s toll-free, 24-hour telephone number is posted
on these markers.
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After
the pipeline is installed, a electrical system known as “cathodic protection” is utilized to control corrosion.
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Regular
inspections by motor
vehicles and low-flying patrol aircraft keep a watchful eye
on the pipeline routes and adjacent areas.
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Maintenance
crews perform regular facility inspections, monitor for
construction activity in the vicinity of the pipeline, and
maintain the pipeline and its right-of-way.
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The
pipeline undergos periodic maintenance inspections,
including leak surveys and valve and safety device
inspections. An internal computerized inspection device
known as a “smart pig” will also be utilized onshore to
examine the pipe's condition.
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Gulfstream
representatives conduct meetings with with local emergency
response officials, excavation contractors and local
landowners to inform them about pipeline operations.
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A
centralized Gas Control Center uses computers to
continuously monitor the pipeline system 24 hours a day, 365
days a year.
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