Pipeline Integrity
The safe, environmentally responsible operation of our pipelines has always been our priority. The integrity of a pipeline system reflects on the reputation of the operator as a reliable transporter of energy who delivers energy in a timely and cost-effective manner to our customers, while simultaneously doing everything possible to detect and prevent potential risks to our pipelines and host communities.
Vector Pipeline supplements its comprehensive maintenance procedures with integrity management plans for the system. These plans indicate how some segments of our pipelines have a greater potential for affecting public areas—where people live, work or play—in the unlikely event of a leak or incident.
We work with federal and state regulators and local emergency responders to verify that these integrity management plans, pipeline testing and preventive measures are appropriate for the conditions along the route segment.
Vector Pipeline Integrity Assessment and Risk Management Plan
We manage the integrity of our natural gas systems by identifying, assessing and mitigating the risk of a natural gas release, particularly as it relates to design, construction, operation and structural integrity. To supplement our normal maintenance practices, we have an Integrity Assessment and Risk Management Plan for our natural gas systems in higher populated areas. This plan evaluates the probability of a failure on a pipeline system and the consequences of such a failure. Components of this integrated plan include:
- High Consequence Area Identification
- Risk assessment.
- Integrity assessment.
- Risk mitigation.
- Performance measures.
- Management of change.
- Communications.
- Quality control.
Vector Integrity Assessment and Risk Management Plan
The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration's Office of Pipeline Safety provides transmission pipeline operators with specific guidelines on integrity management plans. In some states, regulators have expanded on these federal requirements to govern practices on intrastate pipelines in their jurisdiction. For more details on the federal regulation and to locate pipelines in your area, go to dot.gov or write the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Room 7128, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Vector Pipeline Integrity Management Contact Information
For general information on our integrity management plans, write to us at Public Affairs, Vector Pipeline, Inc., 5400 Westheimer Court, Houston, TX 77056 or email USpublicawareness@Vector-Pipeline.com.