Knowledge is power.  And since Sept. 11, 2001, America has become more cautious with public knowledge, making sure that power does not fall into the wrong hands.

Homeland security is a top priority for the U.S. pipeline industry.  Responsible for overseeing the nation’s 200,000 miles of oil pipelines, the industry is faced with the difficult task of protecting pipelines from terrorist attack, while also keeping the public informed about pipeline locations.

Finding a balance between the two is a new and important challenge. 

With the war on terrorism raising tensions around the globe, the pipeline industry has taken significant steps to secure the nation’s critical energy infrastructure.

The industry has increased pipeline surveillance and is conducting even more thorough employee background checks to protect pipelines from terrorist threats.  Pipeline companies have also teamed up with state and local law enforcement officials to share security information and develop emergency notification plans.

Balanced against that sense of confidentiality is the pipeline industry’s responsibility for informing and protecting the communities it serves.  While the nation’s pipelines go unnoticed by most people, the public needs to know where pipeline systems are located to avoid disrupting and damaging the system.

The industry set up extensive programs to inform the public about pipeline rights of way, pipeline safety and pipeline risks. Pipeline routes are marked by above-ground signs in yellow, black or red. The primary purpose is to inform the public of the location of a pipeline and alert those who might be working along the pipeline corridor.

Anyone planning to dig should contact his or her local “One Call” center. These state-governed centers have been set up to provide pipeline location and other damage prevention information. Additional information can be found at the Dig Safely Web site, http://digsafely.com/, the Common Ground Alliance Web site, http://www.commongroundalliance.com/, or by calling 1-888-258-0808.

Proposed new safety regulations will require that all pipeline companies conduct public awareness campaigns along pipeline rights of way.  Community meetings, as well as mailings, help people recognize potential or actual pipeline emergencies and they provide the public with pipeline company contact information. Pipeline safety drills also take place to ensure that information is shared and emergency responses are coordinated.

Local residents can also access safety statistics, National Transportation Safety Board after-accident reports and other filings. These reports are all publicly available.

By strengthening pipeline security and creating community outreach programs, the oil pipeline industry is able to strike the balance between protecting pipelines and informing the public about pipeline safety.