Disclaimer: Links to web sites outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT) are offered for your convenience in accessing related information. Please be aware that when you exit The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) web site, the privacy policy stated on our web site may NOT be the same as that on other web sites. OPS takes no responsibility for and exercises no control over the organization, views, or accuracy of the information contained on their servers.
Addressing Pipeline Security Issues
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, awareness of safeguards and security needs relative to our nation's critical energy infrastructure increased, and OPS responded. More...
API RP1162 PDF File Available
A non-printable PDF of API RP 1162 may be downloaded from the American Petroleum Institute. More...
Best Practices in Damage Prevention
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) provides and promotes comprehensive best practices in the area of pipeline damage prevention. They are an invaluable resource for excavators, as well as for state and local policymakers. More...
Call Before You Dig -- It's the Law!
All fifty states have enacted laws requiring the establishment of central communications points for anyone planning to dig or excavate. No matter what kind of digging you plan to do, you must notify your local One-Call center before beginning your work. More...
Cities and Counties Finding Common Ground
Following a major pipeline explosion in 1999, cities and counties in the state of Washington came together to educate themselves and adopt a proactive approach to pipeline safety issues. The Interlocal Agreement they signed at that time may be a useful model for establishing similar cooperative relationships across the country. More..
Citizen's Committee on Pipeline Safety
Citizen’s committees on pipeline safety have been formed in several states to advise local, state and federal agencies on pipeline safety matters. An example is the Washington State Citizen’s Committee on Pipeline Safety. More...
The Common Ground Study Report
The OPS-sponsored Common Ground Study involved an unprecedented collaboration among excavators, locators, engineers, operators and regulators -- all working together to identify best practices in underground facility damage prevention. The report they released in 2003 had far-reaching effects that continue today. You may download a copy here. More..
Ensuring the Integrity of Pipelines
OPS has recently published new rules requiring pipeline operators to implement comprehensive pipeline integrity management programs and enhance pipeline safety across the nation. More...
Federal Laws Address Pipeline Safety
Laws found in the U.S. Code address Pipeline Safety and Oil Pollution in navigable waters. These laws are the basis for pipeline safety regulations.
FERC's LNG Website
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission maintains an active website dedicated to LNG issues. More...
Final Rule on Operator Public Awareness Programs
The 2005 Final Rule modified pipeline safety regulations found in 49 CFR 192.616 and 195.440. More information can be found in the Federal Register Notice in which the rule was issued. More...
A correction to the 2005 Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2005. The correction addressed the consistency in the language for the requirements in 195.440 (c) and 192.616 (c) and clarifies that the operator must consider both baseline and supplemental requirements of API RP 1162. More...
For Kids and Teachers Only
Do you like to learn about really interesting things having to do with science and energy? More...
Four Simple Steps that Could Save Your Life
If every one of us understands and acts on these four simple steps, it will have a very significant positive impact on pipeline safety in the United States, and lives will be saved. More...
Gas Transmission and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Marker Workshop
PPHMSA hosted a Gas Transmission and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Marker Workshop in February 2008, in Houston, TX. The purpose of the meeting was to begin work to develop uniform, nationwide expectations for pipeline marker location and content and OPS enforcement policy to further reduce the risk of excavation damage to gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines. Presentation files from the meeting are available. More...
Get Involved in Emergency Planning!
Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) provide a mechanism for citizens, local governments and industry to work together to plan for chemical accidents, and to reduce risk to the public from releases of toxic chemicals into the environment. Many LEPCs are also involved in planning for pipeline emergencies. You can play a part, and the first step is locating the LEPC in your area. More...
Grants to States for One-Call and Damage Prevention
We provide grant funding to our State Partners to improve communication among excavators and owners of underground facilities. The PIPES Act of 2006 also authorizes grants to State authorities, designated by the Governor, to create or augment effective State damage prevention programs. More...
Guide to LNG: What All Citizens Should Know
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission publishes a 12-page PDF brochure that provides a solid introduction to LNG issues such as: safety and security; shipping and storage; siting processes; and opportunities for public involvement. The brochure also contains links to several other interesting reports and studies that address specific related issues in greater detail. More...
Improving Stakeholder Communications
Our Community Assistance and Technical Services managers perform a broad range of communications and problem-solving duties. Find out how they can help you cut through the clutter and find the information you need. More...
Integrity Management
Extensive information regarding pipeline integrity management for gas and liquid pipelines is available. More...
Join the Pipeline Safety Email List
To receive updates on the Partnership for Excellence training package and order materials for your department, please send an email with your name and contact information to: pipelinesafety@firemarshals.org
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in the U.S.
Increasing U.S. consumption of natural gas, coupled with declining North American production, has led to an increasing reliance on imported LNG. More...
LNG Community Awareness
In February 2005, OPS hosted a workshop that examined recent developments concerning LNG and the information requirements of communities where LNG facilities are proposed. Presentations from that workshop, a meeting summary and many related links are available. More...
LNG is Crucial to U.S. Energy Supply
The Department of Energy (DOE) has identified expansion of LNG imports as a crucial component of the U. S. natural gas supply. Increasing those imports will require the siting and construction of new LNG import terminals. More...
The NASFM - OPS agreement
Those interested in learning some of the details of the agreement between NASFM and OPS may find them here. More...
National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives
The National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) is made up of state agency pipeline safety officials responsible for administration of their state's pipeline safety programs. These programs carry out the majority of pipeline inspections in the United States. More...
National Consensus Standards
National consensus standards help assure the safe design, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of pipelines. They are constantly reviewed and upgraded by select committees of engineers and other technical experts. More...
National Infrastructure Protection Plan
The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) provides a coordinated approach to critical infrastructure and key resource protection roles and responsibilities for federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector security partners. More...
Navigating the 'Permitting Pathway'
OPS and other federal agencies are actively exploring ways to coordinate permitting for time-critical pipeline repairs. Timelier permitting for critical pipeline repairs will enhance public safety. More...
New Technologies to Increase Pipeline Safety
OPS is funding extensive research and development aimed at increasing pipeline safety. Some of the programs being funded may be of particular interest to excavators and industry representatives. More...
The OPS State Grants Program
Pipeline safety is a shared responsibility. OPS reimburses state agencies up to 50% of the cost of their pipeline safety programs. Level of reimbursement depends upon factors such as: availability of funds; the state's assertion of jurisdiction over pipelines; their adoption of federal regulations; and qualifications of state inspectors. More...
Our Federal Partners
OPS collaborates and coordinates extensively with other federal agencies and programs that share similar goals and objectives. Learn about those partnerships here. More...
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Since pipelines are usually buried underground, brightly colored line markers and warning signs are used to indicate their approximate location along the pipeline route. Here's what these markers look like. More...
PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety Research and Development Program
PHMSA’s pipeline safety research & development efforts relate to different pipeline types and application areas and address issues important to pipeline safety stakeholders. More...
Pipeline Companies Required to Communicate with Local Governments
Pipeline operators are required to establish and maintain liaison with appropriate fire, police, and other public officials. New rules strengthen these requirements. More...
Pipeline Emergencies
The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has entered into a cooperative agreement with OPS to help ensure the safety of first responders to pipeline emergencies. More...
Pipeline Maps and Operator Contacts
Wondering about a pipeline route in your town, or what a particular pipeline carries? If you're a federal, state or local official, you can access pipeline maps as well as operator contact information through the National Pipeline Mapping System. Apply for access. More...
Pipelines and Homeland Security
Like many federal agencies, OPS is evaluating and balancing the informational needs of citizens with critical security considerations. More...
Pipelines in Your Response Area
Your department can access pipeline maps by registering with the National Pipeline Mapping Service. It’s a good idea, and you can sign up right here. More...
Pipeline Operators Required to Communicate with Local Governments
Pipeline operators are required to establish and maintain liaison with appropriate fire, police, and other public officials. New rules strengthen these requirements. More...
Pipeline Operators Required to Communicate with the Public
Pipeline companies are required to establish programs that educate the public and others on recognizing and reporting pipeline emergencies. New rules will enhance these programs to improve public awareness and pipeline safety. More...
The Pipeline Safety Trust
The Pipeline Safety Trust promotes fuel transportation safety through education and advocacy, by increasing access to information, and by building partnerships with residents, safety advocates, government, and industry, that result in safer communities and a healthier environment. More...
Potential LNG Terminal Sites in North America
This one-page FERC PDF document shows the locations of potential LNG terminal sites identified in Canada, the United States and Mexico by sponsoring companies or consortia, and that may be proposed in the future by those companies or consortia. More...
Preparing for Emergencies
Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness is a booklet written by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Are You Ready? addresses all aspects of individual, family, and community preparedness for a wide variety of potential emergencies, including hazardous materials incidents. You can download or order it here. More..
Public Awareness FAQs
Everything you need to know about public awareness programs. More...
Public Awareness Programs are Gaining Momentum
Pipeline operators are required to develop and implement comprehensive public awareness programs to educate stakeholders along their pipeline routes. More...
Public Awareness Program Workshops
OPS co-sponsored workshops in 2003 and in 2005 intended to help pipeline operators develop and implement effective public education programs. More...
Recognizing and Responding to Emergencies
In the home or workplace, or outside, along a pipeline right-of-way. Understanding these concepts can save your life. More...
Safe Pipelines Email Discussion Group
The Safe Pipelines listserv is dedicated to sharing pipeline safety and pipeline siting information among community activists, government officials, and pipeline experts nationwide. Join the discussion here. More...
Siting and Construction of LNG Import Facilities
Several federal agencies participate in the siting and regulation of LNG import facilities. More...
Siting of Natural Gas Pipelines and Other Facilities
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates natural gas pipeline projects. FERC evaluates and approves the siting (location) of interstate natural gas facilities, including pipelines and natural gas storage facilities and liquefied natural gas facilities. FERC’s decisions could affect you if your property is near the location of a proposed facility. More...
State Regulatory Fact Sheets
OPS has prepared fact sheets describing distribution of regulatory responsibilities for pipelines as well as pertinent state agency contact information for all fifty states. You can find these in the pipeline library. More...
Strengthening State Damage Prevention Programs
PHMSA developed a guide for stakeholders to use in strengthening their state damage prevention programs. It draws on the definition of effective damage prevention programs found in the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2006. More…
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
One primary reason for the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security was to provide the unifying core for the vast national network of organizations and institutions involved in efforts to secure our nation. Its mission is to “…lead the unified national effort to secure America … prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation… [and] ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce”. More...
Your OPS Point of Contact
Need a contact within OPS, or a speaker for your next community council meeting? Have questions about inspections or a pipeline's proximity to a wetland? OPS Community Assistance and Technical Services managers can assist. More...
Who Else Regulates Pipelines?
Our federal partners. More...
State regulatory pages More...