Call Before You Dig
One easy phone call to 811 starts the process to get underground pipelines and utility lines marked for FREE. Once underground lines have been marked for your project, you will know the approximate location of pipelines and utility lines, and can dig safely. More information regarding 811 can be found at Call 811.
What are the potential hazards of pipeline accidents?
Fortunately, pipeline accidents are extremely rare, but they can occur. Petroleum products are flammable and potentially hazardous and explosive under certain conditions. LOOP undertakes many prevention and safety measures to ensure the integrity of our pipeline systems.
Maintaining safety and integrity of pipelines
LOOP invests significant time and capital in maintaining the quality and integrity of our pipeline systems. Most active pipelines are monitored 24 hours a day via manned control centers, and we also utilize aerial surveillance and/or on-ground observers to identify potential dangers. Control center personnel continually monitor the pipeline system and assess changes in pressure and flow as a safety precaution.
Responding to an Emergency
To prepare for an incident, LOOP regularly communicates plans and trains with local emergency responders. Upon the notification of an incident or leak, LOOP will immediately take steps to minimize the amount of product compromised and dispatch trained personnel to assist emergency responders. LOOP personnel and emergency responders are trained to protect life, property and facilities in the case of an emergency.
Preventing Pipeline Damage
Even if you are a homeowner or property owner who only occasionally digs on your property, we need your help in preventing pipeline emergencies. Records show that damage from excavation-related activities, particularly from equipment digging into pipelines, is the number one cause of pipeline accidents. Without proper coordination, excavation activities in the vicinity of underground pipelines can result in very dangerous situations.
The negative impacts associated with pipeline damage can include the areas of personal health, the environment, loss of services, and costs of repairs and fines related to damaging a pipeline. Calling 811 will reach the Louisiana One Call center so that underground utilities in the vicinity of planned excavations can be located prior to excavating. Louisiana law requires contacting the One Call center at least two full business days prior to the planned excavation. All Louisiana damage prevention rules should be followed when
digging near a pipeline or other underground utility.
Pipeline Damage Prevention – Call 811 before you dig!
Steps you must take:
- Call 811
- Wait until all buried utilities are marked with paint and flags
- Dig and Excavate Safely
Call 811
Prior to digging or any excavation activity call 811. The Louisiana
One-Call operator will want to know where your activity will occur and what type of activity you will be doing.
For state specific One-Call information please visit:
www.laonecall.com
How Do You Know Where A Pipeline Is Located?
Pipeline markers are placed above ground along the pipeline right-of-way and at above ground pipeline facilities, street crossings, and railroad crossings to indicate the approximate location of the pipeline. These markers include the pipeline operator name, emergency number, and the product being transported. Do not try to guess the route or location of the pipeline from where the markers are placed, because pipeline markers do not indicate the depth and exact location of a pipeline. The location of LOOP transmission pipelines can be found at the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) web site: www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov.
What To Do If You Are Digging And Disturb A Pipeline
Even if you cause what seems to be only minor damage to the pipeline, notify us immediately. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease to the pipe or coating may cause a future break or leak. It is imperative that we inspect and repair any damage to the line.
You may contact LOOP at its emergency number:
1-800-820-5667
Emergency response link
LOOP Safety Booklet