Pipeline safety

Inspection and maintenance

Safety is the first priority for Terasen Gas. We take all steps possible to ensure our pipelines and surrounding areas are well-protected:

• employ system monitoring of line pressures, flows and temperatures 24-hours a day, 365 days a year
• conduct aerial, ground and marine inspections of the rights of way
• conduct monthly helicopter and ground patrols to check for erosion, stability and third-party activity near the pipelines
• install highly visible pipeline markers
• check our corrosion protection system regularly
• conduct periodic internal pipeline inspections using highly sophisticated electronic equipment
• operate an ongoing vegetation management program along our rights of way
• develop and practice emergency response plans and Provincial Emergency Preparedness (PEP)
• provide public and landowner awareness information

Distribution systems throughout our operating area are connected to the transmission pipeline and deliver natural gas to communities, into your neighbourhood and finally to your home. These systems undergo routine leak surveys and inspections of natural gas mains, service lines, valves, meters and regulator stations.

Because natural gas is distributed underground, risks that are often associated with oil or propane above-ground transportation and storage are eliminated.

Will the Terasen Gas system survive an earthquake?

We take the possibility of a significant earthquake very seriously. Experts agree we should expect a substantial earthquake in this region about once every ten years.

The Terasen Gas pipeline system was constructed and installed to maximize public safety and minimize loss of service in the case of an emergency. The system was built entirely from high-strength welded steel and polyethylene plastic pipe. It was designed, installed and tested to meet or surpass strict industry standards.

In other areas where major earthquakes have occurred, natural gas delivery systems similar to the Terasen Gas pipeline network have withstood ground movement extremely well. Most disruptions of gas service and other underground utilities have occurred because of landslides or the collapse of pipe-supporting structures such as bridges.

Our employees are trained and equipped to respond to any natural gas emergency such as earthquakes, floods or third-party damage to the natural gas system.

In case of a pipeline emergency

Gas pipeline leaks or other problems are rare. But the possibility still exists, whether by human error or as a result of a natural disaster, so Terasen Gas is prepared. We have designed the pipeline system with valves that will shut off the flow of natural gas (automatically or by remote activation) upstream and downstream from a leak or potential problem.

We have also developed emergency preparedness plans for a coordinated plan of action in case of emergency.

Learn to recognize signs of trouble. You may be able to detect a gas leak from a pipeline by sight, smell or sound.

• Sight - You may be able to see vapour in the air.
• Smell - As a safety feature, mercaptan is added to gas to give it a distinctive rotten egg smell, so it's easily detected.
• Sound - You may be able to hear the hissing sound of gas leaking.

If there are signs of gas dissipating into the air:

DO:

1. Turn off machinery and eliminate all sources of ignition.
2. Shut off vehicle engines.
3. Call Terasen Gas immediately.
4. Evacuate the area, including buildings. Move people upwind if possible.
5. Prevent vehicles and bystanders from entering the area.
6. Call the fire department if there is a danger of fire.
7. Avoid contact with any natural gas escaping from the pipeline.
8. Warn people in nearby buildings, as gas might enter through drains if the break or leak is underground.

DON'T:

1. Turn electrical switches on or off.
2. Operate any machinery, including vehicles.
3. Attempt to make temporary repairs or operate any underground gas valves.

Call before you dig

The Terasen Gas pipeline system is dependable and safe. It presents little risk to local residents unless it is damaged. One of the greatest risks of accident is excavation or drilling on a right of way without the permission or supervision of Terasen Gas.

BC One Call is a service for customers that's dedicated to minimizing the risk associated with accidents involving buried facilities. As a founding member, Terasen Gas considers BC One Call a key component of our public awareness program.

For your safety and the safety of others, contact BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886 (cellular *6886) before conducting any work within or near the right of way. Also, let us know if you see any suspected unauthorized activity on the right of way.