Pipeline Maps a tool for local government and
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Pipeline Maps a tool for local government and the public Raymond Paul Association of Oil Pipe Lines
AOPL on Public Access to NPMS n n “We believe it is time that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Transportation Security Administration re-establish public access to the National Pipeline Mapping System and determine what non-sensitive information already submitted by pipeline operators to PHMSA may be made available to the public. ” Association of Oil Pipe Lines, to the U. S. House Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines, March 16, 2006.
NPMS is valuable because… n Pipeline industry wants the public to know where pipelines are in order to: – prevent excavation damage – help the public report abnormal occurrences – limit encroachment – facilitate planning development to avoid pipeline rights of way.
NPMS is valuable because… n Maps are an excellent communications tool: – viewer is able to see the pipeline as a real facility in recognizable geography – attributes of the pipeline can be correlated with location (example: types of permits required for pipeline repair by location; emergency response details by location) – a picture is worth a thousand words
NPMS is valuable because… n PHMSA can use maps to provide information about pipelines – primary responsibility for providing information lies with government – data and information are official – all pipelines participate at appropriate level – commercial and security concerns addressed
NPMS is not the only source of pipeline location information n Anyone can determine pipeline location with – Pennwell maps – in Texas, the Texas Railroad Commission website – Locally, look for required line markers – Use the state one-call system – Google and Yahoo maps and aerial photographs
Restore public access to NPMS Pipeline location information is available n Added risk is small n Benefits are large n – Damage prevention – Preventing encroachment – Planning development – Communicating with the public
Contact AOPL www. aopl. org Raymond Paul 202 408 7970 rpaul@aopl. org