Safety is a top priority at Energy Transfer — the safety of our people, our communities and our environment. Our goal is to provide safe and reliable transportation of natural gas liquids (NGLs) for our customers. Using advanced technology and a proven safety design, Mariner East 2 has added features that exceed federal requirements.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), along with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), oversees the safe operation of pipelines. (Pipeline safety standards are found in the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 49 CFR 195.) These regulations require enhanced protection for defined High Consequence Areas (HCA) areas, which include urbanized areas delineated by the U.S. Census Bureau, Unusually Sensitive Areas (USAs), and commercially navigable waterways.
One of the measures used to protect HCAs is to upgrade existing main line valves or add new valves to act as emergency flow restriction devices (EFRDs). Such valves can be controlled remotely by the pipeline control center at all times. Some EFRD valves can automatically close in response to changes in pressure that could signal a problem with the pipeline system and trigger a systemwide shutdown. EFRD valves are placed strategically along the pipeline as determined via risk analysis evaluations to minimize potential impact to HCAs in the event of a pipeline emergency.
Pipelines regulated under 49 CFR 195 are assessed for integrity at least once every five years. These assessments are carried out via the use of in-line inspection tools or via a hydrostatic pressure test. The technologically sophisticated in-line inspection tools have the ability to detect conditions on the pipeline that require repair. Necessary repairs are identified along the length of the pipelines, with priority given to those repairs located within HCAs in accordance with federal regulations. Hydrostatic pressure testing involves filling the pipeline with water and pressurizing that water above the pipeline’s maximum operating pressure. Pressure testing has the ability to identify critical flaws that require repair prior to refilling the pipeline. It also provides a safety buffer between the test pressure and operating pressure of the system during transportation of hazardous liquids.
Energy Transfer exceeds requirements for inspecting our pipeline rights-of-way by conducting frequent ground and aerial patrols. The patrols monitor for any activity on the pipeline rights-of-way and for other conditions that could impact pipeline and public safety. Aerial patrols are targeted to be performed at least weekly, weather permitting.
Please see additional information on ways that the Mariner East 2 Pipeline exceeds regulatory standards, visit:
https://marinerpipelinefacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ME2-Above-and-Beyond-2-5-18.pdf
