There are more than 500,000 miles of oil and natural gas pipelines in the United States. The safest and most efficient way to transport oil and natural gas across our nation is through a system of underground pipelines. Unseen and often overlooked, pipelines are an integral part of our country’s energy infrastructure. Made of steel and covered with a protective coating, pipelines are continualy tested and maintained to ensure safety. Pipeline markers are used to show the location of underground pipelines and are located at road crossings, railroad crossings, and along the pipeline rights-of-way.

At XTO Energy, we are dedicated to educating communities on pipelines and how to avoid pipeline accidents. We want to work together — just to be on the safe side.

Don’t Take Chances — Call Before You Dig

Damage from excavation-related activities is a leading cause of pipeline accidents. If you are a homeowner, farmer, excavator, or developer we need your help in preventing pipeline emergencies. If you are considering projects like building a pool, building a fence, widening a driveway, or planting trees, call 811 before you dig. Here’s what to do:

  1. Call 811 at least two business days before excavation is scheduled to begin.
  2. Do not begin work until a trained technician has come to mark the location of any pipelines in your area. This will be at no cost to you.
  3. Adhere to the pipeline markers.
Trust Your Senses

If you see, hear or smell any of the below, it may indicate a pipeline leak. It is important to always be aware.

Sight: A pool of liquid on the ground near a pipeline, a rainbow sheen on water, a dense white cloud or fog over a pipeline, or discolored vegetation. Unnatural frost or ice in the pipeline right-of-way or on the tank battery or well location equipment.

Sound: An unusual noise coming from the pipeline, like a hissing or roaring sound.

Smell: An unusual chemical odor such as gas or oil. A strange odor in the area similar to the smell of rotten eggs.

What To Do If A Leak Occurs
  • Leave the area immediately. Do not travel downwind.
  • Do not touch, breathe, or make contact with leaking liquids
  • Do not light a match, start an engine, use a telephone, switch on/off light switches or do anything that may create a spark. Do not drive into a leak or vapor cloud area
  • Call 911 or your local emergency response number from a safe location. Then call XTO’s emergency number for your area and give your name, phone number, description of the leak and its location
  • Warn others to stay away.
Dig Deeper

For more information about pipelines, please contact:

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