The Department of Transportation/Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued advisory bulletin ADB-2013-02 to all owners and operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines concerning the potential for severe flooding adversely affecting the safe operation of a pipeline. The advisory instructs operators to direct resources in a way that will enable them to determine the potential effects of flooding on their pipeline systems. PHMSA is urging pipeline operators to take the following actions to prevent and mitigate damage caused by flooding:

• Evaluate the accessibility of the facilities that may be in jeopardy of flooding and are needed for isolation.
• Extend regulator vents and relief stacks above the level of anticipated flooding.
• Ensure emergency and spill responders are aware of location and condition of pipeline prior to and during a flood. Provide maps and other information as needed.
• During a flood, coordinate with other pipeline operators in the area to establish emergency response centers to act as a liaison for pipeline problems and solutions.
• Deploy personnel to be in position to take emergency actions as needed including shutdown, isolation or containment.
• During the flood, determine if facilities that are normally aboveground have become submerged and may be in danger of being struck by vessels or debris. Mark these facilities as possible with appropriate buoy and Coast Guard approval.
• Evaluate right-of-way conditions at water crossings during the flood and after water subsides with frequent patrols including overflights. Determine if line has become exposed or undermined.
• Perform depth of cover surveys, exposed pipe surveys, underwater pipe surveys (including visual inspection by divers or instrumented detection). Share relevant information with affected land owners.
• Ensure line markers are in place and replace as needed in a timely manner.
• Notify contractor, highway departments and others involved in post flood restoration of the pipelines in the area and the risks posed by reduced cover.

If the pipeline has suffered damage, is shut-in or is being operated at a reduced pressure as a precautionary measure as a result of the flood, advise PHMSA regional office or appropriate state prior to returning the pipeline to service or otherwise changing the pipeline operating status. Determine if a safety-related condition exists and if so report as required.

For a copy of ADB-2013-02, please contact Jessica Roger