Whether you are a homeowner, emergency responder, city planner, student or just a curious neighbor, it is important to know where pipelines are located in your community. Pennsylvania has more than 93,500 miles of underground pipelines throughout the state according to PHMSA. That includes large transmission pipelines as well as smaller distribution pipelines that deliver natural gas to homes and businesses.
Chester County offers detailed pipeline maps and other information on their Planning Commission’s website. Their Pipeline Information Center reports that there are nearly 600 linear miles of pipeline corridors in the county.
Visit the WebsiteDelaware County’s Delco Ready webpage provides information about emergency response and how to sign up for alerts.
Visit the WebsiteThe U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) offers a free online mapping tool. The National Pipeline Mapping System’s (NPMS) Public Map Viewer includes interactive maps to view the location of gas and liquid pipelines in your county. Pipeline Information Management and Mapping Application (PIMMA) is also available to assist government officials with displaying data in more detail.
Use Public Map ViewerCertain pipelines are designated as being in “High Consequence Areas” (HCA) due to their location in high population or environmentally sensitive areas. In accordance with regulations, companies have developed and implemented a written Integrity Management Program that addresses the risks on certain pipeline segments. Baseline and periodic assessments are conducted to identify and evaluate potential threats to companies’ pipelines. Any significant defects discovered are remediated and the company monitors program effectiveness so that modifications can be recognized and implemented.
Rights-of-way provide a permanent, limited access to privately owned property to enable pipeline companies to operate, inspect, repair, maintain and protect our pipeline. Rights-of-way must be kept free of structures and other obstructions. Property owners should not dig, plant, place or build anything on the right-of-way without first calling 811 and having personnel mark the pipeline, stake the easement and explain property development guidelines to you.
Most pipelines are generally buried underground in accordance with DOT regulations. But there are several ways you can see if there is a pipeline in your neighborhood.
Pipelines are marked by above ground markers (signs, placards or stakes) that are generally yellow, black, and red in color.
Pipeline markers provide an indication of their presence, approximate location, product carried, and the name and contact information of the company that operates the pipeline.
The presence of these markers does not remove the need to call 811 prior to excavation. Always verify the actual location by placing a call to the local One Call Center.