Emergency Preparedness
Although you are familiar with the steps required to safeguard the public, MPL has planned responses to unique emergency situations that may arise with its pipeline facilities and operations. Here are a few key topics that you should review prior to the unlikely event of a pipeline emergency:
Emergency Response Plans
MPL has developed extensive response plans for all of its facilities based on the knowledge of its own personnel, available equipment, tools and materials. These plans are accessible at every facility. This document provides a general overview of MPL’s capabilities. For more detailed information or to review the Emergency Response Plan, please call 1-855-888-8056. MPL encourages departments to leverage community planning through the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
Communicating with MPL During an Emergency
If a pipeline event occurs, emergency response officials will be notified and MPL operations personnel will be dispatched to the site. MPL personnel and/or contractors will be at the site as quickly as possible.
If you or another emergency response organization has set up an Incident Command Center prior to the arrival of MPL personnel, the first MPL employee to arrive at the site should be introduced to the incident commander as the MPL representative.
Public Safety and Evacuations
Evacuation plans and procedures should reflect the available assets and capabilities of your own organization. Expert knowledge of your area is key to creating the best evacuation, traffic control and rerouting, and railroad stoppage plans in order to limit public exposure and minimize accidental ignition.
Fire or Explosion
MPL does not have dedicated fire response personnel and must rely on the capabilities of local responders. Petroleum and natural gas emergencies present unique challenges for response personnel, so proper training is crucial. Contact your state fire marshall for pipeline emergency training. The U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook provides information on potential hazards, public safety and emergency response.
Rescue or Medical Duties
MPL employees are not trained to conduct rescue operations of any kind. Emergency response personnel will be contacted to assist with any needed rescue. Coordination will be made with emergency services or with a local hospital or medical provider in the event of a medical emergency.
Pipeline Equipment and Facilities
Federal law requires specific training to operate pipeline equipment; therefore, MPL employees will handle these duties. DO NOT attempt to operate any pipeline equipment, such as valves, in an emergency because doing so may worsen the situation.
Bomb or Security Threat
MPL relies on the public to be its eyes and ears along the pipeline. If you witness any act of vandalism, loitering, receive a bomb threat involving an MPL facility or other suspicious activity along the right of way or pipeline facility, please report it immediately to the MPL Operation Center at 1-833-675-1234.
Natural Disasters
When a natural disaster (hurricane, storm, flood, tornado, volcano or earthquake) strikes or is pending, the area will be closely monitored. Pipeline facilities will be inspected after the disaster. MPL station personnel may contact emergency officials to identify any road closures that may hamper access to the facility.
Right-of-Way Activity
One of the greatest threats to safe pipeline operation is the accidental damage caused by excavation, construction, farming activities, and homeowner construction and maintenance. Awareness is crucial in preventing these accidents. Call IMMEDIATELY if you see suspicious or questionable activity near the pipeline right of way. No one should conduct blasting, digging, ditching, drilling, leveling or plowing near the pipeline right of way without first contacting the state one call center.
Be aware that pipelines frequently share rights of way with other utilities (electric power lines, additional pipelines) or modes of transportation (roadways, railroads, etc.). Incidents such as lightning strikes, fires, train derailments, etc. on or near the right of way can damage an underground pipeline. Should incidents such as these occur and a pipeline operated by MPL is nearby, please call the MPL emergency number at 1-833-675-1234 to report the incident.
Closure
The information above provides an outline of points to remember when dealing with a pipeline emergency. Remember, MPL personnel are trained to deal with such emergencies. Without their input, the risk to those involved can be greatly increased. Therefore, contacting MPL in the event of any pipeline emergency is critical.
