Commitment to Safety

At Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, our priority is the safe construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline that would meet or exceed all state and federal safety regulations.

Fast Facts:

  • The natural gas system has the best safety record of any energy delivery system according to the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
  • Federal and state regulations govern the design, construction, operation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines.
  • We believe that your awareness of the proposed pipeline is critical in helping keep our operations running smoothly and safely. Below, you will find answers to all of the most frequently asked questions from neighbors like yourself.

 

Are natural gas pipelines safe?

Pipelines are the safest way to transport natural gas over long distances. Natural gas pipelines are built according to rigorous safety standards and have an outstanding safety record. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. natural gas pipeline network consists of more than 300,000 miles of interstate and intrastate transmission pipelines.

 

What measures will Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC take in constructing the proposed pipeline?

Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC will comply with all U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulations during construction. Safety will be engineered into all facets of pipeline design, construction and operation. The project will utilize trained and experienced inspectors who will carefully monitor pipeline construction to ensure compliance with safety standards and construction specifications. Quality steel pipe will be used in the construction of Mountain Valley Pipeline, including adding protective coatings to the pipe during manufacturing. All pipe will be carefully inspected before it is installed to ensure it meets quality standards. After installation all pipeline field welds will be tested and inspected.

Before being placed into operation, the line would be pressure tested to certify integrity. Once in service, the pipeline would be patrolled, monitored, inspected and maintained by EQM Midstream Partners, LP.

What if the pipeline runs through my property?

The proposed pipeline, where possible, will run adjacent to existing rights of way such as roads, minimizing landowner impact. Line markers and signage would be posted at frequent intervals along the pipeline rights of way to indicate the approximate location of the line as well as a phone number for further information.

Other things to consider to ensure pipeline safety:

  • No construction of buildings or other structures would be allowed on the rights of way.
  • No planting of trees or other deep-rooting plants that may obstruct the rights of way would be allowed.
  • No excavation or impounding water within the rights of way without permission from the company would occur.

How would Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC protect the pipeline and maintain its safe operation?

Safety is our priority in everything we do. Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC would ensure safe operation by maintaining the rights of way to provide easy access and operate the pipeline in accordance with U.S. DOT and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations. Regular inspections will occur to ensure pipeline integrity. The pipeline will be monitored 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year using sophisticated computerized systems and around-the-clock personnel. There will be signage indicating the location of the pipeline and a phone number posted for those who plan to do excavating in the area.

 

Additional Safety Information