The safety of our communities, our employees, our contractors, and our pipeline will always remain a top priority. We will strive to ensure that the construction and operation of our natural gas infrastructure systems meet or exceed all federal and state 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 (U.S. DOT).
  • Federal and state regulations govern the design, construction, operation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines.

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 (Mountain Valley) will meet or exceed all U.S. DOT safety requirements 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. High-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 the pipeline operator.

Considerations to ensure pipeline safety:

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

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

Safety is our priority in everything we do. Mountain Valley would ensure safe operation by maintaining the right-of-way to provide ready 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.

Additional Safety Information