General Pipeline Safety
Pipeline Purpose and Reliability
SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company utilizes an extensive network of underground pipelines to deliver natural gas to its customers. The purpose of these pipelines is to transport the natural gas from pipeline supply points to residential, commercial, and industrial customer meters. SEMCO is committed to ensuring these pipelines are operated safely and reliably in accordance with Federal and State laws.
Information About Other Pipelines In Your Area
For a listing of pipelines in your area, please visit the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) website at npms.phmsa.dot.gov. This website enables the user to view the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) data, one county at a time. NPMS data is for reference purposes only. It should never be used as a substitute for contacting a one-call center prior to excavation activities. Please call MISS DIG 811 at (800) 482-7171 or dial 811 before any digging occurs.
Transmission Integrity Management Plan
In accordance with the Federal Pipeline Safety Act of 2002, SEMCO has developed and implemented its Transmission Integrity Management Plan (IMP) for the Transmission Pipelines used in the State of Michigan. The integrity management regulations within the Pipeline Safety Act of 2002 were designed to address the monitoring and maintenance of high pressure natural gas transmission pipelines in areas where a leak or other failure could have a serious effect on populations or the environment. SEMCO’s IMP has been designed to continue to provide low cost natural gas to its customers while ensuring industry safety standards for operations.
SEMCO’s IMP also illustrates and describes how new programs, processes, and procedures are integrated with established Company programs, processes, and procedures to support, administer, and conduct the IMP. A copy of SEMCO’s Transmission Integrity Management Plan is available upon request.
Identifying Gas Pipeline Markers
Natural gas pipelines are usually underground, which is why it is so important to contact MISS DIG 811 before beginning any project involving digging. In some situations, SEMCO is required to permanently mark its pipeline locations.
The pipeline markers typically used by SEMCO (as shown) include the information for MISS DIG 811. MISS DIG 811 must be contacted at least 72 hours, but not more than 14 calendar days, before beginning any project involving digging so that all utility lines, including natural gas pipelines, can be marked. This is not only for your safety; but, you can be held liable for damage to unmarked lines.
SEMCO’s gas line markers also list a 24-hour emergency number - 1-888-GAS-1-GAS (1-888-427-1427). This number should be used ONLY to report emergencies.
Note to Professional Contractors: Third-party contractors are subject to Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) requirements. MIOSHA cites in its “Construction Safety Standards” possible regulatory enforcement action that could be taken against excavation contractors who place their employees at risk by not utilizing proper damage prevention practices. The lack of adequate damage prevention could subject the excavator to MIOSHA regulatory enforcement.