Operational Safety

Ensuring the safety of communities and the environment will always be our top priority—and it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our team devotes hundreds of thousands of hours every year to keeping our systems running smoothly and without incident.

The people who live near our pipelines expect us to operate safely, and the protection of the public and the environment is our highest priority. We see pipeline safety as both an investment, and an obligation. And we use the latest tools, technologies and strategies—while closely monitoring the products we transport—to keep our pipelines operating safely, reliably, and in an environmentally responsible manner.

To ensure our pipelines remain in safe and reliable operating condition, we employ a number of techniques. This includes everything from high-tech inspections and cathodic protection to robust coatings, maintenance activities and 24/7 monitoring of our system.

Our multi-faceted approach to safety includes:

Inspection and preventative maintenance programs
Around-the-clock monitoring of pipelines and facilities
Emergency response training & drills for employees and local emergency responders
Pressure tests on new and existing pipelines
Aerial and ground patrols along the pipeline right-of-way
Automatic shut-off and remote-control valves
Running a low-level electrical current through pipelines to prevent corrosion
High-quality pipeline material and protective coating

Recognizing a Leak

Because of Sabal Trail’s thorough maintenance, testing, monitoring, training and safety programs, a leak from a pipeline or facility is unlikely. However, should an incident occur, it’s important for our neighbors to know how to recognize the signs of a leak.

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic substance. Because you may not be able to detect a natural gas leak by smell, you should be aware of other ways to spot a leak. If you see or hear any of the following signs on or near our pipeline right-of-way, please call the toll-free, 24-hour Enbridge emergency number in your area, or an emergency number that you see on a pipeline marker. This emergency phone number is listed on all our pipeline markers.

A moist patch or pool of black liquid… it may be crude oil
A moist patch or pool of light brown or yellow liquid… It may be synthetic crude or condensate
A steam-like cloud, or a frost-like appearance on the ground… It may be a natural gas liquid
Water bubbling or being blown into the air; continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas
Oily sheen on water surfaces… It may be crude oil
Dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise green area
Dirt being blown or appearing to be thrown into the air
A white vapor stream or mist-like cloud over the pipeline
Unexpected frost or ice on the ground
Discolored snow or vegetation
A dry area in a wet field… It may be natural gas
Fire or flames coming from the ground or appearing to burn above ground a cloud of steam or mist caused by condensation and freezing moisture… it might be a natural gas liquid
Ice buildup on exposed pipe, and frozen ground around an underground pipe.. It might be a natural gas liquid
Yellow-stained snow… It might be an indication of a natural gas liquid accumulating under the snow

An unusual hissing, blowing, or roaring noise coming from the pipeline right-of-way, or a connecting facility… it could be a pipeline leak

An odor similar to gasoline or diesel fuel… it may be a refined oil product
An odor similar to gasoline, but much stronger and less pleasant… It may be a natural gas liquid
A slight petroleum or hydrocarbon smell

How We Respond

We’ve designed our systems and trained our people to be on the lookout for trouble and to spot it right away, so that when an incident occurs, we respond safely and effectively to minimize the impact on people, communities and the environment.