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Home My WebLink AboutWilliston Basin WILLISTON BASIN �C rr�� INTERSTATE PIPELINE COMPANY nDD 15 l� V A Subsidiaryof MDU Resources Group,Inc. P.O.Box 131 Glendive,MT 59330 JA N - 4 2D'IO CITY 4F LAUREL December 18, 2009 Dear Neighbor, Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company owns and operates over 3,700 miles of transmission, gathering and storage lines and owns or leases and operates 104 compressor stations located in the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming with 114,071 total gas compressor horsepower. You may be aware that much of our pipeline system is buried underground but other facilities related to our business are -- -above ground-(e.g-.,compressor stations,.meter_stations,-valves_etc).._ You are receiving this letter because a portion of our pipeline system is located in your area and we want you to be aware of the role you can play in ensuring it is operated safely and reliably. We have enclosed a map of our pipeline that lies within a high consequence area in your community. In accordance with federal regulations, Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company has prepared a plan for managing the integrity of the pipeline segments that lie within High Consequence Areas (HCA's) in your community. From last year's mailing you should recall that an HCA is considered to have the potential of endangering large numbers of people should a pipeline failure occur. In general, these areas can be described as: • Areas that meet certain criteria of high population density • Areas that contain populations of impaired mobility (e.g. schools, hospitals, etc.) • Areas where people congregate (church facilities, parks, ball fields, etc.) To meet Williston Basin's goal of protecting people, property and the environment, near our pipeline damage prevention measures are regularly taken, including routine inspection and maintenance, corrosion protection, continuous monitoring, pressure control, public awareness program, integrity management, and emergency response plans. Toward these goals, it is important that you are familiar with our pipeline facilities in your community and the safety information on the back of this letter. Only by working together can we most effectively achieve the highest standard of safe operation of the pipeline. Because of your cooperation last year, we were able to complete assessments on the pipe in your area. Thank you for taking the time to allow me to share this important information. Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company hopes you have a better understanding of our concern about the safety of those in the _„_.�communitis where wq arm�cated.-_Iu notice ate-suspicious.activity-near ourpipeline_make sure you call our emergency number 1-888-859-7291. If you have questions or would like further information about our Pipeline Integrity Plan and how it relates to HCA's in your area, please contact me, 1-406-359-7316 and I will promptly respond to your inquiry. Sincerely, Tina R. Beach Pipeline Safety Awareness Coordinator For additional information, please visit us at www.wbig.com "WILLISTON BASIN About Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company INTERSTATE PIPELINE COMPANY Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company operates at least 3.700-miles of natural gas pipeline with pipe ranging in diameter from 2 to 16 inches. Williston Basin traces its roots to the 1920's when short-haul natural gas pipelines were constructed to connect towns in North Dakota,South Dakota and Montana with several of Montana's natural gas fields. This gas transmission system was known as the Gas Development Co and its parent company was Montana Dakota Utilities Co.a predecessor company of the now current MDU Resources Group,Inc. For more historical and public awareness information please,visit our website at www.wbip;com. Our facilities are for the most part located underground. These pipelines traverse farmlands,rivers,creeks,lakes and streams. They also cross highly populated areas,areas adjacent to industrial and commercial locations,and many highways,interstates,county roads and city streets. We need your help Most pipeline accidents occur when individuals are not aware of a pipeline's location before they begin their work. You can help prevent pipeline incidents by contacting your state one call agency before you dig.One easy phone call to 811 gets the approximate location of underground utility lines marked for free.The 811 number eliminates the confusion of multiple"Call Before You Dig"numbers because it's easy to use and remember,and is the same in every state_Calls will be routed to the respective One Call Centers who will then notify Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline K wMNI)ObK Company when the.excavation is near one of our pipelines. Caltiero e ywdig Pipeline markers Pipeline markers are located at road and river crossings,fence lines,and property boundaries. These pipeline markers contain information about contacting our company in the event of an emergency,or when construction is necessary in the vicinity. You may find several types of pipeline markers along our system but the placement follows a consistent pattern. M ;. If damage occurs If one of our pipelines is damaged,even if the damage only appears to be minor,please notify Williston Basin interstate Ftpelme Company immediately. It is important that we evaluate and have the opportunity to repair any damage,no matter how minor. How to recognize a leak Natural gas is a colorless,odorless fuel that is lighter than air. Because natural gas can not be detected on its own,local utilities add a harmless odorant to help consumers smell gas should a leak occur. However,odorant is added at only certain places along the pipeline,so you may not always be able to detect a leak by smell. There are several other ways to detect a leak: • A hissing sound • Dirt being blown or thrown into the air • Water being blown into the air at a pond,creek or river • Dead grass • Fire apparently coming from the ground or burning above the ground ___.__ _ __ • Dry spot in a moist field In case of emergency If released,natural gas will rise and diffuse rapidly. If you should happen to be working in the area of a broken,leaking or damaged pipeline,abandon equipment immediately and notify Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company as soon as possible. Escaping gas can be ignited by open flames or sparks from electrical switches,motors,mechanical equipment or flying rocks. Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company emergency toll-free phone number can be found on all pipeline markers, 1-888-859- 7291. We will arrive soon Pipeline emergency action will begin the moment we become aware of the situation. Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company personnel and equipment will be dispatched to identify the emergency,control the flow of gas and make necessary repairs.We will coordinate our actions with fire,police and other public officials. Emergency response for public safety personnel Fire,police and other public officials participating in a pipeline emergency should do whatever they deem necessary to safeguard the public. Such action should include clearing the area of people,barricading the area and standing by at a safe distance. If gas ignition has not occurred,precautions should be taken to prevent ignition,such as prohibiting smoking and rerouting traffic. Where gas is burning,prevent the spread of fire but do not attempt to extinguish the burning gas. Also,do not attempt to operate the valves on our pipelines. 24-hour emergency number:(888)-859-7291 YellowstoneWilliston Basin Pipeline HCA's; within County x i Ponderosa Town Homes Baker Transfer and Storage HCA ' _ Infermountain HCA. JTL_New.Life Church HCA fl.ysian School HCA Calvary.Chapel Church HCA /BNSF HCA Riverside Park_Continental HCA Riverside Park.Yellow Line HCA. Legend i Riverside Park Red Line HCA' a •- - I, "ill - - : 3 � : - � - ��if .I.+,: r�;l •r �-s - � - - - .6..,, - —- . y' `5 P o n d e ro s�'1`6uun H olfi Williston Basin Pipeline HCA's.,. within Yellowstone County es' ker��r e ansfer:antl i i .I �Ir�eritital liC'' i' rl� i' I I 1, i �•�' .' ,,;r''.��.' I � - 'lip' :I. .. - - - - oIKA I=f sian goon .o iv.. _ r t - - , f - I i s , - : : : I! - I �I --.�; _?.�•�'s�. .. -- ;I_ _- .. it II-- I 8NS,FH.CA. : I ..,.. Mal: - I Blue _ _ .... .. _ - - rside.iPar#i.�Coiitnei�#al HCA�: i- I `.. Rivde:'Bark:'YelloGu L`ne'HCA'. C Everside:'Park:'Red Line;I ICA,`