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Pipeline Safety Regulations

Spectra Energy pipelines inspected annually for pipeline safety compliance

Spectra Energy’s Highest Priorities:
Safe, Secure, Reliable Operations.

The safety, design, construction, operation and maintenance of interstate natural gas transmission pipelines, such as those operated by Spectra Energy, are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS). The OPS is charged with ensuring that the U.S. pipeline system operates at high levels of safety and reliability.

Each year, about half of the Spectra Energy pipeline system is inspected by the OPS and/or state pipeline safety representatives for compliance with pipeline safety regulations. Spectra Energy responds promptly to any findings and recommendations as a result of these inspections.

Pipeline failures occur infrequently along the nation’s network of interstate natural gas pipeline facilities, and many of these are caused by damage from others digging near the pipeline. The OPS keeps statistics on pipeline failures and on safety violations.