Blue Racer Midstream’s first commitment is to public health and safety. We meet that commitment by maintaining best practice standards in the safe and responsible construction and operation of our pipelines and facilities. Safe, healthy, and environmentally sound operations are fundamental to the way we do business. Blue Racer is rigorous in our adherence to all local, state and federal regulations.

Pipeline safety is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation and by designated state agencies. More than 2.7 million miles of pipeline crisscross our country. Generally buried underground, they are the safest and most efficient way to move large amounts of natural gas, crude oil, chemicals, and related products. These are the products we depend on every day to heat our homes, generate electricity and cook our food. Pipelines also reduce air and water pollution by eliminating the need for trucks and ships on our roads and waterways.

It is important to know where pipelines are located in your community and how to recognize unusual conditions and the signs of a possible leak. The National Pipeline Mapping System is available online at Pipelines are marked by aboveground signs to provide an indication of their presence, location, product carried and the name and contact information of the company that operates the pipeline. These markers are usually red, black or yellow.

Detecting A Leak

The best way to detect a possible pipeline spill or leak is to use sight, smell and sound. A spill or leak may exist if:

  • You see dead or discolored vegetation that is otherwise green along a pipeline right of way (ROW).
  • You see pools of liquid not otherwise usually present.
  • You see a cloud of vapor or mist not otherwise usually present along the pipeline ROW.
  • You smell an unusual odor or scent of petroleum along a pipeline ROW.
  • You hear an unusual hissing or roaring sound along a pipeline ROW.

If you suspect or recognize a leak you should take the following actions:

  • Leave the leak area immediately. Walk into the wind and away from possible hazardous fumes.
  • Do not light a match, start an engine, use a telephone (even a cell phone), switch on/off light switches or do anything that may create a spark.
  • Provide your name, phone number, a description of the leak and its location.
  • Warn others.
  • Do not drive into a leak or vapor cloud area.