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Safety

Safety is a Top Priority

Safety, security and environmental stewardship are core values at Duke Energy. Our infrastructure projects are designed, constructed, tested, maintained and operated to the highest safety standards, as required by law. The Northern Kentucky Pipeline Replacement Project will bring an enhanced natural gas delivery system to our customers. Safety features include:
  • A higher grade of steel
  • Increased pipe wall thickness
  • Installation at a minimum of four feet deep
  • Sophisticated in-line inspection tools used to monitor the condition of the line

Sophisticated Operations and Maintenance Program

Once the pipeline is commissioned, there are requirements mandated by the code of federal regulations that help ensure it is maintained and operated safely according to a robust program.

The requirements include:
  • 24/7/365 around-the-clock monitoring of gas pressures
  • Remote control shut-off valves used to support maintenance activities and to shut off the gas supply, if necessary
  • Cathodic protection coating on steel pipelines to prevent corrosion
ANNUAL SURVEYS: A leak survey is performed over the entire length of the line by patrolling over the top of the pipe with leak detection equipment. Additionally, a cathodic protection survey is performed, and data is taken along the pipe to ensure the line is not corroding. The remote control shut-off valves also are inspected annually to ensure the equipment is in proper working condition.

LINE PATROLS: Line patrols are performed by walking the route to observe soil conditions, the coloration of the surrounding vegetation, encroachment concerns and checking that pipeline markers are in place. 

IN-LINE INSPECTIONS: A safety standard required by the code of federal regulations is to design and construct this type of pipe so it can accommodate in-line inspection tools (as shown below). In-line inspection equipment utilizes non-destructive techniques to detect, measure and record irregularities in pipelines. This data is used to determine the condition of the pipeline and identify potential safety concerns. 

CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECT PLANNING: As required by law, Duke Energy Kentucky also locates our facilities for excavations. An inspector will be dispatched to a pipeline excavation site to observe and ensure the integrity of the facility when a third party calls 811 for an excavation. In addition, we will locate our facilities for planning projects. This aids in identification of facilities on plans to help reduce third-party damage. 

PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS are conducted for landowners, elected officials, emergency responders and others.

TRAINING PROGRAMS are offered to local emergency responders and community leaders through Duke Energy’s new Pipeline Safety Academy located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

YELLOW-CAPPED ABOVEGROUND PIPELINE MARKERS are placed along the right of way to alert the public to the presence of a pipeline.

Although Duke Energy is accountable for inspecting our pipelines, the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Division of the Kentucky Public Service Commission audits our inspections on a regular basis to ensure compliance with Kentucky laws and federal laws governing safety.

Call Before You Dig

State law requires you or a contractor to call 811 to have all utility lines located and marked several days before you dig. This is a free service designed to keep our communities safe. For more information, visit call811.com.

Duke Energy Considered an Industry Leader in Replacing Aging Infrastructure

We understand the importance of replacing aging infrastructure. Over 15 years ago, we proactively implemented an accelerated main replacement program (AMRP) to remove 1,400 miles of bare steel and cast-iron natural gas mains dating back to the 1800s. The AMRP was completed on time and on budget in Kentucky in 2010, with Duke Energy recognized as a national leader in replacing infrastructure.