Pipeline Break Cleanup

Spills are NOT acceptable. That’s why when leaks are detected, pipeline companies must be prepared to respond immediately. Pipeline operators have a mandatory plan for managing any type of pipeline emergency to limit the impact to people or the environment.
 
Once the leak detection systems alert that there is a leak or a spill, the pipeline is shut down. Valves located at key points in the line quickly shut off the pipeline.

At this point, the emergency response plan is activated. These plans are designed to address a wide range of emergency scenarios, identify potential hazards to the public and the environment, and outline the process of handling the emergency.

First responders from the pipeline company arrive at the site as soon as possible to repair the cause of the leak and start clean-up. Pipeline companies train and work with municipal first responders to ensure they are prepared to assist in a pipeline emergency.

​

Shortly after emergency crews arrive, more specially trained crews and emergency equipment arrive to clean up the spill and begin returning the area to its previous state. These clean-up specialists, biologists and environmental experts work as long as it takes to clean up the area. They use high powered vacuum trucks called Hydrovacs to suck up excess fluids that have spilled. Once the excess fluids have been sucked up they use wash wands to wash the spilled materials off the ground & suck them up. Sometimes the liquids from the spill will saturate into the soil & the only way to remove it is to create a slurry with the Hydrovac & suck it up with their powerful vacuums. They take the debris to an approved site to dispose of it properly. 

​

​