Oil and gas pipelines crisscross the U.S., often running under residential neighborhoods, farms, and schools. While pipelines are essential for energy transport, aging infrastructure, corrosion, and poor oversight have contributed to hundreds of accidents, leaks, and explosions nationwide.
Common Pipeline Hazards
- Explosions: Pipeline ruptures can trigger massive explosions, especially in high-pressure gas lines.
- Leaks: Underground leaks may go undetected for months, contaminating groundwater and releasing methane or benzene.
- Corrosion: Many pipelines are over 50 years old and subject to internal or external rust, cracks, and fatigue.
- Land Subsidence: Poorly maintained right-of-ways can cause soil collapse or sinkholes near pipelines.
- Wildfires: In dry regions, leaking fuel lines can ignite fires that spread rapidly.
Pipeline Incidents by Region
- Texas: Frequent pipeline leaks and ruptures in the Permian Basin. Recent blasts in Midland/Odessa and near Corpus Christi have raised concern.
- California: Gas explosions in residential areas like San Bruno have killed dozens and exposed weak utility oversight.
- Pennsylvania & Ohio: Marcellus Shale infrastructure has led to growing complaints of leaks, noise, and land subsidence.
- North Dakota: Crude oil pipeline ruptures have contaminated rivers and farmland, including major spills near Williston.
- Louisiana: Wetland pipelines risk erosion, waterway contamination, and hinder hurricane response efforts.
Regulatory Oversight
The PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) is responsible for federal oversight of pipeline infrastructure. States also have pipeline safety divisions, but enforcement varies. PHMSA has reported over 12,000 serious incidents since 2000, with billions in damages and over 300 fatalities.
Buffer Zones & Setback Recommendations
- High Consequence Areas (HCAs): Urban or sensitive zones where extra safety measures are required.
- Recommended setback: Experts suggest no new homes within 200–500 feet of major gas pipelines.
- Blast radius modeling: A high-pressure transmission line can cause fatal damage over 1,000+ feet from the rupture site.
Resources
- PHMSA – Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Admin
- Pipeline Awareness & Safety Education
- NRDC – Risks of Oil Pipelines
Conclusion
Pipelines will continue to serve the U.S. energy system for decades. However, improved transparency, monitoring, and public awareness are key to reducing risk. Use this map to check for known hazards near your home or property.
