Introduction
The mighty Mississippi River is a vital waterway, providing transportation, commerce and recreation along its waters and to those who inhabit the lands along its banks. But few know that beneath this amazing river and its locks are numerous pipelines, some of which are even thousands of years old.
Pipelines running beneath the Mississippi River allow for the transportation of oil and gas, water and chemicals, as well as waste and other hazardous materials. With over 2,500 miles of pipelines running beneath the river, this important waterway presents a variety of important concerns in terms of both safety and environmental impacts.
How Many Pipelines Run Under The Mississippi River?
As of 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that over 2,500 miles of pipelines run beneath the Mississippi River. This figure does not include the pipelines that may be running beneath tributaries of the river, so the total number of pipelines beneath the Mississippi River is likely even larger.
These pipelines provide services ranging from oil & gas transportation, water supply, and chemicals, to hazardous waste disposal. As the EPA notes, “Each pipeline may need to be monitored and maintained if spills or leaks occur, so the more pipelines beneath a river, the higher the risk of disruption or contamination.”
The Environmental and Safety Concerns Of Pipelines In the Mississippi River
Environmental damage caused by pipelines is a serious concern for those living and working alongside the Mississippi River. Contamination of the river can have serious impacts on both human and animal health, as well as disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
Safety is also a major concern with pipelines in the Mississippi River, as the force and volume of the water can cause pipelines to move, break or corrode. Breakage of a pipeline beneath the river can cause hazardous materials to be released into the water and cause significant damage to the environment, as well as harm to people and animals.
Monitoring pipelines beneath the Mississippi is made more difficult by high levels of sedimentation, strong currents and shifting sands. These conditions can cause the pipelines to shift over time and lessen the ability to quickly and accurately detect when a pipeline breaks or is in need of repair.
EPA Actions To Monitor And Strengthen Oversight Of Pipelines In The Mississippi
In an effort to increase oversight of pipelines beneath the Mississippi River, the EPA has increased monitoring efforts of pipelines. The agency has implemented both aerial and on-site inspections to monitor pipelines and assess potential risks in order to better prevent spills and other issues. The EPA has also implemented rules and regulations for the construction and operation of new pipelines, as well as established safety protocols and inspection requirements for existing pipelines.
The EPA has also taken actions to ensure that new pipelines are built in ways that are both environmentally safe and compliant with the Clean Water Act. For example, the agency has outlined specific guidelines related to how to construct pipelines in and around rivers, wetlands and other sensitive areas, and regularly inspects construction sites to ensure that these practices are being followed.
In addition, the EPA has established an online database of pipelines and other infrastructure that runs under the Mississippi, allowing people to easily find information about which pipelines are in their area.
Oil And Gas Companies Responsible For Pipeline Safety
It is important to note that while the EPA is tasked with overseeing pipelines beneath the Mississippi River, the responsibility for safety and environmental protections lies primarily with the oil and gas companies that operate in the area.
These companies are responsible for developing, implementing and following safety protocols for the pipelines in their possession, as well as regularly inspecting them for any issues. If a pipeline is found to be faulty or unsafe, the company is required to take immediate action to repair any problems.
The companies are also responsible for regularly reporting issues and changes to the EPA, as well as being fully compliant with the agency’s safety and environmental regulations.
The Importance Of Public Education About Pipelines In The Mississippi
Given the issues that can arise from pipelines beneath the Mississippi River, it is important for the public to be aware of the dangers and the need for proper oversight and maintenance by oil and gas companies. Public education about the risks of pipelines and what people can do to help protect the environment is essential for keeping the river safe.
The National Association of Governmental Pollution Control Agencies (NGPCA) has developed a program to help educate the public about pipelines and their potential risks, which includes providing information and courses on pipeline safety and the need for proper regulations. They also encourage the public to report and take action if they identify a possible oil or hazardous material spill.
What Is Being Done To Ensure The Safety Of Pipelines In The Mississippi?
In addition to the regulations and public education initiatives, the EPA has been exploring technologies and techniques that can be used to more effectively monitor and inspect pipelines beneath the Mississippi River. For example, the agency recently awarded funding to two research projects focused on developing new methods for identifying and detecting pipeline leaks.
In addition, the agency is exploring the use of drones and other sensors to inspect pipelines and detect potential issues before they become a serious problem.
How Is The Public Protected From Pipeline Accidents In The Mississippi?
In the event of a pipeline accident in the Mississippi, the EPA and other governmental organizations are responsible for containing and mitigating the damage. This includes deploying clean up crews to the affected area and monitoring for any environmental or health impacts.
The EPA also works closely with local governments, industries and the public to determine the proper response to a pipeline incident and ensure that any concerns are addressed and the river is restored.
Conclusion
Pipelines beneath the Mississippi River provide many advantages and services, but they also pose a variety of risks to the environment and public safety. It is important that these pipelines are properly monitored, maintained and inspected to ensure that they remain safe and secure. The EPA and other organizations are working to better understand and manage these pipelines, as well as educate the public on the potential risks and what to do in the event of an accident.
