Pipeline Safety
Protecting our underground infrastructure
Motiva operates more than 400 miles of buried transmission pipelines in Southeast Texas, connecting our refinery, chemical plant, and Port Neches terminal with various supply and distribution points located throughout the region.
Pipelines are the safest method of energy transportation, per the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In the U.S., over 2.6 million miles of transmission, gathering, and distribution pipelines transport various petroleum and natural gas products.
The integrity of our pipelines is important to us, and we closely monitor our pipelines 24 hours a day, every day. We also educate our neighbors on how to locate pipelines, prevent damage, and respond in the unlikely event of a pipeline emergency.
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Pipeline System
Our pipeline system spans across Liberty, Hardin, Jefferson, Orange, and Chambers counties. They are buried underground and generally follow well-defined corridors or rights-of-way, often shared with other utilities. Aboveground line markers indicate a pipeline’s presence, identifying product transported and providing operator name, product type, and emergency contact information.
Public Awareness
Education and engagement with local stakeholders helps us prevent potential incidents and reduce third-party damage to pipelines. Our pipeline control center is available 24 hours a day to receive pipeline emergency or abnormal condition reports.
Integrity Management
In accordance with federal regulations, Motiva has developed a supplemental threat assessment and prevention plan known as an Integrity Management Plan. It provides written guidelines for evaluating and maintaining the integrity of our pipelines.
Operator Qualification
Our Operator Qualification Program ensures that individuals working on Motiva’s DOT-regulated pipeline facilities are qualified to perform covered tasks, documents that qualification, and reduces the probability and consequences of incidents.
Pipeline Map Viewer
The National Pipeline Mapping System’s Public Map Viewer helps community members identify pipeline infrastructure. While aboveground line markers indicate a pipeline’s presence, they shouldn't be relied upon for exact locations.
Learn how to dig safely
Call 811 Before Digging
Damage Prevention
Third-party damage is one of the leading causes of pipeline damage in the U.S. To prevent work delays, fines, and potential injuries, always call 811 at least two business days before conducting any soil-disturbing activity.
An operator will notify underground facility operators like Motiva of any planned excavation so the buried lines can be marked with paint or flags, allowing you to work safely near them.
Hazard Awareness
Pipeline accidents are rare but can occur. Know how to recognize a pipeline emergency and take immediate actions to protect people, property, and the environment.
Signs of a leak might include:
Low-lying, dense white cloud or fog originating near the pipeline
A pool of liquid on the ground
Dead or discolored vegetation amid healthy plants
Water bubbling or being blown into the air
Fire or explosion near the pipeline
An unusual hissing sound or any strange, unusual gaseous odor near the pipeline
Suspect a Pipeline Leak?
Leave the area quickly and warn others. Call 911 and notify Motiva at 1-800-369-0282.