Environment & Safety

Our Core Values

Operational Safety

To ensure that the Rio Bravo Pipeline remains in safe and reliable operating condition, we employ a number of techniques. This includes everything from high-tech inspections, cathodic protection and coatings to maintenance activities and 24/7/365 monitoring of our system.

Safety Team

We employ a dedicated team of safety and environmental professionals who build and maintain stringent safety programs and practices, and every single employee and contractor has the authority to stop work they believe is unsafe.

Safety Dedication

We are dedicated to pipeline safety, use high-quality steel pipe, and ensure our pipelines meet or exceed the applicable standards for pipeline construction and operation.

Pipeline Integrity

Each joint of pipe is inspected before it leaves the mill and uses more stringent specifications than required by federal standards.
One hundred percent of the field welds are examined and tested before the line is placed in service.
A post-construction hydro test is conducted, and inspection tools are run upon completion to verify the condition of the pipe.
The line is thoroughly inspected to ensure that there are no issues with the pipe’s specialized coating.
A cathodic protection system is designed and installed to guard against corrosion and help maintain ongoing structural integrity.

Planning

Pre-Construction

Environmental Study

We thoroughly survey the pipeline’s route and work with Federal agencies to ensure there are no adverse effects to threatened or endangered species, or the habitat, during the construction and operation of the Rio Bravo Pipeline.

Environmental Permits

Once environmental and cultural surveys are completed, we begin the process for securing the necessary environmental permits from federal, state and local agencies. The surveys gather significant amounts of environmental data through field study and analysis, which are provided to regulators and permitting agencies as required.

Construction

Safe Construction

The safety of our personnel, landowners, and the surrounding communities is of the utmost importance throughout the construction process. Utilizing industry best practices, we ensure the Rio Bravo Pipeline is completed in a safe and secure manner.

Operation

Pipeline Inspection

Regular aerial surveillance of the line is performed to look for potential risks to the pipeline, including encroachment or other unauthorized activity on the right-of-way, as well as to identify potentially concerning surface conditions along the pipeline. We also conduct regular foot patrol inspections along the entire route.

Pipeline Markers

Pipeline markers are installed within line-of-sight on the pipeline route noting the general location of the pipeline, including at road, property, and creek crossings.

Remote Shutdown

Highly trained pipeline controllers can take real-time and nearly instantaneous action to remotely shut down a pipeline system if a problem is suspected, and the line can only be returned to operation after field personnel conduct a thorough visual inspection and correct the problem.