Promoting Pipeline Awareness
As a pipeline owner, operator and neighbor, Vaquero Midstream is committed to safely operating its pipelines. One or more of our pipelines may be located on or near your property. Your awareness and understanding of pipelines will enhance your personal safety as well of that of others. In the Permian Basin, Vaquero operates under its subsidiaries, Vaquero Permian Gathering and Vaquero Permian Processing.
How to Tell Where a Pipeline is Located
Because pipelines are buried underground, markers are used to indicate their approximate locations along the route. The markers display the material transported in the line, the name of the pipeline operator, and a telephone number where the operator can be reached in the event of an emergency. If you need to identify our pipelines, look for our pipeline markers. These safety signs display the type of product being transported, our name and a 24-hour emergency line. However, these markers are NOT intended to show the exact location, depth or number of pipelines located within the right-of-way.
How to Recognize a Pipeline Leak and Actions to be Taken if you Suspect a Leak
Pipeline leaks can be recognized using three of the five senses: sight, sound, and smell. If you suspect a leak, most importantly, turn off any equipment and leave the area as soon as possible.
- SIGHT: Discoloration of vegetation; flames coming from the ground; a pool of liquid on the ground or bubbling in a wet, flooded area; or a cloud of vapor, fog or mist are signs of a possible leak around the pipeline area.
- SOUND: Listen for any unusual noise like a hissing or roaring sound coming from a pipeline.
- SMELL: Notice any unusual odor or scent of gas or a slight hydrocarbon smell. Please know that natural gas transported through pipelines are typically deodorized and may carry a faint petroleum scent or no odor at all.
Vaquero Emergency Actions
Vaquero strives to build partnerships with the emergency response community to share resources and provide education for a safe response to a pipeline emergency. In the unlikely event of a pipeline emergency, Vaquero will work with the response community to control the situation as quickly as possible. Our trained personnel will:
- Arrive at the site of the emergency and stop or reduce product flow to the area
- Notify and work with the appropriate emergency response officials
- Repair the facility and restore service as soon as possible
- Fully investigate the cause of the incident
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY ON A VAQUERO PIPELINE OR AT ONE OF OUR FACILITIES:
Call 911 or your local emergency response number,
then call our 24-hour emergency number: 877-754-6413