WHAT S INSIDE. High Consequence Areas CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. Pipeline Markers. Leak Recognition. Leak Response. Integrity Management

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1 Shawn L. Patterson Vice President & Chief Operations Officer WHAT S INSIDE High Consequence Areas CALL BEFORE YOU DIG Pipeline Markers Leak Recognition Leak Response Integrity Management Dear Neighbor, You are receiving this letter because an area of your property has been identified as a High Consequence Area (HCA). We want all of you to be aware of the role you play in ensuring the pipeline is operated safely and reliably. You may have received similar pipeline safety information earlier this year from Southern Star or a consortium of pipeline operators in your area. You are getting this additional information because federal regulations intended to improve pipeline safety have called for increased communication with those residing and congregating in certain areas near pipeline facilities. Southern Star maintains a Damage Prevention Program in accordance with state and federal guidelines. The purpose of the program is to prevent damage to our pipelines and facilities from excavation activities, such as digging, trenching, blasting, boring, or any other digging activity. Through our efforts and shared responsibility with stakeholders, we strive to increase awareness and reduce damages to underground pipelines. Public Safety, environmental protection, and service integrity are important to us. Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. ( Southern Star ) owns and operates a 6,000 mile natural gas pipeline system in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. The pipelines Southern Star operate are constructed of high-strength steel and vary in diameter from 2 to 30 inches. You may be aware that much of our pipeline system is buried underground, but other facilities related to our business are above ground (e.g. compressor stations, meter stations, valves, etc.). Sincerely, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. P.O. Box Owensboro, Kentucky Phone Spanish version available. See the Business Reply Card. Versión en español disponible. Vea la Tarjeta de Respuesta Comercial. SSC3271 AP HCA 2018

2 HIGH CONSEQUENCE AREAS A high consequence area is a location that is defined by pipeline safety regulations as an area where pipeline releases could have greater consequences to health and safety or the environment. HCAs are generated when the Potential Impact Circle (PIC) of the pipeline encompasses 20 or more buildings for human occupancy or an identified site. The PIC is the circle within which the potential failure of a pipeline could have significant impact on people or property. HCAs are locations in which the PIC of the pipeline encompasses the following general categories: Areas that meet certain criteria of high population density Areas that contain populations of impaired mobility (e.g. schools, hospitals, day cares, nursing homes, etc.) Areas where people congregate (e.g. church facilities, parks, ball fields, etc.) IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY If one of our pipelines is damaged, even if the damage only appears to be minor, from a safe location CALL 911 then please notify Southern Star immediately by calling our 24 hour emergency number: It is important that we evaluate the damage and have the opportunity to repair it, no matter how minor you think it might be. If released, natural gas will rise and diffuse rapidly. If you should happen to be working in the area of a broken, leaking or damaged pipeline, abandon equipment immediately and notify Southern Star as soon as possible. Escaping gas can be ignited by open flames or sparks from electrical switches, motors, mechanical equipment, or flying rocks. Pipeline emergency action will begin the moment we become aware of the situation. Southern Star personnel and equipment will be dispatched to identify the emergency, control the flow of gas and make necessary repairs. We will coordinate our actions with fire, police, and other public officials. 1

3 This color code chart will help determine which utilities have marked their underground utility lines. WHITE - Proposed excavation PINK - Temporary survey markings RED - Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables YELLOW - Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials ORANGE - Communications, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit BLUE - Potable water lines PURPLE - Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines GREEN - Sewer lines CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. IT S FREE, AND IT S THE LAW! Call before you dig Allow the required time for utilities to be marked Respect the marks Excavate (dig) with care After calling 811, most states require you to wait 2 business days to allow companies to mark their pipelines and utilities before you begin digging. In fact, most serious damage done to pipelines is done when a third party inadvertently excavates, blasts or drills within a pipeline right-of-way. By contacting 811 first, this type of damage can be prevented. Southern Star may require a representative present to monitor the safe excavation near the pipeline. One easy phone call to 811 starts the process to get your underground pipelines and utility lines marked for FREE. When you call 811 from anywhere in the country, your call will be routed to your state One-Call Center. Once your underground lines have been marked for your project, you will know the approximate location of your pipelines and utility lines, and can dig safely. More information regarding 811 can be found at Safety is everyone s responsibility 2

4 BEFORE EXCAVATING OR IN EMERGENCY CALL HOW WOULD YOU KNOW WHERE A SOUTHERN STAR PIPELINE IS LOCATED? Most pipelines are underground where they are more protected from the elements. Even so, pipeline rights-of-way are clearly identified by pipeline markers along pipeline routes that identify the approximate NOT EXACT location of the pipeline. Markers are typically seen where a pipeline intersects a street, highway or railway. For any person to willfully deface, damage, remove, or destroy any pipeline marker is a federal crime. Markers do not indicate pipeline burial depth, which will vary. Pipeline Marker This marker is the most commonly seen. It contains Southern Star information, type of product, and our emergency contact number. Size, shape and color may vary. DESTRUCTION OF THIS SIGN VIOLATES FEDERAL LAW WARNING NATURAL GAS PIPELINE Aerial Marker These skyward facing markers are used by patrol planes that monitor pipeline routes. Casing Vent Marker This marker indicates that a pipeline (protected by a steel outer casing) passes beneath a nearby roadway, rail line or other crossing. HOW WOULD YOU RECOGNIZE A PIPELINE LEAK? Sight Natural gas is colorless, but vapor and ground frosting may be visible at high pressures. A gas leak may also be indicated by bubbles in wet or flooded areas, distinct patches of dead vegetation, dust blowing from a hole in the ground or flames if the leak is ignited. Sound Volume can range from a quiet hissing to a loud roar depending on the size of the leak and pipeline system. Smell An unusual smell or gaseous odor will sometimes accompany pipeline leaks. Natural Gas is colorless, tasteless and odorless unless commercial odorants or Mercaptan is added. Gas transmission/gas gathering pipelines are odorless, but may contain a hydrocarbon smell. WHAT DOES SOUTHERN STAR DO IF A LEAK OCCURS? In order to prepare for the event of a leak, Southern Star regularly communicates, plans, and trains with local emergency personnel such as fire and police departments. Upon the notification of an incident or leak, either by Southern Star s internal control center or by phone, Southern Star will immediately dispatch trained personnel to assist public safety officials in our response to the emergency. Southern Star will also take steps to minimize the amount of product that leaks out and to isolate the pipeline. 3

5 DO NOT WHAT NOT TO DO IN THE EVENT A LEAK WERE TO OCCUR: DO NOT cause any open flame or other potential source of ignition such as an electrical switch, vehicle ignition, light a match, etc. Do not start motor vehicles or electrical equipment. Do not ring doorbells to notify others of the leak. Knock with your hand to avoid potential sparks from knockers. DO NOT come into direct contact with any escaping liquids or gas. DO NOT drive into a leak or vapor cloud while leaving the area. DO NOT attempt to operate any pipeline valves yourself, as you may inadvertently route more product to the leak or cause a secondary incident. DO NOT attempt to extinguish a petroleum product or natural gas fire. Wait for local firemen and other professionals trained to deal with such emergencies. WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT A LEAK WERE TO OCCUR: Turn off any equipment and eliminate any ignition sources without risking injury. Leave the area by foot immediately. Try to direct any other bystanders to leave the area. Attempt to stay upwind. From a safe location CALL 911 then please notify Southern Star immediately by calling our 24 hour emergency number: Southern Star will need your name, your phone number, a brief description of the incident, and the location so the proper response can be initiated DO

6 PIPELINE INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT With the passage of the Pipeline Safety Integrity Act of 2002 (PSIA), the United States Congress mandated that specific requirements be implemented for ensuring the integrity of liquid and natural gas pipeline systems throughout the United States. This legislation, and subsequent regulations codified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), require pipeline operators to develop programs to improve how they manage the integrity of their pipeline systems. Southern Star has developed its Integrity Management Program (IMP) to more effectively perform safetyrelated activities such as testing and inspections, repairs, and maintenance of the pipeline system. Furthermore, our program is critical in determining the prioritization and timeline of pipeline integrity work while also standardizing the manner in which Southern Star continually monitors and documents the work associated with the integrity of the pipeline, specifically within High Consequence Areas (HCAs). Southern Star s IMP (Integrity Management Program) includes the following elements: Identification of High Consequence Areas Baseline Assessment Plan & Performing Integrity Assessment Remediating Conditions Continual Evaluation and Assessment Preventive & Mitigative Measures Performance Plan Management of Change Quality Assurance Internal & External Communications More information on Southern Star s IMP can be found at TRANSMISSION PIPELINE MAPPING The U.S. Department of Transportation s Office of Pipeline Safety has developed the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) to provide information about gas transmission and liquid transmission operators and their pipelines. The NPMS Web site is searchable by zip code or by county and state, and can display a county map that is printable. For a list of pipeline operators with pipelines in your area and their contact information, go to Operators of production facilities, gas/liquid gathering piping and distribution piping are not represented by NPMS, nor are they required to be. 5

7 PIPELINE PURPOSE AND RELIABILITY Pipelines are the safest and most efficient means of transporting natural gas according to National Transportation Safety Board statistics. These pipelines transport the natural gas, which provides about 24 percent of all the energy used in the United States. FARM SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO SOUTHERN STAR No one digs more dirt than America s farmers and ranchers, which is why many agricultural operations such as chisel plowing, deep ripping or soil sampling, drain tile installation and other deep excavation activities can benefit from calling 811. Accidentally striking a pipeline can lead to serious injury or death, making it critical for farmers to follow appropriate safety procedures. If your farming activities consist of DEEP PLOWING, POST HOLE DIGGING, LEVELING, MAINTAINER USE, TRENCHING, TERRACING or any other below surface use of equipment, it is critical for you to call 811 prior to these activities. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN CASE OF DAMAGING OR DISTURBING A PIPELINE? If you cause or witness even minor damage to a pipeline or its protective coating, please immediately notify Southern Star. Even a small disturbance to a pipeline may cause a future leak. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease is cause enough for Southern Star to inspect the damage and make repairs. 6

8 FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING PIPELINE SAFETY AND AN OVERVIEW OF THE PIPELINE INDUSTRY, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES: PIPELINE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Pipeline American Petroleum Institute (API) - Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) - American Gas Association (AGA) - Common Ground Alliance (CGA) - For more information on the NASFM Pipeline Emergencies program - Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) - GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY AGENCIES Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) - Department of Transportation (DOT) - National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) - Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) - National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - SOUTHERN STAR COVERAGE MAP SOUTHERN STAR PUBLIC AWARENESS DEPARTMENT Phone: PublicAwareness@sscgp.com Website: