Safety, security and environmental stewardship are core values at Piedmont Natural Gas. Our infrastructure projects are designed, constructed, tested, maintained and operated to high standards as required by law and Piedmont’s additional safety policies. We employ highly trained staff to operate our systems and work closely with emergency responders to ensure they have the resources and information to assist in any situation involving the infrastructure.


Sophisticated Operations and Maintenance Program

Once the infrastructure is commissioned, there are requirements mandated by the code of federal regulations that ensure it is maintained and operated safely according to a robust program. The requirements include:


  • 24/7/365 around-the-clock monitoring of gas pressures
  • Remote control shut-off valves used to support maintenance activities and to shut off the gas supply if necessary
  • Cathodic protection coating on steel infrastructure to prevent corrosion
surveyor working  

ANNUAL SURVEYS: A leak survey is performed over the entire length of the line by patrolling over the top of the pipe with leak detection equipment. A cathodic protection survey is performed, and data is taken along the pipe to help ensure the line is not corroding. The remote control shut-off valves also are inspected annually to help ensure the equipment is in proper working condition.


LINE PATROLS: Line patrols are performed by walking the route, observing soil conditions, the coloration of the surrounding vegetation and encroachment concerns, and making sure infrastructure markers are in place.


CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECT PLANNING: As required by law, Piedmont Natural Gas also locates its facilities for excavations. An inspector will be dispatched to an excavation site to observe and ensure the integrity of the facility when a third party calls 811 for an excavation. In addition, we will locate its facilities for planning projects. This aids in identification of facilities on plans to help reduce third-party damage.


PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS are conducted for landowners, elected officials, emergency responders and others.


Call Before You Dig

State law requires you or a contractor to call 811 to have all utility lines located and marked several days before you dig. This is a free service designed to keep our communities safe. For more information, visit call811.com.


811 call before you dig