Pipeline Safety
Tucson Electric Power operates a natural gas transmission system spanning 18.381 miles in Arizona. TEP’s pipeline system and facilities deliver natural gas to the Gila River Power Station.
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What does TEP do if a leak occurs?
To prepare for the event of a leak, TEP representatives regularly communicate with local emergency responders. Upon the notification of an incident or leak TEP will immediately dispatch trained personnel to assist emergency responders.
Pipeline operators and emergency responders are trained to protect. TEP will also take steps to minimize the amount of product that leaks out and to isolate the pipeline emergency.
Emergency Number: 888-895-7473
Products Transported
| Product | Leak Type | Vapors |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | Gas | Lighter than air and will generally rise and dissipate. May gather in a confined space and travel to a source of ignition. |
| Health Hazards | Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames and will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning and may be toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. | |
Maintaining safety and integrity of pipelines
TEP invests significant time and capital maintaining the quality and integrity of the pipeline, which is monitored 24 hours a day via a manned control center. TEP also utilizes regular inspections to identify potential dangers. Control center personnel continually monitor the pipeline system and assess changes in pressure and flow for power plant operations. They notify pipeline personnel if there is an emergency and/or possibility of a leak. Valves are utilized to isolate a leak by pipeline personnel.
TEP has developed supplemental hazard and assessment programs, as well as a public awareness program. Specific information about TEP’s program may be obtained by contacting us directly.
How to get additional information
For an overview of TEP’s Public Awareness Program, contact us at 480-310-1516.