You Might Not Get a Second Chance
On April 15, 2020, Northern Natural Gas was notified by its contracted aerial patrol pilot of an excavation taking place on a section of two-inch-diameter high-pressure natural gas transmission pipeline that serves the town of Lamont, Iowa. The pipeline operates at approximately 870 psig. A Northern employee was immediately dispatched to the location and discovered that no
One Call ticket request was made by the excavator. The landowner, Gary Crawford, was the owner/operator of the backhoe attempting to repair drain tile, with the assistance of his two teenage grandsons. Mr. Crawford did not realize he was close to the pipeline and, in fact, fortunately stopped the excavation within approximately 12 to 18 inches from the pipeline.
The landowner was willing to assist with producing a damage prevention safety video. He and his family members were interviewed on their family farm near Independence, Iowa. Although the incident took place in Iowa, the story and accompanying message is appropriate for every state where Northern operates facilities. Key messages designed to reinforce Northern's safe digging practices and the
Call Before You Dig process were interjected into the interviews. Iowa One Call partnered with Northern to produce the video.
Mr. Crawford is a well-respected farmer in the area and his compelling, genuine account of the day's events and his personal reaction to narrowly escaping tragic consequences will likely connect with fellow farmers, the agricultural community, drain tilers and excavators.
To view this video, please click on the link below. Approximate viewing time: 11 minutes (2021)
You Might Not Get a Second Chance - YouTube
Protecting What Really Matters
The Iowa One Call center partnered with Northern Natural Gas to develop this damage prevention video. The incident in review took place near Hinton, Iowa in April, 2012. Although the events took place in Iowa, viewers from every state can learn valuable lessons from this video. Northern Natural Gas employees and the aerial patrol pilot discuss their observations and reactions to the event. The video stresses the importance of protecting what really matters such as family, the community and the land by simply calling
811 before every digging project. Agricultural related excavations such as drain tiling, chisel plowing, sub-soiling, setting posts, soil sampling, drilling wells, terracing and waterway projects all require a call to your state’s one call center before excavation begins.
To view this video, please click on the link below. Approximate viewing time: 10 minutes (2013)
Protecting What Really Matters - YouTube
Living Safely With Natural Gas Pipelines
This video examines the safe delivery and characteristics of natural gas. It will educate viewers how to:
- Recognize and react to a pipeline emergency.
- Report an emergency to the company.
- Report an emergency to the appropriate emergency responders and public officials.
Additionally, the video reviews how to reduce and eliminate pipeline damages caused by third-party excavations by the proper use of the “call before you dig” process by notifying your local one-call center. The video is introduced by the president of Northern Natural Gas.
To view this video, please click on the link below. Approximate viewing time: 24 minutes. (2004)
Living Safely With Natural Gas Pipelines - YouTube
The Hudson, Iowa, Pipeline Incident
The accident described in this video occurred in Hudson, Iowa, on November 4, 1982. This serves as the framework to demonstrate the tragic consequences of incomplete or misunderstood communications between pipeline operators such as Northern Natural Gas and contractors excavating around pipelines and pipeline facilities. The video concludes by explaining that excavation-damage prevention begins with everyone who plans to excavate to do so by notifying the appropriate one-call center in their state. To view this video, please click on the link below.
Approximate viewing time: 29 minutes (2006)
The Hudson, Iowa, Pipeline Incident - YouTube
Three Seconds Later
The incident described in this film did not involve a pipeline operated by Marathon Pipeline LLC; however, every pipeline operator encourages all farmers and drain tile installers working near pipelines to watch the film and implement the safety practices promoted. The documentary shows the first-person account of a tragic drain tile accident and its impact on a close-knit community. To view this video, please click on the link below.
Approximate viewing time: 12 minutes (2017)
Three Seconds Later - YouTube
Common Ground Alliance (CGA) 811 for the Ag Community
Protect your land, family, and community by using 811 before every digging project. The video tells the story of a high pressure natural gas pipeline which was punctured on a family operated farm while deep ripping. To view this video, please click on the link below.
Approximate viewing time: 11 minutes (2016)
Common Ground Alliance (CGA) 811 for the Ag Community - YouTube (English)
Common Ground Alliance (CGA) 811 for the Ag Community - YouTube (Spanish)
Drain Tile Testimonial
A farm family shares their first-hand experience of encountering a pipeline while installing field drain tile.
Approximate viewing time: 6 minutes (2013)
Drain Tile Testimonial - YouTube