Emergency Response
At Portland Montreal Pipe Line we understand that risk associated with safety, security, health and the environment are inherent in our business. Recognizing these risks is a critical role to the overall success in an emergency situation. To respond quickly and efficiently PMPL has developed an Integrated Contingency Plan that identifies possible scenarios including oil spills, fires, explosions, bomb threats, natural disasters, medical emergencies and security incidents. A comprehensive drill and exercise schedule is developed and implemented annually to ensure our employees and contractors are trained and competent in emergency response. Various federal, state and local emergencies planning officials and responders participate in the preparation, training and emergency response drills.
If you notice a pipeline emergency on the Portland Montreal Pipe Line system, take the following steps:
- Immediately and safely leave the area. Do not enter the area or touch, breathe or make contact with the liquid.
- From a safe distance Call 911 or the local fire department.
- Notify Portland Pipe Line at 1-866-253-7351 or 207-767-3231 in the US
- Notify Montreal Pipe Line at 1-888-977-4589 or 514-645-4589 in Canada
- Do not attempt to operate pipeline valves
- Remain upwind at a safe distance.
- Do not light a match, start an engine, use a cell phone or camera or do anything to create a spark.
Portland Montreal Pipe Line will isolate the flow of petroleum and immediately dispatch trained personnel to the site to help handle the situation and provide information to public safety officials. We are committee to do whatever needs to be done to protect lives and the environment.
How to recognize a pipeline leak
By Sight
- Discolored or dead vegetation surrounding the pipeline
- Fire, explosion or flames coming from the ground or an exposed pipeline valve
- A pool of liquid on the ground near a pipeline
- Continuous bubbling in wet, flooded area
- A rainbow or sheen on water or flat surfaces
By Smell
- An unusual odor or scent of petroleum, sulfur or ‘rotten eggs’
By Sound
- An unusual noise coming from the pipeline
Security
Please call PMPL – or your local law enforcement agency – to report any unusual activity on the pipeline right-of-way or any unauthorized entry into our facilities.
API/AOPL Emergency Response Training Portal
A major task of the API/AOPL Emergency Response Team is to make available an on-line training course that is offered free of charge to first responders. The training comprises awareness, operation and technician level courses using the National Association of State Fire Marshalls (NAFSM) “Pipeline Emergencies” Program. It enables first responders to learn the techniques and skills to best address a hazardous liquid or natural gas pipeline incident. The on-line training portal is especially useful to rural, volunteer or departments of modest means, allowing them to receive pipeline training that fits their budget, schedule and location. www.nasfm-training.org/pipeline