Tulsa’s oil pipelines monitored for safety

Tulsa’s system of pipelines are routinely monitored to maintain safety, according to the Tulsa World. Managers say it’s easier to be proactive with maintenance than to regret not doing so later on.

Even as fracking rises as a method of gas extraction, oil pipelines are still the most prominent means of moving fuel. Oklahoma-based Explorer Pipeline company says it uses regular inspections to spot pipes that might give out and replace them sooner.

The company also uses planes to fly over its pipelines looking for signs of leaks, like dead grass or oil sheening. The No. 1 cause of pipeline ruptures? Someone digging where they shouldn’t be, according to Explorer.

Explorer Pipeline is a smaller pipeline company, but still boasts managing a refinery in Tulsa with a capacity of 125,000 barrels of oil per day. Its efforts are meant to avoid spills, ruptures or other incidents.

In 2013, Oklahoma alone has seen 81 accidents involving crude oil at well sites, pipelines or during transport.