What are the two leading causes of pipeline releases?

The leading causes of pipeline releases often stem from human activities and external factors, which is why third-party and in-house damage ranks as a significant contributor. Third-party damage may occur from construction or excavation activities where individuals inadvertently hit a pipeline. In-house damage involves issues arising from operational practices within a company, such as improper maintenance or procedures that could compromise pipeline integrity.

Understanding the primary causes is crucial for operators as it emphasizes the need for enhanced safety protocols and communication strategies to mitigate risks associated with both external and internal activities. This focus on human factors can lead to more effective training and practical measures to prevent pipeline incidents.

Other causes such as equipment malfunction, natural disasters, and material failure do contribute to pipeline issues, but a significant number of releases can be directly traced back to actions taken by individuals or organizations interacting with the pipeline environment. This reality underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in both planning and execution phases to reduce the likelihood of such damaging occurrences.