Pipeline Data, Maps Could Be a Reporting Resource — If Open

Reporters: there are many good investigative stories to be done about natural gas pipelines in your local area. You can get some maps and data about these pipelines if you try. Hard. The government is not going to help too much.

One resource is the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS), which allows the general public to see geodata on a county-by-county basis. See the NPMS public map viewer here.

Before 9/11, the NPMS was online and searchable — its only drawback being inaccurate and out-of-date data. It was the principal tool by which both the public and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration could track pipelines that could present hazards to communities. Like many other environmental infrastructure databases, the NPMS was taken down after 9/11, ostensibly to protect the public from terrorist attacks — but also conveniently protecting the pipeline companies and PHMSA from oversight and accountability.

Previous WatchDogs have offered suggestions for accessing and using pipeline data — including data available from other government agencies and private companies.

• Previous Stories: WatchDogs of July 3, 2013; October 6, 2010; September 22, 2010; and November 28, 2007.