Natural Gas Pipeline Safety

Our Commitment to Safety Stretches Thousands of Miles


DTE Energy's Pipeline Integrity management program, in conjunction with federal and state regulations, ensures that our natural gas network is regularly inspected, and maintenance work is performed, such as leak surveys and corrosion control. This program enhances our existing initiatives to maintain a safe, reliable pipeline system.

Pipeline Inspections

Pipeline Inspections
DTE performs routine inspections inside some pipeline sections, using a sophisticated electronic device sent through pipelines to identify internal problems. Above its pipeline system, DTE conducts aerial surveys twice a month of its 1,900-hundred miles of transmission lines. All main and service lines are surveyed at least every three years, and cast iron mains are surveyed annually.

How to Identify a Pipeline

How to Identify a Pipeline
DTE Energy has a network of underground natural gas pipelines throughout Michigan that safely and reliably delivers natural gas to 1.3 million residential and business customers.

Since buried pipelines are out of sight, it's easy to forget about them. Sometimes, pipelines are indicated by ground markers (see image), but often they are not. DTE Energy uses these markers to indicate approximate, but not exact, locations of pipelines.

To help keep you safe, contact MISS DIG by dialing 811 or visiting missdig811.org prior to digging or excavating.

Encroachments & Build overs

DTE is required by law to conduct operational and maintenance activities. Encroachments and build overs that prevent DTE from conducting operation and maintenance activities are prohibited.

We define these terms as:

Encroachments: Structures, outdoor areas of assembly, excavations, or other activities within 220 yards or the Potential Impact Radius (PIR) of a transmission pipeline (whichever is greater) or within a pipeline right-of-way or easement.

Build Overs: A structure that may interfere with or affect the safe operation and maintenance of the pipeline, including surveys, repair work and access to gas shut-off valve or to read meter.

Pipeline includes all DTE operated gas lines and gas facilities.

Control Room

Control Room
DTE controllers monitor the company’s 41,500-mile natural gas pipeline system to ensure customers are safe and receive the energy needed to keep their homes and businesses warm. From a modern control room, controllers analyze a constant flow of data 24/7/365 from more than 4,500 points along the system. Changes in pressure and other information are transmitted from pipeline sensors to computers and telemetry equipment that display the information to the controllers. Should an emergency arise, controllers can close more than 140 remote-control valves to shut the flow of gas at key locations in the pipeline system.