Mirant owns and operates the 51.5-mile Piney Point heated oil pipeline in Southern Maryland. The pipeline transports No. 6 fuel oil from the Piney Point terminal through St. Mary's, Charles and Prince George's Counties to Mirant's Chalk Point and Morgantown Generating Stations. Most Mirant Piney Point employees live in Southern Maryland and are actively involved in the community.
Regulatory Compliance
Mirant Piney Point's pipeline operators meet all relevant safety and operational standards set forth by state and federal regulatory authorities including:
- U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Pipeline Safety
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Code of Maryland Regulations
- Maryland Department of the Environment
- Maryland Public Service Commission
Damage Prevention and Public Education
Mirant is committed to the continued safe and reliable operations of the Piney Point Pipeline, and educating the public about safety and operations. This commitment is carried out by:
- Participating in a one-call damage prevention system known as Miss Utility, which includes a new national 811 phone number.
- Contractors, landowners and residents are instructed to call Miss Utility in accordance with Maryland law at least 48 hours before digging in the vicinity of the pipeline.
- Pipeline employees locate and mark the pipeline location prior to excavation.
- Participating in education and communication activities including:
- Written correspondence;
- Face-to-face meetings with contractors, landowners and public officials;
- Pipeline displays at community events; and
- Presentations to regulatory officials and environmental, emergency response and community organizations.
Continual Operational and Maintenance Improvements
Since acquiring the pipeline in December 2000, Mirant has made the following improvements:
- Installed Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition System including an enhanced leak detection system;
- Implemented an Integrity Management Program that includes ultrasonic and deformation pigging on a routine cycle;
- Implemented a Right-of-Way Management Program to ensure pipeline integrity while conducting vegetation management in an environmentally friendly way;
- Installed a remote radio communication system; and
- Conducts routine emergency response drills.
Environmental Stewardship
Mirant Piney Point is committed to environmental stewardship.
Key highlights include:
- Maryland Senate and House of Delegates recognition for achievements in environmental education and stewardship activities;
- Partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited and Charles County 4H;
- Leonardtown Earth Day;
- Wildlife Adventure Day;
- Projects to support the Wicomico Scenic River Commission; and
- Participation in the National Envirothon training and competition for high school students, teaching topics on renewable energy.
Community Outreach
Making a House a Home
Employees from Chalk Point, Morgantown and the Piney Point Pipeline amassed a houseful of furniture for a needy family with two special needs children. Employees donated what they had on hand and rallied support from a local church for more contributions. The home was constructed by the state of Maryland for a single father and his four children.