How big is our pipeline infrastructure: how many miles of what kinds of pipelines are there in the United States?
In 2003, there were over 2.3 million miles of pipelines in the U.S. carrying natural gas, and hazardous liquids (chiefly petroleum and refined petroleum products, as well as chemicals and hydrogen). Here is a breakdown: Type of pipeline Mileage Total Hazardous Liquid (2003) 160,868 160,868 Natural Gas Transmission Gathering lines 19,864 Transmission lines 278,269 Total 298,133 Natural Gas Distribution (2001) Distribution Mains 1,119,430 Distribution Service Lines 729,550 Total 1,848,980 Grand Total: 2,307,981 PHMSA safety jurisdiction over pipelines covers more than 3,000 gathering, transmission, and distribution operators as well as some 52,000 master meter and liquefied natural gas (LNG) operators who own and/or operate approximately 1.6 million miles of gas pipelines, in addition to over 200 operators and an estimated 155,000 miles of hazardous liquid pipelines. Review an expansive discussion of pipelines or read more Pipeline FAQs.
