Le transport de matières dangereuses par canalisation

Over the past ten years, three accidents have led to serious accidental pollution: in 2009, due to a leak in a crude oil pipeline in the Crau nature reserve (Bouches-du-Rhône); in 2014 due to a breach in a crude oil pipeline near the Seine estuary national nature reserve (Seine-Maritime); in 2016, due to damage to a hydrocarbon pipeline at the Donges Refinery by construction equipment, near a Natura 2000 area (Loire-Atlantique).

• Note: Knowledge of pipeline routes provided in this graphic edition does not exempt you from mandatory declarations since July 1, 2012, relating to work near buried structures: http://www.reseaux-et-canalisations.ineris.fr/gu-presentation/construire-sans-detruire/teleservice-reseaux-et-canalisations.html. • For all work near buried networks, and particularly transport pipelines mapped this way, it is mandatory to submit to the relevant network operator(s) a Declaration of work project (DT) and/or a declaration of intention to commence work (DICT) in accordance with applicable regulations. • Pipeline data are the property of their operators. They may not be used for commercial purposes without their prior written authorization. • This mapping contains only underground transport structures (distribution networks not shown) subject to the establishment of a geographic information system (GIS) in accordance with the multi-fluid order of March 5, 2014.

Pipeline transport causes almost twice fewer accidents than road, rail, river and maritime transport. However, the network is aging (average age of 40 years) and gas, hydrocarbon or chemical product leaks can cause significant pollution given the potentially large quantities involved, as well as serious accidents for the population in case of explosion.

Between 1992 and 2017, 79% of accidents on pipelines involved natural gas distribution pipelines, 9% involved combustible gas transport pipelines, 9% involved fluid pipelines (hydrocarbons, chemical products), and 3% involved steam or superheated water pipelines (used for district heating or industry).

Note: Fluid transport pipelines: excluding combustible gas, steam and superheated water.

Construction sites located near pipelines transporting dangerous substances represent the main cause of accidents on these structures. Therefore, work planned near dangerous substance transport pipelines must be the subject of a prior regulatory declaration (declaration of intention to commence work) to each concerned network operator.

On this matter, MTE launched the so-called "damage prevention" reform to strengthen the prevention of network damage. Its operational deployment began in 2012. One of the flagship measures concerns the creation of a single window cataloguing all networks, which is mandatory to consult before any work project, providing the list of operators to consult in place of the role previously played by municipalities.

Furthermore, the order of March 5, 2014 known as the "multi-fluid order" constitutes the safety regulation for transport pipelines. Due to the potential risks they present, operators of these pipelines are required to conduct a hazard study analyzing the risks the structure may present and those it faces due to its environment, and providing measures to enhance safety.

• Additionally, this order defines urban development control rules near pipelines (establishment of public utility easements governing the construction of public buildings and high-rise buildings), as well as obligations for project owners wishing to install new pipelines. • The order also requires compliance with a surveillance and maintenance program (PSM) that mandates a full inspection of pipelines every 10 years or every 6 years for those over 30 years old and transporting flammable, harmful or toxic fluids.