Atmos Energy 2008 Annual Report Download - page 16

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Above: Atmos Energy technicians and eld employees undergo continual
training and qualication to help ensure the safe and reliable operation of our
distribution and transmission system. Below: We use pipeline inspection
and repair devices,called pigs, to locate and repair cracks, corrosion and
other anomalies to ensure the integrity of our gas pipelines.
for example, Atmos Energy was among a selected group of
major corporations that participated with security ocials
and international governments in the worldwide Cyber Storm
II drill to help prevent attacks on critical infrastructure.
We have long been tending to our pipelines and the gas
owing in our system with extra precautions. e forerunner
to Atmos Energy was one of the rst distributors to inject
an odorant into the natural gas owing through pipelines in
the early 1930s. Today, we also “pig our pipes,” running
specialized equipment through our pipelines and using
sensitive instruments to detect cracks, remove corrosion and
inspect anomalies to prevent problems.
Smart Business Means
Safe Customers
Pipeline safety depends on good information and skilled
experts who constantly monitor the status of our transmis-
sion and distribution systems. We qualify or requalify more
than 900 Atmos Energy employees annually to make sure
they meet federal requirements for pipeline operators. We also
continually inspect our pipelines for leaks and degradation
to ensure integrity and reliability.
We work closely with reghters, police and emergency
workers by providing training and specialized information to
prevent pipeline incidents and promote safety measures. We
also work with the Department of Homeland Security and
other agencies to prevent terrorism and cybercrime. In 2008,
Atmos Energy works closely with
reghters, EMTs, police and
rst-responders to help prevent
accidents and prepare for handling
critical situations.
14 | ATMOS ENERGY 2008 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT