The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) has regulatory authority over the transportation of intrastate natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators throughout the state of Minnesota.  Minnesota adopts federal pipeline safety standards and conducts routine inspections and investigations of intrastate pipeline operators and facilities to ensure compliance with these regulations.  Additionally, Minnesota acts as an interstate agent on the behalf of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to conduct inspections and investigations that involve interstate pipeline companies.

Minnesota pipeline companies are involved in the operation of natural gas distribution systems, liquified propane gas (LPG) systems, liquified natural gas (LNG) plants, underground natural gas facilities and hazardous liquid pipeline. OPS also has jurisdiction over state damage prevention laws that ensure the safety of Minnesotans involved the excavation in the presence of underground utilities such as pipelines, electric and telecommunications lines as well as sewer and water piping.

Services Provided

OPS has three major program areas

• Inspection program: OPS routinely reviews pipeline operator procedures, training, and records. OPS also observes practices and conditions in the field to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Inspections are conducted to ensure pipeline systems are operated safely.
• Investigations: In the event of a pipeline incident, OPS conducts investigations to ensure the pipeline operator followed proper procedures, maintained regulatory compliance, and takes steps to prevent future recurrence.
• Damage prevention program: OPS is the education and enforcement authority for the "Call Before You Dig" law. The law requires any individual or company to call the Gopher State One Call Center before digging so that operators can be notified to mark underground utilities. Education activities throughout Minnesota aim to prevent excavation-related damage to pipelines and other underground facilities.