The Hanging Gardens of Babylon existed due to rudimentary pipelines carrying water from a far-off river. Since then, pipelines have become more common and less wonderful. The first American pipeline was built in 1859 and the network has since expanded to nearly 2.7 million miles of pipeline crossing the United States (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [PHMSA], 2014a). Although pipelines are the safest method used to transport oil and natural gas (Seville, 2014), much is left to be desired. This report will cover the various types of pipelines, the methods and materials companies use to build pipelines, the role of stations, such as compressor stations, along pipeline paths, and the geographical significance of the American pipeline system.
Marcellus Shale