What are the pipelines?
Underground pipelines are commonly used to transport petroleum products, natural gas, and some hazardous materials such as chemicals, highly volatile liquids, anhydrous ammonia, or carbon dioxide. The pipelines are owned by many different companies and span the entirety of Kansas especially in highly populated urban areas.
Where are the pipelines?
The pipelines are too deep underground to be seen, but there are markers that designate their approximate location. Below is a map of the pipelines that cross the river and, when available, the company and emergency contact responsible for the pipe. For a more detailed map of pipelines in Kansas, visit the National Pipeline Mapping System.
Key: purple = pipeline company known, blue = pipeline company unknown
In case of emergency
Pipeline leaks are extremely rare, but when they do occur they can be quite dangerous. They are especially important to report near the Kaw so that the chemicals are not washed into the river. Leaks can be identified in the form of the sound or smell of gas, liquid pools, continuous bubbling or an oily sheet in wet areas, or dead/discolored plants in an otherwise healthy area.
If you notice a leak, turn off equipment and remove ignition sources if possible, then leave the area. From a safe location notify the pipeline company (if known) and call 911 or the local emergency response number. Be prepared to give your name, phone number, description of the event, and location of the leak.
Paddle safely! Use the links below to quickly access information that impacts river conditions.
