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API RP-1162 Public Awareness –Public Opinion Survey

API RP-1162 Public Awareness –Public Opinion Survey. Overall Texas June 25, 2010 ‒ Revised September 30, 2010. Research Objectives. Track progress in communicating key natural gas pipeline safety information to the public.

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API RP-1162 Public Awareness –Public Opinion Survey

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  1. API RP-1162 Public Awareness –Public Opinion Survey Overall Texas June 25, 2010 ‒ Revised September 30, 2010

  2. Research Objectives • Track progress in communicating key natural gas pipeline safety information to the public. • Offer statistically reliable assessments of the public’s awareness of natural gas pipelines in their area, knowledge of appropriate emergency and safety behaviors and awareness of utility safety communications designed to inform the public on appropriate safety actions. • Provide actionable insights into how to enhance the existing outreach efforts to the public in order to meet the API RP 1162 stated goal of “continual improvement.”

  3. Survey Methodology • Telephone interviewing for 2006 took place between April 27 and May 21, while 2010 fielding took place between May 3 and June 10. • A total of 1,476 surveys were conducted within state of Texas in 2006 and 1,802 were conducted in 2010. The All Texas region is defined as those counties served by Atmos, CenterPoint, Texas Gas and the remaining Texas counties outside of those service territories. • On average, interviews lasted between 12 and 13 minutes, and contained both open-end and closed-end questions.

  4. Survey Methodology • Regions from which sample was pulled were provided by participating companies representing their service presence. The Remaining Texas region was defined by counties not represented in the participating companies’ service regions. Phone numbers were then generated and sampled randomly within each region. • Respondents were selected from the general public among heads of household 18 years of age and older. • Sufficient numbers of interviews were conducted across each region to yield statistically reliable results. • The margin of error for the overall sample at the 95% confidence level is ~+/-2%.* • Survey respondents were given the option to conduct the survey in Spanish if requested or if a language barrier was present during initial phone contact. • Final aggregate data was weighted proportionate to population. [*Note: margins of error will shift across each question due to sample size and standard deviations]

  5. Key Findings

  6. Key Findings • Recall of pipeline safety communications is up significantly from the last wave of research • This includes mentions of “Call Before You Dig” as the main theme of those communications. • There is some evidence of a narrowing of the gender gap with respect to pipeline safety knowledge, though significant demographic differences still persist. • The public is also significantly more likely to mention dialing 811 as a basic safety rule prior to conducting any digging our excavating. • Identification of 811 as the resource to turn to in order to identify underground pipelines increased from 0% in 2006 to 22% currently. • Three quarters of residents report that would be likely to call 811 prior to conducting any excavating or digging on their property. • Recognition of ways to recognize a pipeline leak are statistically unchanged from the last wave of research. • While the telephone book remains the resource the Affected Public is most likely to turn to find the number to call in the event of a leak, the public is increasingly looking to their gas bills and the Internet as resources. • While not universally accepted, the public continues to view calling 911 as the appropriate action to take in the event of a leak.

  7. General Awareness

  8. Over Half the Public Reports Being Aware of Pipelines in Their Area—an Improvement over 2006. As you may or may not know, liquid and natural gas pipelines are buried underground throughout the United States. Some of these are large pipelines that transport gasoline, crude oil, and natural gas across the country from refineries and collection areas, while others are smaller pipelines like those that deliver natural gas directly to homes and businesses in individual communities. Percent Reporting they are aware of Pipelines Q3:To the best of your knowledge, do you know if there are any of these type of pipelines in operation in your area? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  9. Significant Demographic Differences Related to Awareness Percent Reporting they are aware of Pipelines Letters represent significant differences between categories. *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q3:To the best of your knowledge, do you know if there are any of these type of pipelines in operation in your area? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  10. Significant Demographic Differences Related to Awareness Percent Reporting they are unaware of Pipelines Letters represent significant differences between categories. *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q3:To the best of your knowledge, do you know if there are any of these type of pipelines in operation in your area? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  11. An Increasing Proportion of the Public Believes That the Pipelines in Their Area Carry Natural Gas. * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q3A. And do you know if these pipelines in your area carry liquids like gasoline/crude oil, Natural Gas, or both ? [ASKED OF RESPONDENTS WHO ARE AWARE OF PIPELINES IN THEIR AREA]

  12. Demographic Differences Evident Among Those Unsure of the Type of Pipelines in Their Area Percent Reporting they don’t know what types of pipelines are in their area1 Letters represent significant differences between categories. 1No significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q3A. And do you know if these pipelines in your area carry liquids like gasoline/crude oil, Natural Gas, or both ? [ASKED OF RESPONDENTS WHO ARE AWARE OF PIPELINES IN THEIR AREA]

  13. Seeing Signs Identifying the Presence of a Pipeline Continues to be the Predominate Way the Public Knows that Pipelines are in Their Area * * * * * Mentions of less than 5% not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q4. And, being as specific as you can, how do you know that these pipelines are in your area? [OPEN-END, PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS]

  14. Awareness is Generated in a Range of Ways Outside of Direct Communications • “I seen them and I seen maps that show it.” • “Seeing signs from they are buried.” • “We have a lot refineries in our area.” • “One is on my property, this is oil country.” • “My husband worked for them for years.” • “Talk about it at community meetings.” • “I’ve seen them digging them and putting them, I’ve seen the oil well being dug and there is always signs that are up that there is a gas line there.” Q4. And, being as specific as you can, how do you know that these pipelines are in your area? [OPEN-END, PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS]

  15. Explosions/Fire Dominate Dangers Associated with Unintended Gas Release Mentions of less than 5% not included Q5. As far as you know, what would be the danger associated with an unintended release of natural gas from a pipeline? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS]

  16. Demographic Differences Play a Role in Predicting the 1 in 10 Respondents Who Report They Do Not Know the Dangers Associated with a Leak Percent Reporting they don’t know what dangers are associated with a pipeline leak Letters represent significant differences between categories. *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q5. As far as you know, what would be the danger associated with an unintended release of natural gas from a pipeline? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS]

  17. The General Public Recognizes Key Ways to Identify an Unintended Gas Leak. Unusual Smell There are several different ways that an unintended release of natural gas might become noticeable to someone. For each thing I mention, please tell me yes or no, if that sounds like an indication of an unintended release of natural gas. If you’re not sure, just let me know. [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS] Q6C. An unusual smell or odor near a pipeline

  18. The General Public Recognizes Key Ways to Identify an Unintended Gas Leak cont. Unusual Hissing * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. There are several different ways that an unintended release of natural gas might become noticeable to someone. For each thing I mention, please tell me yes or no, if that sounds like an indication of an unintended release of natural gas. If you’re not sure, just let me know. [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS] Q6A. An unusual hissing, whistling or roaring sound occurs near the ground

  19. The General Public Recognizes Key Ways to Identify an Unintended Gas Leak cont. Dead or Dying Vegetation There are several different ways that an unintended release of natural gas might become noticeable to someone. For each thing I mention, please tell me yes or no, if that sounds like an indication of an unintended release of natural gas. If you’re not sure, just let me know. [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS] Q6B. Vegetation over or near the pipeline appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason

  20. But Not All Ways are Equally Recognized Dirt Blowing * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. There are several different ways that an unintended release of natural gas might become noticeable to someone. For each thing I mention, please tell me yes or no, if that sounds like an indication of an unintended release of natural gas. If you’re not sure, just let me know. [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS] Q6E. Dirt blowing from the ground

  21. …and Frozen Ground is the Least Recognized Way to Identify a Natural Gas Pipeline Leak. Frozen Ground There are several different ways that an unintended release of natural gas might become noticeable to someone. For each thing I mention, please tell me yes or no, if that sounds like an indication of an unintended release of natural gas. If you’re not sure, just let me know. [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS] Q6D. Frozen ground near a pipeline during warm weather

  22. Demographic Differences in Recognition of Natural Gas Leaks are Similar in 2006 and 2010. Percent Reporting danger associated with leak1 Letters represent significant differences between categories. 1No significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q6A-Q6E There are several different ways that an unintended release of natural gas might become noticeable to someone. For each thing I mention, please tell me yes or no, if that sounds like an indication of an unintended release of natural gas. If you’re not sure, just let me know. [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  23. Notably, Mentions of “Call Before You Dig” as a Basic Safety Rule with Regard to Natural Gas Pipelines Has Increased Significantly in the State of Texas. * * * * * Mentions of 5% and less not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Now let’s consider what people can do to prevent any problems with unintended releases of natural gas or damage to natural gas pipelines Q7. As far as you know, what are some of the basic safety rules with regard to natural gas pipelines? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS] 

  24. Demographic Differences With Regard to Those Unsure of Basic Safety Rules Percent Reporting they don’t know basic safety rules with Regard to natural gas pipelines Letters represent significant differences between categories. *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Now let’s consider what people can do to prevent any problems with unintended releases of natural gas or damage to natural gas pipelines Q7. As far as you know, what are some of the basic safety rules with regard to natural gas pipelines? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS] 

  25. The General Public is Now Equally as Likely to Call 911 as Their Local Gas Utility in the Event of a Natural Gas Leak * Mentions of less than 5% not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q8. Who would you call in the event of a natural gas leak? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND ACCEPTED UP TO TWO MENTIONS] 

  26. The Telephone Book Remains The Most Frequently Cited Resource to Turn to in Order to Locate the Number to Call in the Event of a Leak—However This is a Significant Decline, While the Gas Bill and Internet are Significantly Increasing. * * * Mentions of less than 5% not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q9. Where would you look to find this number? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND ACCEPTED UP TO TWO MENTIONS] 

  27. The General Public Continues to View Calling 911 as the Proper Action to Take in the Event of a Leak Q10. As far as you know, is it considered correct or incorrect to call 911 if you think there is a natural gas leak? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  28. Few Respondents have Contacted Someone Due to What they Thought was Dangerous or Suspicious Activity Around a Pipeline—Though the Proportion has Increased Significantly Since 2006. * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q11. Have you ever contacted anyone due to what you thought to be dangerous or suspicious activity occurring around a natural gas pipeline? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  29. The Vast Majority of Residents Have Not Yet Called 811 Prior to Boring, Excavating or Digging. Q11A. Have you ever called 811, the national “call before you dig” phone number or your state’s One Call phone number before beginning any digging, excavating or boring on your property?[ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  30. Demographic Differences of Those who have called 811 Before Digging. Percent Reporting they have called 811 before digging Letters represent significant differences between categories. *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q11A. Have you ever called 811, the national “call before you dig” phone number or your state’s One Call phone number before beginning any digging, excavating or boring on your property? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS] (Trended with Q15 data from 2006)

  31. Yet most report they would be likely to do so in the future prior to conducting any digging, excavating or boring on their property. Q11B. How likely would you be to call 811 or your state’s One Call number in the future before beginning any digging, excavating or boring on your property?[ASKED OF RESPONDENTS]

  32. The General Public Recognizes a Range of Markers That Indicate Pipelines are in the Area—Though One In Five Report They are Unsure as to Pipeline Indicators. * * * Mentions of 5% and less not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q12. As far as you know, what types of signs or other markers are used to indicate whether or not there are natural gas pipelines in the area? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS]

  33. Recognition Differences are Again Driven by Demographics Percent Reporting they don’t know what signs or markers exist Letters represent significant differences between categories. *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q12. As far as you know, what types of signs or other markers are used to indicate whether or not there are natural gas pipelines in the area? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED FOR TWO MENTIONS]

  34. A Significant Increase in Mentions of “Dial 811” are Seen in 2010 with Respect to the Public’s Understanding of What They Should do to Determine Where Underground Pipelines are Located * * Mentions of less than 5% not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q13. What should you do to determine where there are underground pipelines and utilities before doing any excavation or digging near where you live? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED] 

  35. Demographic Differences Related to “Dial 811” to Determine Where Pipelines and Utilities are Located. Percent Reporting “dial 811” to determine where underground pipelines and utilities are Letters represent significant differences between categories. Q13. What should you do to determine where there are underground pipelines and utilities before doing any excavation or digging near where you live? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED] 

  36. Overall, the Public is Still Uncertain as to Whether Calling 811 is Required by Law. Q15A. As far as you know, is it a suggested practice or a law that you call 811 or your state One call number before you do any digging, excavating or boring on your property? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  37. Safety Communications

  38. Recall of Pipeline Safety Communications Has Increased Significantly in the State of Texas Since 2006. Percent Recalling Safety Communications within the Past Year * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q16. Within the past year have you read, seen, or heard any communications related to natural gas pipeline safety? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  39. Demographic Differences Related to Awareness of Pipeline Safety Communications. Percent Reporting they have read, seen, or heard communications related to natural gas pipeline safety within the past year Letters represent significant differences between categories. *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q16. Within the past year have you read, seen, or heard any communications related to natural gas pipeline safety? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  40. However, respondents generally cannot recall the sponsor of the natural gas pipeline communications * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. ** Response added in 2010. Q17. And, who was the sponsor of that communication? That is, what company or organization was responsible for bringing you that information? [ASKED OF RESPONDENTS WHO RECALL PIPELINE SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS]

  41. Among Those Who Do Recall Communications, the Majority Recall Seeing the Communications on Television—nearly identical to 2006. Mentions of less than 5% not included Q18. Where did you read, see, or hear this information — that is, was it in a printed brochure or newsletter in the mail, radio messages, television messages, on the Internet or someplace else? [ASKED OF RESPONDENTS WHO RECALL PIPELINE SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS; PROBED FOR UP TO THREE MENTIONS]

  42. “Call Before You Dig” Stands Out as the Main Message Recalled From Communications—and Has Significantly Grown in Mentions Since the Last Wave of Research. * * * * * * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q19. And being as specific as you can what would you say were the main messages or topics in the communications? [OPEN-END, ASKED OF THOSE WHO RECALL PIPELINE SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS]

  43. Among Those Who Recall Communications, Most do not Pass Along the Information Q20. And did you pass any of this natural gas safety information on to others, either in your household or in your community? [ASKED OF THOSE WHO RECALL PIPELINE SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS]

  44. The General Public Who Recall Safety Communications Considers the Information The Receive on Natural Gas Safety More Useful Than They Did Four Years Ago. Mean Performance rating on 0-10 scale * *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q21. Using a 0-10 scale with 0 meaning not at all useful and 10 meaning very useful, how would you rate the usefulness of the information on natural gas safety? [ASKED OF THOSE WHO RECALL PIPELINE SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS]

  45. The General Public has Few Suggestions for How to Make the Communications Better * * Mentions of less than 5% not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q22. What would make this type of information better? [ASKED OF THOSE WHO RECALL PIPELINE SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS]

  46. Approximately 1/3 of Respondents Give Low Ratings on Pipeline Companies Overall Educating the Public About Pipeline Safety—though performance is up slightly from 2006. Mean Performance rating on 0-10 scale Mean – 5.0 Mean – 5.2 9-10 * 6-8 5 0-4 DK/REF *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. For the following question, I would like you to rate pipeline companies overall in your region, using a 0-10 scale where 0 means performs very poorly, 10 means they perform very well, and five means they perform neither poorly nor well. You can use any number from 0-10. Now, using this 0-10 scale, how would you rate them on…….. Q23A. Educating you about liquid and natural gas pipeline safety information. [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  47. Ratings on the Industry’s Efforts to Provide the Public with Information on What to do in the Event of a Pipeline Emergency are Slightly Higher. Mean Performance rating on 0-10 scale Mean – 5.5 Mean – 5.7 9-10 6-8 5 0-4 * DK/REF *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. For the following question, I would like you to rate pipeline companies overall in your region, using a 0-10 scale where 0 means performs very poorly, 10 means they perform very well, and five means they perform neither poorly nor well. You can use any number from 0-10. Now, using this 0-10 scale, how would you rate them on…….. Q23B. Providing you with the information you need to know about what to do if you encounter a pipeline leak or emergency.[ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  48. The Public Also Feels That Pipeline Companies Can Do a Better Job Informing Them About 811. Mean Performance rating on 0-10 scale Mean – 5.3 9-10 6-8 5 0-4 DK/REF For the following question, I would like you to rate pipeline companies overall in your region, using a 0-10 scale where 0 means performs very poorly, 10 means they perform very well, and five means they perform neither poorly nor well. You can use any number from 0-10. Now, using this 0-10 scale, how would you rate them on…….. Q23C Advising you on calling 811 before digging, excavating or boring [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS]

  49. Location of Lines and Safety “Dos and Don’ts” are the Most Frequently Cited Themes with Respect to Additional Information the Public Would Like to Receive From the Industry. * * * * * Mentions of less than 5% not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q24. Being as specific as you can, what types of information would you be most interested in receiving about safety around pipelines? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS; OPEN-END AND PROBED FOR SPECIFICS]

  50. The Public Continues to Favor Direct Mail as the Means of Providing them with Safety Information—However a Preference for the Internet has Grown Significantly. * * Mentions of less than 5% not included *Indicates a significant difference between 2006 and 2010. Q25. And, what is the best way to provide you with that information? [ASKED OF ALL RESPONDENTS ACCEPTED UP TO 14 MENTIONS]

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