For environmental reporters, pipelines are a frequent source of major news stories. Enterprising journalists may want to find nearby pipelines before they leak or blow up. The National Pipeline Mapping System is a basic tool that can help.

Maintained by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the mapped database is searchable and online here. [2] Portions of it are open to the public. It is viewable only on a county-by-county basis.

While the resolution and accuracy of the system may leave something to be desired, it is national in coverage and useful for general reconnaissance on larger-diameter pipelines.

There are other data resources for covering pipeline issues — many listed in the WatchDog of August 18, 2010. [3]