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Questions and Answers
How do I identify our pipelines?
Pipelines are buried for safety reasons. Since most pipelines are underground, pipeline
markers like these are used to show the approximate location. We have installed
these pipeline makers at public roads, rail and river crossings, and various other
places along the pipeline’s path. However you should never assume the exact location
of a line. Someone may have moved or removed the marker.
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Are natural gas pipelines safe?
Yes! The interstate natural gas pipeline industry invests millions of dollars each
year in research, emergency training, public information, facilities testing, and
maintenance and construction programs to ensure public safety and maintain the reliability
of the nation’s interstate natural gas delivery system.
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What happens if a pipeline is damaged?
If a pipeline is damaged, natural gas could escape causing fires, explosions, or
asphyxiation. In addition, delivery of vital natural gas supplies for home heating
and other essential uses could be disrupted. Due in large part to the stringent
maintenance and inspection procedures employed by our company and the pipeline industry,
failures are very rare.
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What is the most frequent cause of pipeline damage?
Pipeline damage occurs most often when third parties unknowingly dig, ditch, blast,
or drill in the area of the right-of-way.
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How can such damages be prevented?
The likelihood of damage can be greatly reduced if everyone contacts their One-Call
Notification Center before performing excavation or construction activities near
a pipeline. The Pennsylvania One-Call Center’s telephone number is 1-800-242-1776.
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What are the signs of a pipeline leak?
- Blowing or hissing sound
- Dust blowing from a hole in the ground
- Continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas
- Gaseous or hydrocarbon odor
- Spot of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area
- Abnormally dry or hardened soil
- Flames if a leak has ignited
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What should I do if I suspect a pipeline leak?
- Avoid any open flames or other sources of ignition. Do not start up or shut down
motor vehicles or electrical equipment
- Dust blowing from a hole in the ground
- Evacuate the area and try to prevent unsuspecting people from entering.
- Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Your personal safety should
be your first concern.
- Notify the pipeline company immediately so the leak can be verified and necessary
corrective measures taken.
- If the pipeline company is not known, call 911 or contact your local fire, police,
or sheriff’s department. Advise them of the location and nature of the situation.
- Get help from local law enforcement officials to isolate the area.
- Do not attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire. Request local firemen to observe
and protect adjacent property.
- Do not attempt to operate any pipeline valves. You may inadvertently route additional
gas to the leak.
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