Recognizing a Pipeline Leak
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How to identify pipelines
Pipelines are usually buried underground.
Markers are used to show the general, not the exact, location of a pipeline.
Pipelines may not follow a straight course between markers.
Markers do not show how deep the pipeline is buried or how many lines are in the area.
The pipeline right-of-way is the land over the pipeline, usually 25 feet from each side of each pipeline.
Do not plant trees or tall shrubs and do not build permanent structures on the rights-of-way, so that pipeline rights-of-way can be properly maintained.
Do not dig on the rights-of-way, unless you have notified the One-Call Center.
Never rely only on the presence or absence of pipeline markers. Someone may have moved or removed the marker.
Emergency contact information is listed on each pipeline marker.
Do not disturb the markers. Willful removal or damage of the markers is a federal offense and subject to a fine or imprisonment.
How to recognize a pipeline leak
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless fuel that is lighter than air. Because natural gas has no odor, local utilities add a harmless odorant to help people smell gas, should a leak occur. Odorant is added only at certain places along the pipeline, however, so you may not be able to detect a leak by smell.
Here are other ways you can detect a leak:
Hissing or roaring sound caused by escaping gas.
Dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green setting along a pipeline route.
Blowing dirt, grass or leaves near a pipeline.
Flames coming from the ground or from valves along a pipeline.
Steady bubbling in a wet, flooded area or marshland, river, creek, or bayou.
What to do if you suspect a pipeline leak
Avoid open flames.
Do not start or restart motor vehicles or electrical equipment near the suspected leak.
Do not light a match or other sources of ignition.
Leave the vicinity immediately by foot.
Turn off and abandon nearby vehicles and equipment.
Warn others to stay away from the area.
Do not try to put out a natural gas fire. Call Boardwalk Pipleline Partners and your public safety officials.
Do not operate any pipeline valves. You may route more gas to the leak.
How to report a pipeline leak
From a safe location, call Boardwalk at 1-800-626-1948 and report the leak. Give your name, the location and a description of the leak.
You also may call 911 or your local public safety officials and describe the location and the situation.
Call local law enforcement officials to isolate the area.