A Message to Our Neighbors Who Live and Work Near Piedmont Gas Company's Facilities

We would like to take just a moment to raise your awareness that although pipelines are underground and virtually go unnoticed, chances are that you either live or work near a pipeline facility. While it is highly unlikely that the facilities will experience any problems, we would like to provide this safety information to you so you will be able to identify a problem and know what to do if a problem occurs. Please share this information with all who live at your address.

 

According to the American Gas Association, natural gas supplies nearly one-fourth of all the energy used in the United States. Natural gas is delivered to customers through a safe, sound, 2.2-million-mile underground pipeline system. Gas utilities serve more than 63 million residential and more than 5 million commercial enterprises.

 

DAMAGE PREVENTION AWARENESS:    We strive to maintain high safety standards within our system, for us to maintain these standards we follow a rigid Damage Prevention Plan. The purpose of this plan is to maximize the safety to the public and to minimize the chance of damage to Piedmont Gas facilities. If you plan to dig or excavate, it is your responsibility to notify the service providers of underground facilities. Before you dig or excavate, contact the OHIO UTILITIES PROTECTION SERVICE (O.U.P.S.), now OHIO 811, at least 48 hours in advance at 1-800-362-2764. CALL BEFORE YOU DIG, IT’S THE LAW! You may also use the NEW national “Call Before You Dig” telephone number, just dial 811 to convey your excavation notice.

 

HAZARD AWARENESS:   The potential impacts of a pipeline emergency include fire, injury, environmental damage, monetary loss, etc. You can use your three senses, sight, sound and smell to identify potential hazards. Look for unusual ground color, dead vegetation, pool of liquid on the ground, rainbow sheen on water, vapor clouds or frost. You should listen for a loud high-pitched whistle or roar. The smell of gasoline or diesel fuel may also be a sign of a pipeline release. Although natural gas is odorless, an odorant is often added to the gas to give it the distinctive, repugnant smell familiar to most of us. If you hear, see or smell anything that you suspect may be a leak, don’t try to investigate the situation on your own, leave the area immediately and call for assistance.