Pipeline Purpose and Reliability
Yankee Gas Services Company operates 3106 miles of natural gas pipelines in its territory.
These pipelines quietly, reliably, and efficiently deliver natural gas throughout the service territory for household, commercial, and industrial use. Natural gas energy is the most popular home heating fuel in America and its pipeline system is among the safest and most secure methods of transporting energy.
The natural gas industry works very closely with government and stays abreast of new security methods and technologies to ensure the highest levels of security. Individual gas utilities also evaluate their security procedures on a regular basis and continually enhance security programs as necessary and appropriate to meet their needs.
Hazard Awareness and Prevention Measures
The United States natural gas transmission and distribution system has the best safety record of any type of transportation system in the country. Natural gas is clean, convenient, and efficient, which makes it the popular energy choice.
Like all forms of energy, however, it must be handled properly. Despite an excellent safety record, a gas leak caused by damage to a pipeline may pose a hazard and has the potential to ignite. We work diligently to ensure pipeline safety through a variety of measures including:
- One-call and Dig Safe programs
- Inspection programs
- Design and construction practices
- Workforce qualifications
- Public education programs
- Industry safety practices and government oversight
- Pipeline markers and facility mapping
- Leak survey
- Patrol of critical facilities
- Pressure monitoring
- Odorization
- Liaison with city and municipal agencies
- Security measures
Leak Recognition and Response
A gas leak is usually recognized by the smell, sight, or sound.
- SMELL - Natural gas is colorless and odorless. Before it reaches you, we add a distinctive, pungent odor so that you'll recognize it quickly.
- SIGHT - You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
- SOUND - You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling.
What should you do if you suspect a leak?
- MOVE to a safe environment
- CALL (800) 992-3427
- DO NOT strike a match, use telephones, switch on/off appliances, lights, or even a flashlight in the area where you smell gas. These items can produce sparks that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
For Emergency personnel
- Emergency response officials should secure the site and take steps to eliminate ignition sources
- Evacuate the general public from vicinity of leak
- Contact Yankee Gas Services Company at (800) 992-3427
For Excavators
- Stop work and evacuate the site to a safe distance
- Call 911 if there is blowing gas
- Call Yankee Gas Services Company at (800) 992-3427
- Don't do anything to cause a spark
- Alert everyone on the premises
- Keep the public and traffic away
- Do not try to fix the pipe or slow the rate of leaking gas
- Do not try to extinguish a gas burning fire unless there is a threat to life
- If you suspect or become aware of a dent, scratch, or coating damage to the pipeline, notify the company immediately at (800) 992-3427
Emergency Preparedness
Yankee Gas Services Company shares contact information with key state and local agencies, specifically, the State Police, Local Fire and Police Departments, and the State Office of Emergency Management.
Yankee Gas Services Company periodically revises its Gas Emergency Plans and Operations and Maintenance Procedures, and makes them available to the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC). Our emergency preparedness organization keeps the plans current and provides necessary training to state and/or local emergency management personnel.
Yankee Gas Services Company works closely and maintains a continuing relationship with emergency responders to prevent and prepare for emergencies.
Damage Prevention Awareness and One-Call Requirements
The greatest risk to underground pipelines is accidental damage during excavation. To protect our natural gas pipelines and other underground facilities it is critical that people use the one call system prior to any excavation related activities on public and private property.
The law requires that all excavators notify the local one-call system at (800) 922-4455 at least two full working days before digging.
The one-call center will contact the owners of the underground facilities in the immediate area so that they can mark the location of their facilities prior to excavation. There is no charge to the public for this service. Excavators are required to take certain precautions when working in the immediate area of underground facilities. The one-call center can provide the specific details of what is required. Failure to comply with this law can jeopardize public safety, and result in costly damages or substantial fines.
Even if you cause what seems to be minor damage to the pipeline, notify the pipeline company immediately. A gouge, scrape, dent, or crease to the pipe or its coating may cause a future leak or failure. It is imperative that the pipeline owners inspect and repair any damage.
Pipeline Location
Natural gas is drawn from deep inside the earth and fed into lines that eventually feed into large transmission pipelines that crisscross the nation.
Once the gas arrives in Connecticut, Yankee Gas Services Company distributes it through underground pipelines safely and reliably to its customers. These pipelines underneath the street are vital to the utility infrastructure. Because many of these distribution and transmission lines are not marked, it is critical that people use the one-call system prior to any excavation. When excavation work is planned the pipelines are identified with yellow paint markings or flags.
Additional Information
Additional information can be obtained through the following:
