Natural Gas Pipeline Safety: What You Need to Know
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The United States relies on natural gas for nearly one-fourth (23 percent) of its energy needs. Natural gas is clean, convenient, and efficient, which makes it the country's most popular home heating fuel. Almost all of the natural gas consumed in this country is produced in North America and delivered via a transmission and distribution infrastructure that is the safest of any energy transportation system. More than 2.2 million miles of pipelines and mains quietly, reliably and efficiently deliver natural gas everyday for use by residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout the United States.
National Grid operates natural gas pipelines in the Northeast United States serving approximately 3.2 million customers. We also operate several liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facilities throughout New England, which ensure gas service reliability each heating season. We work very closely with government agencies and stay abreast of new technologies and security methods to ensure the highest levels of service and safety. We evaluate our safety and security procedures on a regular basis and continually enhance programs as needed.
Ensuring Your Safety Like all forms of energy, natural gas 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. National Grid works diligently to ensure pipeline safety through a variety of measures including:
The greatest risk to underground natural gas pipelines is accidental damage during excavation. Even minor damage such as a gouge, scrape, dent, or crease to a pipeline or its coating may cause a leak or failure. To protect pipelines and other underground facilities, the law requires that all excavators contact Dig Safe® at 1-888-DIG-SAFE (1-888-344-7233) or the national number 811 at least 72 hours before excavation work begins on public or private property. Dig Safe® will contact National Grid and the other members who own underground facilities in the immediate area so their locations can be marked prior to excavation. This service is performed at no cost to you.
Underground pipelines often run along a public street, but may also be near private property. The area along each side of the pipeline is known as a right-of-way, which gives the facility owner the "right" to restrict certain activities, even on private property. Right-of-way locations must be respected and are usually marked on maps filed with local municipalities. Dig Safe® can provide excavators with specific precautions as well as mark the location of underground facilities. Failure to comply with the law can jeopardize public safety, result in costly damages, and lead to substantial fines.
Using Your Senses A gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound.
SMELL - Natural gas is colorless and odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you’ll recognize it quickly. Not all transmission lines are odorized.
SIGHT - You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see 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?
Right-of-Way Purpose
A pipeline right-of-way enables National Grid to:
Encroachments on a ROW
Permanent structures are not permitted on the ROW, because they obstruct access and interfere with our ability to safely operate the pipeline. Prohibited obstructions may include, but are not limited to:
Preparing for Emergencies National Grid works together with emergency responders, state and local agencies to prevent and prepare for emergencies through training and periodic drills. The exercises test procedures, logistics, communications and more. Emergency plans and procedures are periodically updated and made available to state authorities.
Commitment to Safety We work with industry groups to continually enhance pipeline safety and training methods. At the state level, National Grid works with regulators on programs designed to ensure the safe operation of the natural gas distribution system for customers and residents. And, as new technologies are developed in pipeline design, construction, inspections, and operations, we will continue to invest in pipeline integrity programs that will allow for the safe and secure delivery of natural gas.
We've provided links to some important pipeline related Web sites below, where you can learn more about safety issues.
Helpful Resources
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Learn how to prevent damage to underground gas pipelines, and what to do if damage occurs. |
Safe, Reliable, and Popular Energy Choice
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National Grid operates natural gas pipelines in the Northeast United States serving approximately 3.2 million customers. We also operate several liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facilities throughout New England, which ensure gas service reliability each heating season. We work very closely with government agencies and stay abreast of new technologies and security methods to ensure the highest levels of service and safety. We evaluate our safety and security procedures on a regular basis and continually enhance programs as needed.
Ensuring Your Safety Like all forms of energy, natural gas 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. National Grid works diligently to ensure pipeline safety through a variety of measures including:
- Coordination with Dig Safe®
- Inspection programs
- Design and construction practices
- Workforce qualifications
- Industry safety practices and government oversight
- Pipeline markers and facility mapping
- Public education programs
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Underground pipelines often run along a public street, but may also be near private property. The area along each side of the pipeline is known as a right-of-way, which gives the facility owner the "right" to restrict certain activities, even on private property. Right-of-way locations must be respected and are usually marked on maps filed with local municipalities. Dig Safe® can provide excavators with specific precautions as well as mark the location of underground facilities. Failure to comply with the law can jeopardize public safety, result in costly damages, and lead to substantial fines.
Using Your Senses A gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound.
SMELL - Natural gas is colorless and odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you’ll recognize it quickly. Not all transmission lines are odorized.
SIGHT - You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see 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?
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MOVE to a safe environment.
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CALL immediately at 1-800-640-1595.
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DO NOT smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
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DO NOT assume someone else will report the condition.
- Provide the exact location, including cross streets.
- Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area.
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- National Grid owns and operates thousands of miles of natural gas pipelines throughout our service area. Most of these pipelines are under public roads, but cross both public and private property and are at risk of damage from excavation activities.
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To reduce this risk, strips of land known as rights-of way (ROWs) are sometimes established along a pipeline's path. The ROW can measure from 25 to 150 feet wide.
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Most natural gas pipelines are not marked. Exceptions may include places where a gas transmission line crosses a major road, or is located in a gas pipeline ROW.
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A ROW can be located within land owned by National Grid or by another party. If the land is owned by another party, we receive an easement, which is an agreement that grants National Grid the right to access the area and to restrict certain activities within the ROW.
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When used, a pipeline marker shows only the approximate location of the pipeline and displays the material transported and the operator's name and emergency telephone number.
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The location and depth of a pipeline can vary within the ROW. Be aware that pipeline markers cannot be used to determine the precise location of a pipeline and that the placement of markers is physically prevented in some locations.
Right-of-Way Purpose
A pipeline right-of-way enables National Grid to:
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gain access to the pipeline for inspection, maintenance, testing, or emergencies.
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maintain an unobstructed view for aerial surveillance.
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identify an area that restricts certain activities to protect a) the landowner, b) the community through which the pipeline passes, and c) the pipeline itself.
Encroachments on a ROW
Permanent structures are not permitted on the ROW, because they obstruct access and interfere with our ability to safely operate the pipeline. Prohibited obstructions may include, but are not limited to:
| o Houses | o Trees |
| o Trailers | o Tool sheds |
| o Mobile homes | o Garages |
| o Poles | o Swimming pools |
| o Decks | o Septic tanks |
Preparing for Emergencies National Grid works together with emergency responders, state and local agencies to prevent and prepare for emergencies through training and periodic drills. The exercises test procedures, logistics, communications and more. Emergency plans and procedures are periodically updated and made available to state authorities.
Commitment to Safety We work with industry groups to continually enhance pipeline safety and training methods. At the state level, National Grid works with regulators on programs designed to ensure the safe operation of the natural gas distribution system for customers and residents. And, as new technologies are developed in pipeline design, construction, inspections, and operations, we will continue to invest in pipeline integrity programs that will allow for the safe and secure delivery of natural gas.
We've provided links to some important pipeline related Web sites below, where you can learn more about safety issues.
Helpful Resources
- National Pipeline Mapping System
- Office of Pipeline Safety
- Common Ground Alliance
- American Gas Association
- Northeast Gas Association
- Dig SafeŽ
- National "Call Before You Dig" Organization
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