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Prevent accidently digging into underground pipelines
Damage from digging is a common cause of pipeline accidents. PG&E is committed to reducing accidental dig ins to our underground gas and electric lines. We share important pipeline safety information with our customers, such as the information in this email, in compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations. We also participate in the Underground Service Alert (USA). This free program notifies local utility companies to mark the location of underground lines so you can safely dig and prevent damage. When you call 811, PG&E will locate and mark the horizontal location of underground gas and electric facilities by painting stripes on surface streets and sidewalks or placing colored flags in landscaped areas. Always call 811 at least two working days before starting any project that involves digging to have gas pipelines and other underground utility lines located and marked for free.
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No project is too small to call 811. Whether you're planting a garden, installing a fence or remodeling your home, you must call 811 at least two working days before you dig. We encourage you to review the following safety tips and best practices below to plan your next digging project.
Safe digging tips:
- Use hand digging tools when digging within 24 inches of the outside edge of any underground lines.
- PG&E and other utilities will use colored utility flags, stakes or paint marks to mark underground lines. Learn more about the different colors here. Leave these in place until you have finished digging.
- Once you are done with your project, you can carefully backfill and compact the soil.
- If you use a licensed contractor for your excavation project please make sure they call 811 and follow these important safety digging tips.
Safety is at the heart of everything we do
We operate, monitor and maintain natural gas distribution and transmission pipelines across California. Our larger transmission pipelines carry gas from one part of the state to another and connect to our distribution system. These smaller lines deliver natural gas for heating and cooking to your homes and business. We monitor our gas pipeline operations 24 hours a day; 7 days a week. We maintain a comprehensive safety and monitoring program and regularly inspect all of our pipelines to check for possible leaks or other signs of damage for natural gas safety.
We have implemented a number of programs and standards to modernize and enhance the safety of our gas system. Learn about the projects PG&E is undertaking as part of our commitment to provide safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service for our customers here.
Locate PG&E natural gas pipelines near you
You can find PG&E's larger transmission pipelines near you by locating pipeline markers. Markers include an emergency number and indicate the need for extra care. These markers specify the approximate location, but not all pipelines follow a straight path between markers.
Use our interactive online map to learn more about the transmission pipelines in your neighborhood. You can view any location in our service area—your home, place of work or any other areas of interest—to see if transmission pipelines run nearby.
The National Pipeline Mapping System also shows the location of all transmission pipelines in the United States, viewable by county, zip code or street address.
Spot the signs of a natural gas leak
You play a critical role and should report any signs of a gas leak.
Smell: We add a distinctive sulfur-like, "rotten egg" odor, so you can detect even small amounts of natural gas.
Sound: Pay attention to hissing, whistling or roaring sounds coming from underground or from a gas appliance.
Sight: Be aware of dirt spraying into the air, continual bubbling in a pond or creek and dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area.
Respond if there is a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak or if you or your contractor accidently dent, scrape, or hit a gas pipeline, alert others and leave the area immediately to a safe upwind location. Then call 911 to notify local police and fire and contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Do not use anything that could be a source of ignition until you are a safe distance away. Devices that might create a spark include vehicles, cell phones, matches, electric switches, doorbells and garage door openers. |
