In Case Of A Pipeline Emergency, Call

North Coast Gas Transmission, LLC

 1 - 888 - 497 - 5665

 250 E. Broad Street, Ste. 1220

Columbus, OH  43215

(614) 545 - 0487

Cygnet Area Office                                                     Norwalk Area Office

(419) 655 - 2053                                                           (419) 660 – 0432

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

 Ohio Utilities Protection Services

1 – 800 – 362 – 2764

or

8 - 1 - 1

1. Call the One Call Center at least 48-Hours (two working) days before any excavation is scheduled to begin.

2. Wait the required amount of time.

3. A trained North Coast Gas Transmission technician will mark the location of the pipeline at no cost to you.

4. Respect the line markers; Dig with care.

5. If you hit or expose the pipeline, call the -

   North Coast Gas Transmission Emergency

   Number immediately at 1 – 888 – 497 – 5665

   and report your location.

The North Coast Gas Transmission (NCGT) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety.  We want to make sure our operations remain as safe as possible to protect you, the public, our employees and the pipeline’s operational integrity.  The NCGT pipeline system is a very safe, reliable and efficient pipeline for transporting natural gas. Exacting engineering standards are followed in the design, testing, installation and maintenance of our pipeline.  However, damage by outside forces and adverse soil conditions could cause the pipeline to leak and allow gas to escape.

NCGT, in conjunction with Buckeye Pipeline, has a regular program for surface patrol of the pipeline to observe surface conditions on and adjacent to the pipeline rights-of-way for indications of leaks, construction activity, and other factors affecting safety and operation.  Since pipelines are buried underground, signs / line markers are used to indicate the approximate location of our pipeline along the route.

PIPELINE MARKERS ARE IMPORTANT.  Our pipeline is well marked at road crossing, fence lines, ditches, railroad crossings, rivers, creeks, etc. with yellow markers, as shown below.  The markers display the material transported in the line, the name of the pipeline operator, and a telephone number where the operator can be reached.  Installation of pipeline markers is mandated by federal law and landowners should ensure that all pipeline markers are protected and maintained at all times.  PIPELINE MARKERS SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE A GAS LEAK.  We make periodic leakage surveys of our pipeline as part of our operating and maintenance program.  However, leaks can occur or be caused by external forces in the time period between our patrols and leakage surveys.  We ask your help in immediately reporting and assisting us should you suspect a gas leak, or see activity on or near our rights-of-way which might cause damage to our pipelines.

Natural gas cannot be seen, nor can it be smelled unless treated with an odorant.  NCGT adds a harmless chemical to its natural gas to give it that distinctive odor of ‘rotten eggs’ so that you can detect even the smallest amounts which might escape.  Be alert for the following telltale signs on or near the pipeline rights-of-way:

1.          Whiffs of a ‘rotten egg’ odor or petroleum odor.

2.          A hissing sound or shrill blowing / roaring noise.

3.          Dirt or water being blown or thrown into the air.

4.          Bubbles appearing on the surface of water.

5.          Patches of brown vegetation in a green field.

6.          Dry spot on a moist field.

WHEN YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK, CONTACT NCGT IMMEDIATELY.  Your immediate action is required for the following: 

1. Shut down and abandon any equipment being used on the rights-of-way.

2. Avoid open flame or other ignition sources, including motor vehicles.

3. Evacuate the area.

4. Do not attempt to extinguish a fully involved fire.

5. Do not operate any pipeline valves.

6. Remain upwind.

7. Notify NCGT at 1 - 888 - 497 - 5665.

NCGT WILL DISPATCH PERSONNEL IMMEDIATELY.  Additionally, NCGT will: 

1. Shut down the pipeline.

2. Close valves to isolate the problem.

3. Identify hazardous areas.

4. Protect the environment.

5. Excavate and repair the damaged pipeline.

PIPELINE RIGHTS-OF-WAY.  A pipeline right-of-way is a strip of land over and around pipelines where some of the property owner’s legal rights have been sold to a pipeline company.  The rights-of-way agreement (easement) provides a permanent, limited interest in the land that enables the pipeline company to operate, test, inspect repair, maintain, replace and protect one or more pipelines on the property owned by others.  The agreement may vary the rights and widths of the right-of-way, but generally, the pipeline company’s right-of-ways extend 25 - feet from each side of a pipeline unless special conditions exist.

PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS.  NCGT has established specific guidelines for property development to set back away from the pipelines as follows: 

Structure                                                                     Setback

New House / Edifice                                                 50 - foot

Addition to Existing Structure                                  50 - foot

Unoccupied Permanent Structure                           50 - foot

Garage / Barn                                                            50 - foot

Deck / Patio                                                               50 - foot

Swimming Pool / Pond                                             50 - foot

Moveable Structure / Shed                                       25 - foot

Water Well                                                                 25 - foot

Septic Tank / Leach Field                                        25 - foot

Mail Box / Yard Light                                                 10 - foot

If there are further questions or comments, please contact North Coast Gas Transmission at (614) 545 – 0487 or visit our website at www.somersetgas.com.