Transportation by pipeline is the safest form of energy delivery the country. In fact, natural gas pipelines transport approximately one-fourth of the energy consumed in the U.S. and is delivered to customers through a 2.5 million mile pipeline system. At Arkansas Oklahoma Gas, safety is our #1 Priority and we take every possible step to ensure the safety and reliability of our natural gas systems.
PURPOSE & RELIABILITY
The purpose of our gas system is to provide the public, both residential and commercial enterprises, with a clean, economical, and safe energy source for a variety of uses. Arkansas Oklahoma Gas works diligently to ensure pipeline safety and reliability through a variety of ways including inspection programs, public education, pipeline markers, facility mapping, surveys, patrolling, pressure monitoring, odorization, and liaison with public officials.
We believe awareness is key to preventing pipeline incidents and in order to further help reduce incidents in your home and in your community.
Here is what you should keep in mind:
When planning to dig or excavate for any type of build (fences, digging for drainage ditches, home additions etc.), CALL 811 to ensure no pipelines or other underground utilities are hit during any digging or excavating activities.
Pipeline markers should always be respected. Markers are used to show the approximate location of natural gas pipelines running throughout a specific area. They also contain important information such as, the type of material running through the pipeline, name of the operating company, as well as company contact information.
Third party excavation is still the main cause for pipeline incidents. If you suspect any illegal digging, contact law enforcement authorities immediately.
If pipeline damage occurs or you suspect any pipeline damage, no matter how minor the damage may appear, please notify us immediately at 1-844-528-5520. We will need to evaluate any and all damage to make any necessary repairs and ensure your safety.
During a pipeline accident, pipeline operators follow specific procedures and rules to address the situation. They are solely responsible for closing and opening valves and shutting off gas service. Please cooperate with pipeline operators and if you have any questions, please contact us immediately.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A NATURAL GAS EMERGENCY, CALL 800-883-3181 RIGHT AWAY!
BLOCKED SEWER? YOU MAY BE DEALING WITH A CROSS BORED SEWER LINE!
HOW DO CROSS BORES HAPPEN?
For many years, utilities nationwide have installed gas pipelines by boring underground, rather than digging trenches, to avoid tearing up paving and landscaping.
Existing utility facilities, such as underground electrical and pipes, are located and marked in accordance with the requirements of Digsafe laws before new gas pipelines are installed using underground boring technology.
Sometimes, a private underground facility such as private sewer line that is not mapped and cannot be discovered with the use of above-ground locating devices is inadvertently struck by the underground boring machine resulting in what is known as “cross-bore.”
IF YOU SUSPECT A CROSS BORE
Call or ask your sewer clearing professional to contact Arkansas Oklahoma Gas prior to clearing the blockage. We will promptly meet your professional to locate and mark our natural gas pipeline free of charge.
Never use a sewer clearing machine to clear an interior blockage until the obstruction has been identified.
Suspect a gas leak? Leave the area immediately and call Arkansas Oklahoma Gas or 911. Do not use phones near the gas leak.
Before anyone clears an interior blockage, by chemical or mechanical means, call Arkansas Oklahoma Gas for immediate assistance.
USE YOUR SENSES TO RECOGNIZE A NATURAL GAS LEAK
A majority of gas pipeline leaks occur as a result of individuals digging on their own property. State law requires all excavators and private citizens to contact an 811 center prior to any excavation activities. Once 811 is called, Arkansas Oklahoma Gas will mark all gas pipelines free of charge.
Although natural gas pipelines have an unparalleled safety record, occasionally leaks do occur.
How to Recognize a Natural Gas Leak
It’s important to know the signs and hazards of a natural gas leak.
Although natural gas pipelines have an unparalleled safety record, occasionally leaks do occur.
Here are some signs of a natural gas leak:
An odor like rotten eggs caused by the Mercaptin mixed with the natural gas
Roaring sound like an engine
White vapor that looks like smoke
A hissing or whistling noise
Fire coming out of a hole or on top of the ground
Dirt blowing from a hole in the ground
An area of frozen ground in the summer
Patches of dead vegetation or grass
Here are some hazards you need to be aware of:
Gas leaks are highly flammable and easily ignitable
Gas leaks displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation
Natural Gas fires may produce irritating and corrosive vapors
Vapors may cause dizziness
If you suspect a natural gas leak, call Arkansas Natural Gas immediately at 800-883-3181 from your neighbor’s house or another location away from the leak.
If you smell gas, act fast!
Natural gas does not have an odor, so an odorant called Mercaptan is added to signal a leak. Mercaptan gives off a foul smell, reminiscent of rotten eggs or sulfur.
If a natural gas leak is suspected, NEVER do anything that might cause a spark. This includes:
Lighting a match
Starting an engine
Using a cell phone or other electronic device in close proximity to a suspected leak
Extinguishing a fire or attempting to repair a leak
Drive anything into a vapor cloud as it might explode
Most leaks are small and not dangerous, but if a leak is suspected, always comply with the following procedure to be safe:
Leave the area uphill or up wind of the suspected leak
If possible, turn off any equipment that could cause a spark
From a safe place, call 911 or your local emergency responders
Call us and be sure to tell us where you are so you can let us into your house or business when we arrive
Warn others of a potential leak and stay there until emergency responders arrive.
Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to repair, stop or fix a pipeline leak, or rupture. Trained pipeline technicians with specialized equipment and knowledge are the only individuals qualified to conduct repairs on natural gas pipelines.
Emergency Contact Information
To request that pipelines near your home or business be located:
Dial 811 or Arkansas One-Call:1-800-482-8998 or Oklahoma One-Call:1-800-522-6543
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