Pipeline Safety

Natural gas pipelines pass under highways, farmlands, local streets and many other features of the California landscape.  Generally, most people are unaware of these underground pipelines — in large part because of their excellent safety record.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Department of Transportation, natural gas pipelines are this country’s safest mode of transportation.

Gill Ranch Storage complies with all federal and state regulations that govern the design, construction, operation and maintenance of our pipeline. Experienced personnel regularly inspect and maintain the pipeline, and crews are available to respond 24 hours a day.

While natural gas pipelines are safe, you should be aware of their presence when planning any digging or excavation. In addition, learn basic gas safety procedures in the event of any gas-related incident.

Call before you dig
Third-party dig-ins are the number one cause of pipeline damage. We need your help in preventing pipeline emergencies.

  • Call 811 or the One-Call System in your area at least 48 hours before you plan to start excavating.
  • Wait the required amount of time.
  • A trained technician will mark the location of the pipeline at no cost to you.
  • Respect the line markings.
  • Dig with care.

811 is a federally-mandated number designated by the Federal Communications Commission to consolidate all local “Call before you dig” numbers. This minimizes damages to underground utilities and helps save lives.

To help ensure public safety:

  • If you hit or touch a natural gas pipeline while digging, contact Gill Ranch Storage immediately (1-877-361-8404) and report the location of the incident. If the pipeline is leaking, please call 911.
  • If gas is burning, do not attempt to extinguish the fire unless absolutely necessary to protect life.
  • Participate in the Emergency Responder and “One Call” (811) Programs sponsored by Gill Ranch.

How to recognize a gas pipeline leak

Be alert to:

  • A rotten egg odor.
  • A hissing sound.
  • Water bubbling or blowing into the air at a pond, creek or river.
  • A patch of dead grass or vegetation in an otherwise green area.
  • Flames coming out of the ground or burning above the ground.

Smell, go, let us know
If you smell that rotten egg odor — or notice the other indications of a pipeline leak:

  • Leave the building or the area immediately.
  • When you are outside and out of range of the smell, call 9-1-1.
  • Do not use your telephone near the leak. This includes cellular phones and all types of portable communication and electronic devices that have a battery. These can spark and create a source of ignition.
  • Do not light matches or create any other source of ignition.
  • Do not operate ANY electrical switch, including lights, on or off. This could create a spark.
  • Make sure everyone is evacuated from the area.
  • If the gas ignites, do not attempt to put out the fire. Call 9-1-1.