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see
A dense, white cloud or fog over a pipeline Discolored vegetation surrounding the
pipeline
Bubbling in water or creeks or an oily
sheen on water
Frozen ground in warm weather Dirt blowing up from the ground
smell
An unusual smell or gaseous odor will sometimes accompany a pipeline leak.
hear
An unusual noise coming from the pipeline, such as a hissing or roaring sound, may be a sign of a leak.
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So what exactly do all these pipelines transport?
There is a wide range of products traveling through the thousands of miles of pipelines, everything from gas for your car to oxygen for hospitals. Many of these products can be highly flammable, harmful if inhaled, cause eye or skin irritation or possibly cause difficulty breathing. Some of the materials could cause environmental damage. Because of these potential hazards, it is important for our neighbors to be able to recognize a pipeline leak.
Recognizing a pipeline leak
Using your sense of sight, smell and sound will help you in recognizing a suspected leak.
What TO DO If You Suspect a Leak Immediately leave the area.
If possible turn off any equipment being used in or near the suspected leak. Abandon any equipment being used and move upwind from the suspected leak.
From a safe location, call 911 or your local emergency response number and the pipeline company. Call collect, if needed, and give your name, phone number, description of the leak and its location.
Warn others to stay away when possible.
What NOT TO DO If You Suspect a Leak Do not touch, breathe or make contact with the leaking
liquids or gas. Stay upwind if possible.
Do not light a match, start an engine, use a telephone, turn on or off any type of electrical switch such as a light, garage door opener, etc. or do anything that may create static or a spark.
Do not attempt to extinguish any pipeline fire that may start.
Do not drive into a leak or vapor cloud area. Automobile engines may ignite the vapors.
Do not attempt to operate valves.
Pipeline Operator’s Actions during an Emergency In the unlikely event of an accident or leak, the pipeline operator who is notified will immediately dispatch personnel to the site to help handle the emergency and to provide information to public safety officials to assist in their response to the emergency. Pipeline technicians will also take quick action such as starting and stopping pumps or compressors, closing and opening valves, and similar steps to minimize the impact of the situation. These responders are heavily trained throughout the year to ensure their neighborhood is returned to its well-being.
14 • Tennessee811 2024, Issue 1
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