NOTICE TO RESIDENTS
Natural Gas Public Awareness Program
CITY OF NASHVILLE
Everyone in our community is familiar with our Natural Gas Department but some may not
realize that natural gas utilities receive their gas from natural gas pipeline systems. The
purpose for these underground energy portals is to safely transport this vital fuel to heat
homes and power businesses and vital service institutions. The transportation of natural
gas through these pipelines is one of the safest methods for transporting energy, although
accidents can occur. One of the ways accidents occur is when someone digs in the
vicinity of a gas pipe and cuts the line. The Georgia One-Call system is an organization
to prevent these types of accidents. Dialing 811 and providing information to the operator
will ensure that local utilities, including gas utilities, will mark their lines. Another way
accidents occur is when leaks from pipelines, appliances or other gas-related equipment
occur. Natural gas is a colorless, odorless fuel that is lighter than air. Because it is
odorless, a harmless odorant, usually smelling like rotten eggs, is added to the gas so that
the presence of gas may be detected. Leaks may be detected by noticing the following:
1) Smelling gas (odorant) near a meter or pipeline, sometimes after excavation work
2) A hissing or roaring sound caused by escaping gas
3) Dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green environment
4) Blowing dirt, grass or leaves
5) Steady bubbling in a wet, flooded areas or other water environment
6) A fire in or near an appliance or gas pipe
7) Unusual noise at an appliance
8) Unusual behavior of the flame at an appliance burner
In the event of a detected gas leak, the following should take place:
1) Leave the vicinity immediately (without making calls or operating light switches)
2) Evacuate others in the vicinity
3) Turn off and abandon cars or equipment in the vicinity
4) Do not start a car or other equipment in the vicinity
5) Do not operate any electrical or electronic equipment in the vicinity
6) Do not light a match or use another source of ignition
7) Do not smoke
8) Warn others to stay away from the area
9) Stay away from open flames
10) Wait for maintenance, emergency or utility personnel to put out flames
To report a leak, call _229-686-5527 or 911
In keeping the public safe from the potential hazards of natural gas, such as fire or
explosion caused by leaks, City of Nashville Natural Gas Dept. is required to perform an annual corrosion control survey. The distribution piping that is made of steel requires a survey to
ensure that the pipe is not rusting or being damaged by the soil. A leak survey is also
performed annualy to find leaks in piping and related gas equipment.
Additionally, the maintenance staff performs periodic sniff tests to ensure that odorant
can be detected in the gas. The maintenance staff also makes periodic checks for gas
leaks and monitors each gas meter.
To obtain further information about natural gas you may contact City of Nashville City Hall or call 229-686-5527.
