Call Before You Dig –
It’s FREE and it’s the LAW!
According to the American Gas Association,
the leading cause of pipeline damage is excavation. At least three days before digging,
contractors and property owners must call
New Jersey One Call by dialing 811 for a free
markout of underground utility lines.
Wait for the site to be marked prior to digging,
respect all marks and hand dig within two feet
of buried piping. Careless digging can damage
underground utilities, causing disruption of
vital services, property damage and even possible injury. Taking the proper steps to avoid
damage can prevent expensive repairs, project
delays and fine which can reach up to $25,000.
Suspect a Gas Leak?
Learn to recognize the signs of a potential
natural gas leak. It’s important to note that you
should not rely on your sense of smell alone to
detect a natural gas leak. Odorant fade, or loss
of odorant, can occur in natural gas piping.
Look for discolored or dead vegetation, bubbling in standing water and dirt blowing into
the air.
Listen for an unusual hissing or roaring
sound.
Smell the odor of rotten eggs.
If you detect a leak, please follow these instructions:
ÎÎ DO NOT use anything that may cause
a spark including lighters, matches,
cigarettes, cellular and landline phones,
flashlights and any motorized equipment
because these sources could all
potentially ignite the gas.
ÎÎ Evacuate everyone from the area quickly
ÎÎ From a safe place, call 911, then South
Jersey Gas on our special gas leak hotline
at 1-800-582-7060
ÎÎ Do not attempt to operate pipeline
valves
ÎÎ Stay away from the area until SJG and/
or emergency response officials have
declared it safe
Important Information about
Transmission Pipelines
Utility companies receive natural gas from interstate transmission companies at a “gate station.” From there, the natural gas is transported
through high-pressure transmission lines to
regulating stations and then continues its
journey through underground mains located
under streets and highways.
Most transmission pipelines are buried underground on private property and in the
roadways and their general location is marked
with yellow poles that stand about 4 feet high.
These pipeline markers contain an emergency
phone number that is staffed 24 hours a day.
Pipeline markers do not indicate how deep a
pipeline is buried or how many lines are in the
area. Since vandalism and accidental damage
to the markers can occur, never rely solely on
the presence or absence of pipeline markers.
Always call New Jersey One Call at 811 before
you dig.
If you see any suspicious activity, anyone damaging pipeline facilities or notice any dumping
of debris on or near a transmission line, please
call 911 and report it to the police and also call
South Jersey Gas at 1-888-766-9900.
What is a ROW?
The strip of land over a transmission pipeline is
called a pipeline right-of-way (ROW). Local utility companies maintain the ROW to ensure the
safety of the pipeline. Maintenance activities
include mowing a 20 to 50 feet wide area and
sometimes removing trees. Utility employees
regularly patrol the ROW to look for damages
or activities by excavators.
If a ROW crosses your property, please be sure
that any fencing enclosing the area has gates
to allow utility employees to gain direct access.
The ROW must also be free of structures or
obstructions so South Jersey Gas can operate,
test, inspect, maintain and protect the transmission lines.
Commitment to Safety
At South Jersey Gas, the safety of our system
is our top priority. We take part in numerous
initiatives to show our commitment, including:
Be a
Partner
in Safety
ÎÎ Coordination with local One Call Centers
ÎÎ Visual inspection programs
ÎÎ Design and construction techniques
ÎÎ System maintenance, replacement and
upgrades
ÎÎ Workforce training
ÎÎ Industry safety practices and
government oversight
ÎÎ Pipeline markers and facility mapping
ÎÎ Public education programs
Important Contact
Information
ÎÎ SJG Gas Leak Hotline.............1-800-582-7060
ÎÎ SJG Customer Care.................1-888-766-9900
ÎÎ SJG Website..........www.southjerseygas.com
ÎÎ New Jersey One Call...................................... 811
ÎÎ National Pipeline Mapping System..................
www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/
Join us in keeping
our energy infrastructure safe and sound.
Follow the instructions outlined in this
brochure to help us
identify potential
problems before they
occur and learn what
to do in the event of
an emergency.