Please read the following gas system safety information. It is provided to promote public awareness and damage prevention awareness.
Chickasawhay Natural Gas District owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in the counties of Clarke and Wayne, MS. The gas systems consist of underground networks of pipelines throughout the counties and in towns of Quitman, Shubuta, and Waynesboro. The purpose of the gas system is to provide a reliable and safe economical source of energy for heating purposes to the homes and businesses adjacent to the underground gas pipelines. The pipeline system has the capacity to reliably deliver natural gas to the customers.
The hazards of natural gas are that it is odorless, colorless, tasteless, lighter than air and can ignite and/or explode with tremendous force when mixed with the right amount of air.
Prevention measures taken include the following:
Adding odorant to the gas to give it a distinctive smell, similar to rotten eggs to warn us of its presence;
Testing the odorant level each calendar quarter;
Performing annual gas leakage surveys;
And conducting periodic pipeline patrols.
The following are signs that may indicate a gas leak:
A hissing or roaring sound (caused by escaping gas);
A patch of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green setting along a pipeline route;
Blowing dirt, grass, or leaves near a pipeline;
Continuous bubbling in wet, flooded areas;
And a “gas smell” similar to rotten eggs.
Safety procedure:
Anyone who may smell this odor or notice any unusual conditions on or near gas mains, vents, service lines, meter sets, or especially inside a building should call the Gas Office immediately. If you smell a strong gas odor inside a building, notify everyone in the building to leave. Do not operate any switches or use the phone. Go a safe distance away upwind of the gas smell and call the Gas Office. With any leak, protect life first, then property, then notify the Gas Office.
Excavator Procedure:
Pipeline markers are maintained to inform the public of the gas line location. State and federal laws require excavators to notify MS One-Call two full working days before digging. If any excavation is planned you must notify MS One-Call which will notify the Gas Office to locate the gas lines. Chickasawhay Natural Gas District maintains membership in the MS One-Call Program.
Emergency Contact Information:
To obtain additional information or report a gas related issue, call Chickasawhay Natural Gas District at 601-776-8887 or the 24/7 Emergency Line at 601-687-1214. The MS One-Call Center phone number is 811.
This information and the pipeline signs are provided as public awareness and damage prevention awareness notices.
