COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Everyone in our community should be familiar with natural gas, but some may not realize natural gas utilities receive 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 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 Mississippi 811 One-Call system is an organization to prevent these types of accidents. Dialing 811 and providing information to the operator will ensure local utilities, including gas utilities, will mark their lines.
Another way accidents occur is when there are leaks from pipelines, appliances or other gas-related equipment. 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 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 911. In order to keep the public safe from the potential hazards of natural gas, such as fire or explosion caused by leaks, Columbus Air Force Base is required to perform a quarterly patrolling of the pipeline.
The distribution piping is made of plastic and requires a survey to ensure the pipe is not leaking or damaged. A leak survey is also performed annually to find leaks in piping and related gas equipment. Additionally, the maintenance staff performs periodic tests to ensure odorant can be detected in the gas. The maintenance staff also makes periodic checks for gas leaks and monitors each gas meter.
The agency who oversees all natural gas safety related activity for our distribution piping is the Columbus Air Force Base Natural Gas System. They can be reached at 434-7341, 434-7383 or 434-2262. To obtain further information about natural gas you may contact Darrell Petters, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Gas Operator.