Greer CPW Pipeline Safety Public Awareness
Thank you for visiting; Greer CPW appreciates your time to learn about the energy pipeline in your area.
While these pipelines go unnoticed most of the time, the team at Greer CPW take a great deal of pride in building, operating, maintaining and improving the underground infrastructure that transports energy to Greenville and Spartanburg counties, and we want to share some important information to keep you safe when digging, or in the unlikely event that you detect an unplanned release of natural gas.
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Call Before You Dig
State law requires that anyone planning on engaging in excavation activities must contact 811 three business days prior to excavation to have underground facilities marked for safety.
This service is free to all excavators; don’t assume you know where underground facilities are located or the depth of such facilities. Damaging a gas or electric line, even with a shovel, can and has resulted in severe injury or death.
Operators of underground facilities in public rights-of-way (which may include a portion of your property) are required to mark the facilities in the area in which excavation is planned at no cost to the requester year-round.
Staying Safe in Your Neighborhood
How to Recognize a Leak
Even though pipelines have an exceptional safety record, a leak may occur. Indications of a leak might include:
Smell
A strange or unusual odor in the vicinity of the pipeline. DO NOT depend on your sense of smell for indicating the continuing presence of any gas or for warning of hazardous concentrations.
Hear
A hissing or roaring sound (caused by a product escaping from a pipeline).
See
Dirt flying in the air over or near a pipeline or bubbling in water. An ice ball on the ground in warm weather, pooling of liquid or a dense white vapor/fog over where a pipeline is located. Flames originating from an opening in the ground, dead vegetation, open flames near exposed pipeline.
Pipelines in Your Neighborhood
It is possible that pipelines carrying natural gas, petroleum or other various products are located within or near your neighborhood. These pipelines have an excellent safety record and pipeline companies have integrated numerous safety mechanisms to ensure maximum safety and efficiency for all pipelines. These mechanisms include, but are not limited to the following:
Adherence to U.S. DOT Regulation
Periodic pipeline patrols to ensure the security and integrity of each pipeline
Placement of proper markings so pipelines are easily identified including contact numbers on all signs and Emergency Plans with first responder training
If You Become Aware of a Leak
LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY IN AN UPWIND DIRECTION.
Call 911, then call Greer CPW at 865-848-5500
Avoid operating a vehicle or any tools or equipment near the area of the leak.
Avoid direct contact with the escaping gas or liquids.
Avoid creating sparks or sources of heat which could cause the gas or other product to ignite. If you find yourself in a suspected gaseous area, DO NOT light a match, start an engine, or even switch on an electric light.
Notify the pipeline operator as soon as possible. If long distance, call collect. Give your name, a description of the leak and its location. If you do not know who to call, call your local fire, police, sheriff’s department, or state police. Advise them of the nature of the emergency and its location.
Possible Hazards of Pipeline Products
If a leak occurs on the pipeline, some of the materials being transported could cause environmental damage. Other products may be highly flammable, or harmful if inhaled, cause eye or skin irritation, and difficulty breathing. Because of these potential hazards it is important to be able to recognize a pipeline leak.
How Do I Know Where the Pipeline is Located?
The best way to identify the location of all underground facilities in a planned excavation area is to submit a locate request from 811. Many pipelines are not identifiable above ground.
Above-Ground Pipeline Markers
Some pipelines, known as transmission lines due to their higher pressures, are identifiable by pipeline markers that are installed above ground periodically and at intersections with railroads, highways and waterways. These markers come in a variety of shapes and colors.
It is important to recognize that these markers identify the approximate location of a pipeline right-of-way, which may be many feet wide, and that the marker is often not directly above the pipeline. Never use permanent pipeline markers as an indication of where to dig; always call for a facility locate request from 811.
Find Pipelines Near You
For a high-level overview of transmission and hazardous liquids pipelines, the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration maintains a public pipeline map viewer here.
The NPMS map does not show distribution lines or service line or non-jurisdictional lines on private property. Never use the NPMS map to determine where it is safe to excavate. Always call 811 before you dig for the most up-to-date and accurate information about pipeline locations.
Serving Our Community Since 1913
Our mission is to provide safe, high quality, and reliable electric, natural gas, wastewater, and water services in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner consistent with sound business principles.