Pipeline Safety
At Sempra Infrastructure, safety is our top priority. That extends to the operation of our underground natural gas pipelines. Learn more about pipeline safety and how to recognize if a pipeline is located near you.
Since pipelines are buried underground, line markers like the ones above are used to indicate their approximate location. The markers display the name of the pipeline operator and a telephone number where someone can be reached in case of emergency.
Pipeline markers are important to public safety. It is a federal crime for anyone to willfully deface, damage, remove or destroy any pipeline marker required by federal law. Markers indicate the general location of a pipeline. Keep in mind that the pipeline may not follow a straight course between markers. And they don’t indicate the depth or number of pipelines in the vicinity. To find out if a transmission pipeline is on or near your property you can go to the National Pipeline Mapping System Public Map Viewer at www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov.
Pipelines may be located anywhere–under streets, sidewalks or even your own yard. That’s why it is important to know where they are buried before digging for any reason. Whether it’s for planting trees, installing fences, grading for development or tilling farmland.
To ensure your safety and help prevent costly damage, call 811 to reach your local One Call Center at least two business days before you start digging. Louisiana The One Call Center will coordinate with the Sempra Infrastructure & Midstream companies and all other underground local utilities to mark the location of buried lines free of charge. Once all lines are marked, carefully use only hand tools to dig within 24 inches of marked lines.
To review your local requirements, click on the applicable link below:
ECOGAS Call Center:
- Gas Pipeline Call Center 800 7 000 000
- ECOGAS 8000 025 6195
Digging and demolition near buried pipelines are the top causes of pipeline damage, which can result in costly repairs, serious injury to bystanders, disruptions in gas service and delays in excavation-related projects. NO DAMAGE IS TOO SMALL TO REPORT. Even a slight gouge, scrape or dent to a pipeline may cause a dangerous break or leak immediately, or in the future.
If you cause what seems to be only minor damage to a pipeline, or any component attached to a pipeline, immediately notify the appropriate company by calling the phone number displayed on the pipeline marker(s).
Bay Gas Storage – (888) 307-7595
Cameron Interstate Pipeline and LA Storage – (866) 279-6094
Mississippi Hub – (888) 307-7595
Please note that calling just one Sempra-affiliated company will not provide notification to other companies who might have lines in the area. Treat each affiliate as a separate company. And remember, one call to 811 will alert all area companies of your plans to dig.
Pipeline leaks are rare but could occur due to natural disasters, striking a pipeline while digging, or corrosion. LOOK for dirt being blown into the air, water bubbling in a pond or river, or dead vegetation near a pipeline right-of-way. And LISTEN for a hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a pipeline.
Turn off and abandon any nearby motorized equipment.
Quickly leave the area.
Warn others to stay away.
From a safe place, call the pipeline operator and your local fire or police department.
What not to do
Do not use open flames or anything that may spark ignition of the gas leak (telephones, flashlights, motor vehicles, etc.).
Do not attempt to operate the pipeline valves.
Putting Safety First
We, too, are concerned about any leak or rupture that could harm people or property. We work hard to prevent incidents from occurring. We routinely perform pipeline safety tasks, including patrolling, inspecting, testing and repairing pipelines. We meet or exceed all federal and state requirements for pipeline operations and maintenance, including ongoing technical training and qualification of employees. Our goal is to identify and resolve potential problems before a major problem occurs.
