Home > Public Works > Natural Gas > Seasonal Safety
Public Awareness
About Murray Natural Gas
Murray Natural Gas maintains 272 miles of gas main and over 8,500 customer
service lines in 2 counties. We follow Department of Transportation, Public Service Commission and
the NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code book recommendations and in some
instances, we exceed those recommendations. Murray Natural Gas employees inspect all new services once a
licensed gas merchant has completed his work to make sure the work
follows our recommendations and the work is safe. Employees also perform system evaluations each and every time
they are at a location with natural gas service including reconnecting
and transferring gas services to ensure that the appliances work
properly and to verify that there are no leaks.
Murray Natural Gas provides around the clock personnel for emergencies
and problems that may occur with natural gas so we can promptly rectify
the situation and ensure the safety of all involved. To report problems call the office at
(270) 762-0336 or 911.
Murray Natural Gas can't guarantee gas, or an uninterrupted supply of
gas. The supply will be as free from interruptions as possible.
The supply in the gas system may be affected by line breaks,
scheduled repairs, alterations, additions, and acts of God.
If natural gas is not in your area, and you are interested in our
service, contact our office at (270) 762-0336 to discuss the possibility
of getting natural gas service extended.
Safety is our top priority
Where is the pipeline? Pipelines are located within a narrow strip of land that is generally free of trees and shrubs. This strip of land is known as a right-of-way. The purpose of the right-of-way is to provide a safe and clear corridor for the pipeline. We use the right-of-way to gain access to the pipeline for inspection, maintenance, testing, or emergencies. For these reasons, certain activities such as erecting structures and/or planting trees on the right-of way are restricted.
Facts about natural gas
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless, tasteless fossil fuel that is clean burning and lighter than air. It rises and disperses rapidly into the atmosphere, unlike heavier petroleum products like oil. It is non-toxic and not easily ignited on its own. In order to burn, gas requires both precise amounts of oxygen and an ignition source. If there is an emergency like a fire or explosion near or involving the pipeline, immediately evacuate the area and contact us at: (270) 762-0336
How to recognize a natural gas leak
Leaks from a natural gas pipeline are extremely rare. However, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of a leak if one were to occur in your area. Call (270) 762-0336 immediately if you:
SEE
- Vegetation over or near the pipeline, which appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
- Water bubbling at a creek, pond, river or any wet area over or near the pipeline.
- Dirt flying into the air over or near the pipeline.
- Fire or explosion near or involving the pipeline.
- Exposed pipeline, possibly caused by a natural disaster, such as a flood or earthquake.
SMELL
Murray Natural Gas adds an odorant to the gas before it is delivered to your home or business. When an odorant is added, the gas may have a slight rotten egg smell. If the odorant is not added, it may have a petroleum smell at times or there may not be any detectable smell.
HEAR
A hissing, whistling or roaring sound along or near the pipeline.
What to do if you suspect a leak
If you suspect a natural gas leak inside your home or in your service line, immediately evacuate the area and contact or office at (270) 762-0336 or 911.
DO leave the area immediately and warn others to stay away.
DO NOT move any equipment or vehicles in the area.
DO NOT turn on any equipment ignition or attempt to move the equipment. If the equipment is running, do not attempt to turn it off.
DO NOT use an open flame or bring anything into the area like phones or lighters that could cause the gas leak to ignite.
DO NOT go near the area. Keep away from the site. In the event of an emergency, evacuate the area and immediately contact our office at (270) 762-0336 or 911.
Call before you dig, it's the law
Whether you are planning to build a major development, erect a fence or landscape your property, you should protect your safety and the safety of those around your work site by contacting the Kentucky One-Call Center at least two days before you begin any work on or near the pipeline by calling 811.
KRS 367.4911- Each excavator planning excavation or demoltion work shall, not less than two (2) business days nor more than ten (10) business days prior to commencing work, notify each affected operator of the excavator's intended work and work schedule. Contacting the applicable protection notifcation centers shall satisfy this requirement.
Be sure to provide accurate and correct information to the One-Call Center. It is very important we know exactly where you plan to dig, so we can mark our lines appropriately.
When you call, Murray Natural Gas is notified if its right-of-way is involved and will come to your site to locate and mark our pipeline. We will also consult with you on safe methods for moving heavy equipment across the right-of-way. There is no charge for this service. Failure to call Kentucky 811 could result in penalities based on KRS 367.4917.
When should you call?
Please call before digging for any project, including installation of fences, light posts, landscaping, sprinkler systems, foundations, swimming pools, ground clearing, grading, deep plowing, laying underground pipe, or wiring, etc.
Pay attention to pipeline markers
Because natural gas pipelines are underground, line markers are used to indicate the approximate location of the pipelines. However, these markers do not indicate how deep the pipeline is buried. Also, the pipeline route can take twists and turns between markers. Never assume the pipeline lies in a straight line.
It is a federal crime for any person to deliberately damage, destroy, or remove any pipeline sign or right-of-way marker. It's also against the law to damage or destroy pipeline facilities. A gouge, scrape, scratch, dent or crease to a pipe or its coating may cause a safety problem. It is imperative that we inspect and repair any damage to the pipeline, no matter how minor it may seem. Failure to report any contact with the pipeline could result in fines. If you hit or damage a pipeline, no matter how minor the contact may seem, call (270) 762-0336immediately.
Pipelines must meet all applicable regulations
We often exceed these requirements. We have taken several key steps to ensure the safety of community members and our employees.
The pipeline is built to high industry standards and is inspected thoroughly before being placed in service.
Markers listing our pipeline's 24-hour telephone number are posted at fence rows, as well as roads, waterways, railroads and property line crossings.
Aerial, foot and vehicle patrols survey the route regularly to identify areas such as sinkholes or washouts that need attention. These patrols also identify any construction activity near the pipeline.
Pipelines are part of the critical infrastructure of the U.S. energy grid.
Immediately following the attacks on September 11, 2001, pipelines across America instituted heightened security measures. While pipeline companies and employees across the nation are on a heightened state of alert, we continue to monitor and patrol the pipelines regularly via aircraft, vehicles, and/or on foot.
Please call local law enforcement if you see anything out of the ordinary in your area.
To see an area gas map, click here.
