If you live or work near a pipeline there is some basic information you should know
How can you tell where a pipeline is located?
Since pipelines are buried underground, line markers are used to indicate their approximate location along the route. The markers can be found where a pipeline intersects a street, highway or railway. The markers display the material transported in the line, the name of the pipeline operator, and a telephone number where the operator can be reached in event of an emergency.
Are pipeline markers always placed on top of the pipeline?
Markers indicate the general location of a pipeline. They cannot be relied upon to indicate the exact position of the pipeline. Also, the pipeline may not follow a straight course between markers. And, while markers are helpful in locating pipelines, they are limited in information they provide. They provide no information, for example, on depth or number of pipelines in the vicinity. It is very important to know that even though you may not currently be a natural gas customer, lines may be on or near your property.
Pipeline contents:
- Pipelines carry both gaseous and liquid materials under high pressure.
- Many liquids form gaseous vapor or clouds when released into the air.
- Many pipelines contain colorless and odorless products.
- Some gases are lighter than air and will rise.
- Other heavier-than-air gases and liquids will stay near the ground and collect in low spots.
- All petroleum gases and liquids are flammable.
- Any pipeline leak can be potentially dangerous.
Pipeline access and security:
Pipeline rights-of-way must be kept free from structures and other obstructions to provide access to the pipeline for maintenance and in the event of an emergency. If a pipeline crosses your property, please do not plant trees or high shrubs on the rights-of-way. Do not dig, build, store or place anything near the rights-of-way without first having the pipeline marked and the rights-of-way staked.
If you witness suspicious activity on a pipeline right-of-way, please report it to local law enforcement officials at 715-528-3346, or contact Florence Utilities by calling 715-528-3330 or email florenceutilities@florenceutilitieswi.gov.
We are required by Federal Regulation to notify you of the natural gas lines that belong to you and your responsibility to maintain them as well as how to protect the meter and regulator from damage.
Florence Utility owns, operates, and maintains the natural gas pipeline up to and including the gas meter. You, as the owner and customer are responsible for maintaining the gas lines from the meter to the natural gas burning appliances throughout your home. In addition, if any of your natural gas piping runs underground to serve a gas grill, pool heater, or another building; it needs to be maintained by you as well. Periodically have your underground lines inspected by a licensed contractor as piping that is not maintained may be subject to corrosion and leakage. Florence Utility, upon request, will offer an excess flow valve for gas service lines at the customer’s expense. If a problem is found to exist, have it repaired immediately. Also, when excavating near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance, and the excavation should be done by hand.
Customers should install a check valve or equivalent to protect the meter and regulator from damage if any gas utilization equipment might induce a backpressure or is connected to a source of oxygen or compressed air. Or, if LP gas or other supplementary gas is used as standby and might flow back into the meter.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 715-528-3330 or email florenceutilities@florenceutilitieswi.gov.
An Excess Flow Valve or EFV is device that automatically restricts the flow of natural gas if an underground pipe is broken. It is installed on the service line that runs underground between the natural gas main and the meter on your property. If a service line becomes damaged causing a sudden and major pressure drop or gas leak, the EFV will automatically shut off the flow of natural gas. In doing so, the EFV can precent natural gas buildup and reduce the chances of a natural gas fire, explosion, property damage and/or personal injury.
Contact Florence Utilities with any questions.
Phone: 715-528-3330
Pipelines are safe and efficient means of transporting natural gas and petroleum products. The federal government sets minimum safety standards for all pipelines. The federal government also makes and enforces rules for interstate gas pipelines. However, in Wisconsin the Public Service Commission (PSC) makes and enforces rules for intrastate (within our state) pipelines. State and federal engineers work together to achieve the goal of public safety. The PSC’s safety program uses a team of engineers. These engineers spend months in training on gas pipeline safety. They advise gas pipeline operators about gas safety and inspect the gas system and company records. They monitor pipeline construction, operations and maintenance activities. If it is not exactly right, they make sure it is corrected. Their job is to keep the public safe by enforcing the pipeline safety code. Additional roles of the pipeline safety engineer include: responding to customer complaints, conducting field inspections, complete a comprehensive inspection of every gas utility at least once every three years, review all gas utility construction standards for compliance with applicable safety standards, work with the US Department of Transportation on interstate pipeline projects in Wisconsin, make unscheduled inspections of utility construction projects, and advise gas operators about pipeline safety. Florence Utilities prides itself on the safe operation of its natural gas delivery system.
Additional information regarding natural gas pipeline safety in Wisconsin can be found at http://psc.wi.gov and/or phmsa.dot.gov
Contact the Florence Utilities office if you have any questions regarding our natural gas delivery system.
Phone: 715-528-3330
The mission of the Pipeline Safety Program at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is to ensure the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of intrastate natural gas pipelines in Wisconisn. This is accomplished through education, inspection, enforcement, and investigation of incidents. The ultimate responsibility is protecting the public and the environment from the dangers of natural gas in transportation.
For more information see: psc.wi.gov