Farmers and ranchers

Soil erosion and the use of powerful farming tools increase the potential for damage to underground natural gas lines. Learn how you can prevent gas pipeline accidents.


Digging near high-pressure natural gas pipelines


When you till, rip, dig or perform other digging activities within 10 feet of a high-pressure natural gas pipeline, a PG&E representative needs to be on-site.


Agricultural drain tile projects


During installation of a pipeline crossing, the intersection should be as near to 90 degrees as possible and should clear the pipeline by at least 24 inches. Use solid tile at the point where field tile crosses the pipeline and pea gravel to prevent settling. Plastic pipe is preferred when crossing the pipeline. A local PG&E representative may be on-site during installation.


Deep plowing or ripping


Proceed with caution when deep plowing and try to stay clear of PG&E pipeline rights-of-way. We may schedule a meeting with you to discuss risks and precautionary measures to take, including having a PG&E representative stand by while the work is performed.


tractor which is deep plowing


Land contour modification projects


If you are installing ponds, lakes or drainage ditches, please keep a distance of at least 36 inches to protect the pipeline and those working near it. A representative may be on-site when you backfill.

Take these steps to prevent natural gas leaks

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Call 811

Whether you are planting a tree, digging holes for fence posts or driving stakes for concrete, call 811 at least two business days before you plan to start your project the service is free. For more information, visit California811.

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Identify and mark your digging area

Identify and mark your digging area with a white substance such as chalk, spray paint, flour or marking whiskers, tags, stakes or any combination.

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Leave the marks in place

PG&E and other companies will use colored utility flags, stakes or paint to mark underground lines following the American Public Works Association Uniform Color Code (PNG, 130 KB). Please leave the marks in place until you are finished digging. The marks are valid for 28 days.

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Use handheld digging tools when digging within 24 inches of the outside edge

Only use hand digging tools, such as shovels, within the 24-inch zone.  After finishing your project, carefully backfill and compact the soil.

For additional information about 811 or to make an online request, go to the Underground Service Alert North or DigAlert websites.



Visit USANorth811.org
Visit DigAlert.org

Natural gas transmission pipeline markers


You can spot PG&E's larger transmission pipelines by looking for pipeline markers. They specify the approximate or offset location; however, not all pipelines follow a straight path between markers. These markers also indicate the need for extra care when digging in the area.


map of transmission pipelines


See if there are transmission pipelines nearby


Use our interactive online map to find out if there are natural gas transmission pipelines in your area.


View map

image of ground marker


Take extra care digging near pipeline markers


A red and white marker indicates you are near a gas transmission line. Note that it's against the law to remove or tamper with one of these markers.


What to do if you suspect a gas leak or damaged gas line


  • If you suspect a leak, or you accidentally dent, scrape or damage a gas pipeline in any way, alert others in the area and leave immediately.
  • Until you are a safe distance upwind, do not light a match, use a cell phone or flashlight, operate a vehicle or use any electronic device near the leak.
  • Call 911 for emergency assistance and then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Recognize signs of a natural gas leak


Please report any signs of a gas leak immediately.

Smell

We add a distinctive, sulfur-like, rotten egg odor so you can detect even small amounts of natural gas. However, DO NOT rely only on your sense of smell to detect the presence of natural gas.


Some people may not be able to smell the odor due to a diminished sense of smell, olfactory fatigue (normal, temporary inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure), or because it is masked or hidden by other odors that are present. Also, certain conditions in the pipe and soil can cause odor fade—the loss of odorant so that it is not detectable by smell.

Sound

Pay attention to hissing, whistling or roaring sounds coming from underground or from a gas appliance.

Sight

Be aware of dirt spraying into the air; continual bubbling in a pond, creek, puddle or other source of standing water; as well as dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area.