The best way to recognize a pipeline leak is by using your eyes, ears and nose.

Signs of a potential leak include:

• Strong petroleum scent or other pungent odor such as sulfur (rotten eggs) if odorant is added
• Dead vegetation, liquid or fire on the ground near the pipeline, dirt being blown into the air, fire or a dense white cloud or fog
• Hissing, gurgling or roaring sound

Some gases are odorless, and odorant cannot always be added.  It is important to use your ears and eyes as well as your nose to recognize a potential problem.

Inside your home

If you have gas appliances and smell sulfur or rotten eggs, you may have a gas leak.  Leave the house or apartment immediately.  When you are a safe distance away, call 911 and the pipeline company.  Do not turn on or off lights, or use electronic devices, including cell phones, in the house or apartment if you suspect a leak.

If you have gas appliances, you may also consider installing a carbon monoxide monitor to detect and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Read more about how to inspect and protect gas lines that connect to your appliances and how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Outside near a pipeline right-of-way

If you see, hear or smell the signs of a potential transmission or gathering pipeline leak near a pipeline right-of-way, leave the area immediately and warn others to stay away.  Call 911 and the pipeline company when you are a safe distance away.  Do not use automobiles, electronic devices or equipment near a suspected leak.

Signs of a potential transmission or gathering pipeline leak:

• Dead vegetation, liquid or fire on the ground near the pipeline, dirt being blown into the air, fire or a dense white cloud or fog
• Hissing, gurgling or roaring sound
• Strong petroleum scent or other odor such as sulfur (rotten eggs)

Some gases are odorless, and odorant cannot always be added.  It is important to use your ears and eyes as well as your nose to recognize a potential problem.