Partners
in Pipeline Safety
South Jersey Gas provides
natural gas service to homes and businesses in the seven
southern counties of New Jersey. As a natural gas provider,
it is our responsibility and priority to keep you informed
of any safety messages that apply to you. Even if you
do not receive natural gas service from South Jersey
Gas, you may live, work, gather or own property adjacent
to our pipeline system.
Read
on to learn more about pipelines including how to
identify potential hazards before they occur and
learn what to do in the event of an emergency. Be
a Partner in Pipeline Safety and join us in keeping
our energy infrastructure safe and sound.

Pipeline 101
Transmission lines are large diameter pipes that
move large amounts of natural gas from the
delivery point into New Jersey to SJG’s distribution
system. Natural gas is delivered or distributed
through underground pipelines or “mains” which
are usually located along or under local streets
and highways. Smaller service lines connect to
the mains to further distribute natural gas service
to homes and businesses. These pipelines are
a reliable, efficient and safe way to deliver
natural gas throughout the region.
Serious
incidents related to the transmission of natural
gas are extremely rare in the United States and South
Jersey Gas has never had an accident on its transmission
system since the original system was built in the
1960s.
South
Jersey Gas adheres to New Jersey state regulations
regarding pipeline safety, construction, operation
and maintenance. These regulations are among the
most stringent in the nation and even exceed Federal
regulations.
American
Gas Association statistics indicate the leading cause
of pipeline is the result of people excavating. Other
causes of damage are corrosion, material defects,
worker error and acts of nature.
Pipeline Location and Right-of-Way
SJG uses line markers to indicate the general location
of our transmission lines. The markers are yellow
and stand about 4 feet high. They are labeled, “Warning
Gas Pipeline – South Jersey Gas.” All
pipeline markers include an emergency phone number
that is staffed 24-hours a day.
The
strip of land over a transmission pipeline is known
as the pipeline right-of-way (ROW). Local utility
companies maintain the ROW to ensure the safety of
the pipeline. South Jersey Gas patrols its transmission
lines monthly to look for damages or activities by
excavators and ensure it is free from vegetation.
If
a ROW crosses your property, please be sure that
any fencing enclosing the area has gates to allow
utility employees to gain direct access. The ROW
must also be free of structures or obstructions so
South Jersey Gas can operate, test, inspect, maintain
and protect the transmission lines. If there is vegetation
that needs to be trimmed and/or removed, South Jersey
Gas will contact you 10 to 14 days prior to clearing
the width of our ROW.
If
you notice any type of dumping of debris on our near
our line, please report all illegal dumping to the
police.
Damage Prevention
SJG asks everyone to help identify potential problems
before they occur. If you or anyone you know is
planning excavation activities make sure to contact
New Jersey One Call three days prior to digging
so a technician can come out and mark out the area.
It’s FREE and it’s the LAW. Once the
site is marked, please respect all marks and hand
dig within two feet of the buried pipeline.
There
are two ways to contact NJ One Call. You may use
the existing number 1-800-272-1000 or the new national
811 number. Both are toll free.
Failure
to contact NJ One Call can result in damage to underground
utilities, causing disruption of vital services,
property damage, fatal injury and fines up to $25,000.
To
report any suspicious activities on or around South
Jersey Gas’ pipeline facilities, immediately
call the police and SJG at 1-888-766-9900.
Gas Leaks – Identify/Respond
Remember the three important signs to identify a potential
gas leak – Look, Listen and Smell.
- Look – for dirt blowing into the air, persistent
bubbling in standing water or discolored or dead
vegetation around the pipeline area.
- Listen – for any unusual hissing or roaring sound.
- Smell – an order that smells like rotten eggs.
What
To Do
- Evacuate
everyone from the area immediately.
- DO
NOT use anything that may cause a spark including
lighters, matches, cigarettes, telephones (including
cellular), flashlights and any motorized equipment.
- Do
not attempt to operate pipeline valves.
- Call
911 and South Jersey Gas’ 24-hour gas leak
hotline at 1-800-582-7060 to report a leak using
a phone that is away from the area.
- Stay
away from the area until declared safe by South
Jersey Gas and/or fire officials.
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