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.