Dunlap Natural Gas System

Customer Awareness Notice

Dear Customer,

Dunlap Natural Gas System is committed to providing safe and reliable Natural Gas Service to the customers in our service area while minimizing the impact to the environment. We utilize safe operational practices with trained and knowledgeable operating personnel.

We distribute Natural Gas through an underground network of pipes in Dunlap, Whitwell, Powells Crossroads and portions of Sequatchie, Bledsoe, Marion Counties. We provide the final delivery of this vital energy to our customers.  In an effort to enhance your awareness of our system, we are forwarding the following:

Public Responsibilities

Heightened Security
 

Since Sept. 11, 2001 pipelines across America instituted heightened security measures. While pipeline companies and employees across the nation are on a heightened state of alert, we continue to monitor and patrol the pipelines regularly via aircraft, vehicles, and/or on foot.

Pipeline companies across the country have been working with the appropriate law enforcement authorities to ensure the continued safe operation of our facilities.

Pipelines are accustomed to preparing for catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, and earthquakes, and we continue to work extensively on preparing for and mitigating any disruption to the service we provide. For some time, the natural gas industry has been working with federal agencies to prepare contingency plans in case of any catastrophic event.

We are not aware of any specific threats to the U.S. natural gas pipeline infrastructure at this time. However, we need your help. Please call local law enforcement if you see anything out of the ordinary in your area. Together, we can take precautions that keep America strong.

Interstate natural gas pipelines are America's safest transportation networks. We have achieved this safety record through the diligent efforts of the gas pipeline industry working closely with state and federal agencies, and the public. Natural Gas is flammable. If its release is not controlled, it could result in a fire or an explosion.   As an industry, our goal is to improve public safety by continuing to improve our safety record. You can help.

How? Simply follow these steps:

Pipeline Awareness

Because natural gas pipelines are underground, the public often is unaware of their presence. Pipelines may be in your neighborhood, or even on your property. How do you know?

One of the easiest ways to locate a pipeline is to recognize pipeline markers. Dunlap Natural Gas System paint these markers with high‑visibility yellow, and install the markers at road crossings, railroads and other points along the pipeline right‑of‑way. The markers identify the pipeline company and include telephone numbers to call to reach a company representative.

If a pipeline is on your property, the title report and the property plat should include the pipeline easement. The easement is the agreement that gives the pipeline company the right of access to build, operate and maintain the pipeline. Remember: If a pipeline is on your property, the right‑of‑way must be kept clear of structures and trees. These restrictions are necessary for safety reasons. Please contact us for additional information.

Call Before You Dig

Are you thinking about building a new swimming pool, installing a drain tile system or constructing a new building?

For your convenience Dunlap Natural Gas System and other utilities have joined a “One Call System.” All you have to do is call the “One Call" number 72 hours prior to your planned excavation and provide them with the information concerning your work. They in turn will alert the utilities that are participating in the “One Call” program.

ONE CALL SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE

1-800-351-1111
 

Before you begin any type of excavation, please call your state's One Call System. This program is designed to prevent excavation damage to pipelines, utilities, water lines and telecommunication systems. Law requires notification and fines can be imposed for failure to comply.

Within 72 hours, Dunlap Natural Gas System will investigate the area of your work, and mark in yellow paint, flags, or stakes where our pipelines are located. Every effort is made to place the markings directly above the pipe, but could vary two feet in either direction. Depth is not usually indicated, requiring extreme caution while excavating in close proximity of a marked facility. It is highly recommended that pipelines be exposed by hand digging.
 

Report Unusual Conditions
 

You can be an important addition to a pipeline company's safety program by being alert to conditions or situations that could threaten the integrity of pipelines in your neighborhood. Here are examples of potentially dangerous situations. Please immediately contact us at (423) 949-4119 if you encounter any of these or need any additional information:
 

·

Accidental hit of a pipeline. Occasionally a plow, post‑hole digger or other excavation equipment strikes a pipeline. While the impact may not seem significant, damage to the pipe and coating creates a concentration of stress and corrosion on that part of the pipeline. The pipeline company will inspect the damage and make any necessary repairs or maintenance.
 

Washout of soils on the pipeline right‑of‑way, or along river and stream banks. Erosion can expose a pipeline to damage from machinery or the elements. The pipeline company will take action to protect the pipeline.
 

Suspected Pipeline Leak. There are several signs that can indicate a leak is present. If you see any of these signs, please notify the pipeline operator and Dunlap Natural Gas System will investigate the situation;
 

Distressed or dead vegetation in a pipeline right‑of‑way. This can be caused by a small leak in a gas pipeline.
 

Hissing sound or odor of gas in the pipeline right‑of‑way.
 

ODOR OF NATURAL GAS
 

Natural gas is odorized to give it a distinctive “rotten egg” or sulfur–like smell. The odorization of gas provides a means of early gas leak detection.  Workers in the natural gas industry add odorants and maintain an odorant level in the gas to make it detectable if there is a gas leak.

Steps to Take in an Emergency
 

If you encounter a leak or a suspected leak, you immediately should take steps to protect yourself and others in that area.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
 

WARN OTHERS.

DO NOT LIGHT A MATCH, START AN ENGINE, USE A TELEPHONE (IN THE AREA), OPERATE A LIGHT SWITCH OR DO ANYTHING THAT MAY CREATE A SPARK.

Safety Procedures
 

IF YOU SMELL A FAINT ODOR OF NATURAL GAS INSIDE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS:

·

IF A STRONG OR PERSISTENT ODOR OF GAS IS PRESENT IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS, OR IF YOU HEAR A HISSING SOUND OF ESCAPING NATURAL GAS, FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE:

DO NOT operate any electrical switches, appliance controls, or pull any plugs from outlets.

IF YOU SMELL OR DETECT NATURAL GAS OUTSIDE, CALL IMMEDIATELY
DUNLAP NATURAL GAS  (423) 949-4119  OR  911.
 

Meter Set