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SMUD's natural gas pipeline
Help SMUD prevent damage to its pipeline
High-pressure underground pipelines are the safest proven method of transporting natural gas. SMUD owns and operates 76 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines, delivering fuel to four SMUD power plants in southern Sacramento County. SMUD asks for your help in preventing accidental damage to the pipeline.
Where is the pipeline located?
This map shows the location of SMUD's pipeline which runs from near Winters in Yolo County to Rancho Seco in southern Sacramento County. Map ...
For the most part, SMUD's pipelines are not visible because they are located under the street or buried underground in a right of way.
A typical right of way is cleared of vegetation and well marked (as pictured). A right of way sign in English and Spanish marks the path and provides SMUD's 24-hour Gas Control Center telephone number, 1-800-877-7683.
Pipeline accidents are preventable
A gouge, scrape, dent, crease or other damage to the pipeline or its coating could eventually cause a failure of the pipeline. Should you discover or cause damage to SMUD's pipeline -- no matter how minor it may appear -- notify SMUD immediately at 1-800-877-7683. If you're unsure who the pipeline belongs to, SMUD can tell you.
Call before you dig
Before you dig near a pipeline marker, California law requires you to call the One-Call Notification System for Northern California at
1-800-642-2444. If necessary, a crew can mark the exact location of the pipeline.
If you plan to dig anywhere near the pipeline -- even if it's just digging by hand -- your call to the One-Call System must be made at least 48 hours before you do any excavation. If there is any conflict with the pipeline, SMUD will mark its location and work with you to ensure the safety of your project and the pipeline.
What to do in case of a pipeline leak
Gas leaks are signaled by dead vegetation, blowing earth, hissing or roaring sounds, and by smell where odorized.
If you know or suspect that a gas pipeline is leaking or damaged:
- stay away from the site
- advise others to stay away
- do not start automotive equipment or other sources of ignition in the vicinity
- abandon equipment and leave the area quickly
- call 911. Report it immediately to emergency response agencies
- and call SMUD's Gas Control Center. 1-800-877-7683.
If a nearby pipeline is damaged and gas escapes, you should know that natural gas is:
- colorless and odorless unless odorized to smell like rotten eggs. SMUD's gas is odorized.
- not poisonous, but in a confined space it can cause suffocation due to lack of oxygen.
- lighter than air and will rise and diffuse rapidly.
- flammable and will burn when mixed with air and ignited. Escaping gas can be ignited by open flames or sparks from electrical switches and motors, telephones, ignition systems, mechanical equipment and flying rocks.
Learn more about SMUD's pipeline
Living with our pipeline, as with any other neighbor, requires a spirit of cooperation. SMUD is always ready to provide, publications and public speakers to keep our neighbors informed about our activities, emergency response procedures and safety guidelines. You can contact SMUD at (916) 732-7132.
Important Telephone Numbers
If you notice a pipeline leak:
First call fire and police at 911
Then call SMUD's Gas Control Center at
1-800-877-7683.
For pipeline info and location:
(916) 732-7132
(8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Who to call before digging:
One-Call Notification System for Northern California
1-800-642-2444