Public Awareness - Identify the Smell

 

PUBLIC AWARENESS NOTICE

 

            Southeastern Louisiana University owns and operates a master meter natural gas distribution system on the school campus. The gas system consists of an underground network of pipelines. The purpose of the gas system is to provide a reliable and safe economical source of energy for heating purposes. The pipeline system has the capacity to reliably deliver natural gas.

 

            The hazards of natural gas are it is odorless, colorless, tasteless, lighter than air and can ignite and/or explode with tremendous force when mixed with the right amount of air.

 

            Prevention measures taken include:

  • adding odorant to the gas to give it that distinctive smell, similar to rotten eggs, to warn us of its presence,
  • testing the odorant level each calendar quarter,
  • performing annual gas leakage surveys, and
  • conducting periodic pipeline patrols.

 

            The following are signs that may indicate a gas leak:

  • A hissing or roaring sound (caused by escaping gas),
  • A patch of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green setting along a pipeline route,
  • Blowing dirt, grass or leaves near a pipeline,
  • Continuous bubbling in wet, flooded areas,
  • A “gas smell” similar to rotten eggs.

 

            Anyone who may smell this odor or notice any unusual conditions on or near gas mains, vents, service lines, meter sets, or especially inside of a building should call the maintenance office immediately. If you smell a strong gas odor inside a building, notify everyone in the building to leave.  Do not operate any switches or use the phone.  Go a safe distance away upwind of the gas smell and call the maintenance office. With any gas leak protect life first then property, then notify the maintenance office.

 

            State and federal laws require excavators to notify LA One-Call 2 full working days before digging.  If any excavation is planned, you must notify LA One-Call which will notify the Southeastern Louisiana University to locate the gas lines.

 

            To obtain additional information or report a gas related issue call Southeastern Louisiana University Physical Plant 985-549-3333 or call University Police 985-549-2222

(24 hours). The LA One-Call Center phone number is 811.