Natural gas pipeline safety

While we don't sell natural gas to homes, we do use natural gas. Our high-pressure underground pipelines are the safest proven method of transporting natural gas.

Prevent damage to the pipeline

Every day, more than 2 million miles of pipelines across the United States safely transport natural gas, gasoline and other products that fuel our modern lives. Understanding where these pipelines and pipeline facilities are located, the potential hazards and how to identify and respond to a potential leak will help keep your family, your employees and your community safe.

Gas pipeline mapAvoid buried natural gas lines 

Verify the location of natural gas pipelines before digging and know how to identify and respond to a leak or rupture. Even a tiny gouge, scrape or dent to a natural gas pipeline or its coating can cause a hazardous leak or explosion.

We own and operate 76 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines, delivering fuel to 4 SMUD power plants in southern Sacramento County. This map shows the location of our pipeline, which runs from near Winters in Yolo County to Rancho Seco in southern Sacramento County.

Living with our pipeline, as with any other neighbor, requires a spirit of cooperation. We're always ready to provide publications and public speakers to keep our neighbors informed about our activities. We also follow emergency response procedures and safety guidelines. You can contact SMUD at 1-855-525-7142.

Pipeline markersPipeline markers

Yellow Pipeline markers show the general route of our high-pressure natural gas transmission pipelines.

  • Look for markers at road crossings, fence lines and street intersections. Markers identify the area, but not the exact location or depth of the pipeline.
  • You can also locate high-pressure transmission pipelines near you through the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS).
  • These markers specify the type of product transported, the operator's name and emergency contact number. Never use pipeline markers to identify the location of a pipeline for excavation purposes. It is a federal crime to intentionally damage or destroy pipeline markers.
  • Yellow Pipeline markers show the general route of our high-pressure natural gas transmission pipelines.

Call before you dig

Call before you dig

Before any excavation or soil disturbing activities, California law requires you to call the One-Call Notification System for Northern California. 

  • Notify Underground Service Alert (USA North) at 811 or online at usanorth811.org at least 2 working days before you dig.
  • Before you start digging, confirm all utilities have responded by checking your ticket at usanorth811.org.
  • When digging within 20 feet on either side of our gas pipelines, we require you to have a SMUD representative present.
  • Yellow Pipeline markers show the general route of our high-pressure natural gas transmission pipelines

Gas leak safety

Recognize gas leak warning signs

  • Smell: A distinctive sulfur-like odor is added to natural gas to help detect leaks. Not all gas is odorized, so don’t rely on your nose alone.
  • Sight: You may see continuous bubbling in water or dirt spraying or blowing into the air. Plants or grass may die for no apparent reason, even in a moist area.
  • Sound: You may hear an unusual hissing, roaring or whistling coming from the ground or gas equipment.

React immediately if you suspect a leak

  • Assume there’s a danger.
  • Warn others and leave the area quickly.
  • Do NOT use matches and lighters or any electrical devices.

Report the leak to 911 and then SMUD

  • Dial 911 from a safe location.
  • Once you’ve notified 911, call SMUD’s gas emergency number at 1-800-877-7683 to provide the exact location and let us know of any digging activities.

Pipeline safety in our communities

Agriculture is vital to the health of our region. Excavation is the most common cause of pipeline damage and can cause the loss of life and property. It’s important to contact the underground utility operator to locate pipelines before any excavation activities. Farmers and ranchers can protect their family, employees and property by:

  • Calling 811 and verifying the location of pipelines before every excavation. Excavators are required by law to call 811 or their local One-Call center at least 2 working days before starting an excavation project.
  • Avoiding buried natural gas pipelines.
  • Knowing how to identify, respond to and prevent a leak or rupture.
  • Knowing which agricultural activities and crops are safe within the pipeline Right of Way (ROW).

If you accidentally damage or hit the SMUD pipeline or pipeline facility, or if you damage a pipeline marker, contact us immediately. All dents, scrapes or other damage needs to be assessed and repaired to prevent a future leak or serious accident.

If you suspect that the pipeline is leaking, leave the scene. As soon as you are a safe distance from the pipeline, call 911 and then SMUD at 1-800-877-7683. You must also notify the Dig Safe Board at usanorth811.org within 2 hours.

Excavators are required by law to call 811 or their local One-Call center at least 2 working days before starting an excavation project.

For excavation projects near the SMUD gas pipeline, a field meeting with a SMUD representative is required prior to the start of excavation. A SMUD field representative must also be present at the job site while you work near our pipeline facilities to monitor excavation activity.

If you accidentally damage or hit a SMUD pipeline, pipeline facility or damage a pipeline marker, call 1-800-877-7683 immediately. All dents, scrapes or other damage needs to be assessed and repaired to prevent a future leak or serious accident.

If you suspect that the pipeline is leaking, leave the scene. As you're a safe distance from the pipeline, call 911 and then SMUD at 1-800-877-7683. You must also notify the Dig Safe Board at usanorth811.org within 2 hours.

Gas pipeline awareness is critical to the public health and safety of our schools and communities. All school employees should be familiar with gas pipelines near their school and it’s important to develop safety and evacuation procedures that address a response to a suspected pipeline leak.

Visit smudsafety.org/educator for information and free materials to help students and educators learn more about natural gas and electrical safety.

SMUD is nationally recognized for bringing the right blend of creativity and stability to electricity generation and delivery. We work closely with government officials to keep our community safe. Our government partners alert us about upcoming roadway, bridge, zoning and other capital projects. Advanced notice allows us to work with community planning committees and land use personnel to address impact to gas pipelines.

Pipeline and pipeline facility incident response tactics

Follow these emergency response tactics when you respond to an incident.

Assess the situation

  • Approach with caution from upwind location.
  • Isolate and secure the area.
  • Employ ICS.
  • Identify hazards.
  • Identify and contact the pipeline operator using the emergency number listed on the pipeline marker.

Protect people, property and the environment

  • Establish isolation zones and set up barriers.
  • Rescue and evacuate people (if needed).
  • Eliminate ignition sources.
  • Stage apparatus and equipment based on atmospheric monitoring and weather conditions.
  • Control fires, vapor and leaks. Do not extinguish burning fires. Protect exposures and coordinate isolation operations with pipeline personnel.
  • Do not operate (open or close) valves or other pipeline equipment.
  • Employ containment techniques if personnel are trained, equipped and it is safe to do so.
  • Designate a safe location for bystanders and the media.

For more information, visit NASFM’s Pipeline Emergency Response Training.