Public Awareness 
Safe operation has always been of fundamental importance to Iroquois. That is reflected in the construction of our natural gas transmission pipeline, its operation, and our ongoing integrity monitoring program. A key component of this safe operation is the public's awareness of how our pipeline operates, and keeping you updated on how working together can safeguard everyone's safety.
Iroquois' Public Service Announcement provides residents with important safety information regarding its pipeline. A tailored message has been created for each of our audiences: the public, emergency responders, and local public officials.
To view or download, click on the appropriate icon below.
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Affected Public PSA
Format: PDF
No. Pages: 1
File Size: 110k
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Emergency Responder PSA
Format: PDF
No. Pages: 1
File Size: 109k
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Local Public Officials PSA
Format: PDF
No. Pages: 1
File Size: 109k
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"An Important Safety Message for Contractors and Excavators" is a brochure Iroquois created for contractors and excavators. To view or download this brochure, click on the icon below.
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An Important Safety Message for Contractors & Excavators
Format: PDF
No. Pages: 2
File Size: 492k
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Iroquois also publishes the Iroquois Report newsletter, which is distributed to landowners and public officials along our pipeline route. Once a year we dedicate an issue to safety. To view or download a copy of our latest safety issue, click on the icon below. To access our Iroquois Report archives, go to http://
www.iroquois.com/New-Internet/igts/WhatsNew/wn_iroquoisreportarchive.asp.
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Iroquois Report, Volume 8, No. 2
Format: PDF
No. Pages: 2
File Size: 101k
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Pipeline Purpose and Reliability
Iroquois operates 414 miles of natural gas pipeline. This natural gas is delivered for household, commercial, and industrial use. Natural gas energy is the most popular home heating fuel in America, and natural gas pipelines are among the safest and most secure methods of transporting energy.
The natural gas industry works very closely with government and stays abreast of new security methods and technologies to ensure the highest levels of security. Iroquois maintains memberships in these industry associations, and we evaluate our security procedures on a regular basis for continual enhancement.
The benefits provided by our pipeline—including market access, increased competition, greater energy diversity, and improved air quality—are possible because our pipeline transports natural gas reliably and safely. Our advanced technology and comprehensive monitoring and maintenance programs ensure the integrity of the Iroquois pipeline and enable us to provide the reliable service that helps keep our customers competitive. For more detailed information about our safety measures, download our safety brochure by clicking the icon below.
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"Safety is Fundamental to Iroquois' Operation"
Format: PDF
No. Pages: 4
File Size: 882k
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Hazard Awareness and Prevention Measures
In the United States, natural gas transmission pipelines have the best safety record of any type of long-distance transportation system in the country. Natural gas is clean, convenient, and efficient, which makes it the popular energy of choice.
Like all forms of energy, however, it must be handled properly. Despite an excellent safety record, a gas leak caused by damage to a pipeline may pose a hazard and has the potential to ignite. Iroquois works diligently to ensure the safety of our pipeline through a variety of measures, including:
- Participation in one-call and dig safe programs
- Inspection programs
- Design and construction practices
- Workforce qualifications
- Public education programs
- Industry safety practices and government oversight
- Pipeline markers and facility mapping
- Leak surveys
- Patrol of facilities
- Pressure monitoring
- Odorization
- Communication and coordination with city and municipal agencies
- Security measures
- Integrity Management Programs
Leak Recognition and Response
A gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound:
- SMELL. Natural gas is colorless and odorless. Typically, a distinct and recognizable odorant is added to natural gas so that people detect and recognize it quickly.
- SIGHT. A dust cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
- SOUND. An unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling.
What should you do if you suspect a leak:
- MOVE to a safe location.
- CALL local emergency responders at 911 and Iroquois Gas Control at 800-888-3982.
- DO NOT strike a match, use telephones, operate engines and motors, switch lights or appliances on or off, or even turn on a flashlight in the area where you smell gas. These items can produce sparks that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
For Emergency Personnel:
- SECURE the site and take steps to eliminate ignition sources
- EVACUATE the general public from the vicinity of the leak
- CONTROL secondary fires
- DO NOT try to extinguish a gas burning fire unless there is a threat to life
- CONTACT Iroquois at 800-888-3982.
For Excavators:
- STOP work, shut down all equipment, and evacuate the site to a safe distance
- CALL 911 if there is blowing gas
- CALL Iroquois at 800-888-3982
- DO NOT strike a match, use telephones, operate engines and motors, switch lights or appliances on or off, or even turn on a flashlight in the area where you smell gas. These items can produce sparks that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
- ALERT everyone on the premises
- KEEP the public and traffic away
- DO NOT try to fix the pipe or slow the rate of leaking gas
- If you suspect or become aware of a dent, scratch, or coating damage to the pipeline, NOTIFY Iroquois immediately at 800-888-3982
Emergency Preparedness
Iroquois periodically revises its Emergency Operating Plan and Field Operations & Maintenance Procedures. Our Engineering and Operations departments keep the plans current and provide necessary training to state and/or local emergency management personnel.
We work closely and maintain a continuing relationship with emergency responders and local officials in our pipeline communities to prevent and prepare for emergencies. One way we do this is through regular meetings that provide operational safety information to firefighters and other local emergency responders serving communities along our pipeline route. If you're an emergency responder interested in attending one of these sessions, check our Calendar at http://www.iroquois.com/What'sNew/IroquoisCalendar.asp for a session near you. If a session isn't scheduled for your region, contact our Right-of-Way Agent Spencer Robinson at 518-945-2685, x226, or Ruth Parkins, our Public Affairs Manager, at 203-925-7209 to arrange a presentation.
Damage Prevention Awareness and One-Call
An important part of maintaining Iroquois' safety record is an effective damage prevention program. Ours includes regular aerial and foot patrols of the pipeline, increasing public awareness of the existence of the pipeline, and participation in one-call programs.
The greatest risk to underground pipelines is accidental damage during excavation. To protect Iroquois' natural gas pipeline and other underground facilities, it is critical that individuals use the one-call system prior to any excavation-related activities on public and private property. The law requires that all excavators notify the one-call system 48 hours before digging.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG NUMBERS
New York State: 1-800-962-7962
Connecticut: 1-800-922-4455
New York City/Long Island: 1-800-272-4480
Nationwide: 811
The one-call center will contact Iroquois and owners of other underground facilities in the immediate area so that we can mark the location of our facilities prior to excavation. There is no charge for this service. Excavators are required to take certain precautions when working in the immediate area of underground facilties; the one-call center can provide the details of what is required. Failure to comply with this law can jeopardize public safety and result in costly damage and substantial fines for the excavator.
Any damage, even if it appears to be minor, should be reported to Iroquois immediately. A gouge, scrape, dent, or crease to the pipe or its coating may cause a future leak or failure. It is imperative that Iroquois and other owners inspect and repair any damage to their facilities.
Iroquois has published Guidelines for Landowners, Developers and Contractors to assist landowners, developers, and contractors with the process for many common requests we receive that affect Iroquois' right-of-way and easements. For a printed copy of the guidelines, contact Paul Amato, Director of Field Operations and Right of Way, at 203-925-7267, paul_amato@iroquois.com, or Spencer Robinson, Right of Way Agent, at 518-945-2685, spencer_robinson@iroquois.com. To view or download a PDF of the guidelines, click on the icon below.
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Guidelines for Landowners, Developers & Contractors
Format: PDF
No. Pages: 12
File Size: 1.52MB
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Pipeline Location
Since Iroquois' transmission pipelines are underground, line markers are used to indicate the approximate location of the pipeline. The markers display the material transported in the line, the name of the pipeline operator, and the telephone number where the operator can be reached in the event of an emergency. Markers only indicate the general location of a pipeline and cannot be relied upon to indicate the exact position. In agricultural areas, markers are generally not practical and may be found only at road and railway crossings, fencelines, and hedgerows.
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Availability of the NPMS
Additional information on transmission pipelines and pipeline operators in your area can be obtained from the National Pipeline Mapping System (www.npms.rspa.dot.gov). The mapping system is called Pipeline Integrity Management Mapping System.
Federal, state, or local government officials or a pipeline operator are provided detailed access. For access you must request a user name and password from Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration or the Office of Pipeline Safety.
Additional Information
Updated 5/7/07
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