Pipeline Safety

SGRM maintains the highest standards of safety and reliability for its customers, employees and community. We also comply strictly with environmental standards as well as state and federal regulations. Please click the links below  to view SGRM pipeline safety information: 

Our Safety Commitment

To enhance the safety of our natural gas storage system and of the people around it, the Southern Pines Energy Center monitors its pipeline operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our natural gas pipeline systems are located in Greene County, Mississippi and Mobile County, Alabama. We regularly patrol and maintain our pipeline right of way to allow for the easy identification of construction-related activities and any conditions that could affect our pipelines.

Our pipeline system is regulated by the U. S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which establishes rules and standards governing the design, construction, operation, safety and maintenance of natural gas and other energy pipelines.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and enhancing public safety and environmental protection through increased public awareness and knowledge. Maintaining a safe pipeline requires your participation, as well. This information is provided to help you identify our pipelines and know how to recognize and respond to a pipeline emergency.

What To Do In An Emergency 

If you experience a pipeline emergency situation such as a leak or if you believe one of our pipelines has been damaged:

• Go to a safe location
• Call 911 or your local emergency response telephone number
• Call the emergency phone number listed below

Please give your name, phone number and a description of the leak or damage and its location.

Call us immediately if you strike one of our pipelines or see someone working near them. Even minor dents, chips or scrapes are serious and can cause future leaks if the problem is not professionally repaired. 

In Case of a PIPELINE EMERGENCY
call us directly, 24-hours a day:

1-601-525-3480

Recognizing/Responding To A Leak

How Do I Recognize A Pipeline Leak?

Natural gas is a flammable, colorless, odorless, lighter-than-air, non-toxic substance. Since natural gas is odorless, sometimes local utilities add an odorant to help consumers smell gas should a leak occur. However, odorant is added at only certain places along the pipeline. It is important to remember that you may not always be able to detect a gas leak by smell.

The following signs can be an indication of a natural gas pipeline leak:

• Dust, water or vegetation blowing around a pipeline
• Discolored or dead vegetation near a pipeline
• A blowing or hissing sound caused by escaping gas
• Bubbling in a wet area
• Flames, if the leak has ignited
• An unusual smell or gaseous odor

If you become aware of a pipeline leak, notify the pipeline company immediately. Emergency phone numbers are listed on all pipeline markers. 

What To Do If A Leak Occurs

• Leave the area immediately on foot and warn others to stay away.
• Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area.
• Avoid any open flame or other sources of ignition.
• Call 911 or local law enforcement.
• Notify the pipeline company immediately.
• Do not attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire, and do not attempt to operate pipeline valves.

Identifying Pipelines 

• Since most pipelines are buried underground, markers are used to indicate the approximate location of pipelines.
• The markers contain the name of the pipeline operator and emergency contact information.
• Markers do not indicate the exact location or depth of the pipeline.

Pipelines may not always follow a straight line between markers.

Call Us Before You Dig 

Call us at 1-601-525-3480 72 hours before you plan to dig. Don’t ever assume you know where our pipelines or other underground utilities are located. Careless digging can cause disruption of vital utility services and environmental damage, even injury or loss of life. Call us and we will let you know if there are any buried pipelines or other utilities in the area and the utility companies will be notified to identify and clearly mark the location of their lines at no cost to you.

Four important steps can help prevent undesired consequences.

• Call before you dig.
• Wait the required amount of time.
• Respect the marks.
• Dig with care.