What Are Underground Gas Lines Used For?

Natural gas is a big industry in the United States, providing both residential heat and power plant electricity. Natural gas accounts for 24 percent of America's energy consumption. Today, a massive network of underground gas lines crisscrosses the country. Understanding what underground gas lines are used for can provide insight into America's energy industry.

Purpose

• Natural gas is extracted from beneath the earth by wells, which feed it into small pipes called gathering pipelines. The gas eventually makes its way to larger transmission lines that go all over the country. In order to reach its destination, the gas will travel hundreds of miles directly to consumers. Some gas is also stored underground in large reservoirs. Since the amount of natural gas needed is so immense, directly feeding it through underground pipelines is the only feasible method of transportation.

Locating Gas Lines

• Since underground gas lines run all over the United States, organizations are obligated to mark their respective pipelines above ground. The markers contain information about the company that owns them and a phone number to call if there is an emergency, such as a leak. However, these signs do not mark the exact location of a gas line, they simply indicate that a gas line is nearby.

Safety

• Considering the fact that flammable natural gas is flowing through over 1 million miles of pipelines, safety is definitely a concern. To address this, the federal government has established a list of codes and standards that all natural gas companies must meet. Regulations regarding things like design, construction, testing and maintenance must be strictly adhered to. Nicor Gas states that the majority of accidents are caused by construction workers digging into gas lines without checking the area.

Leaks

• Despite their positive track record for safety, gas lines can and will break, leading to leaks. Whether the leak is underground or in your home, there are specific signs to look out for. Use your sense of smell. All gas companies add a rotten egg scent to their natural gas to alert people of a leak. There are other indicators to watch out for in the environment. Listen for any hissing noises coming from a gas line inside or near your house. If you do hear hissing, leave immediately. Do not use a phone or any appliance inside your home. Also, look for damaged plants, bubbling water or blowing dirt near an underground line. Stay away from that area and contact your gas company or fire department.

Other Gas Lines

• Aside from natural gas, there are other types of gas pipelines. Product pipelines transport gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and lubricants from refineries to different terminals or distribution centers.