Pipeline Awareness

Why are natural gas pipelines important?

Thousands of miles of pipelines deliver natural gas to 750,000 customers throughout Florida, including residences, businesses and industries.

More than 80 percent of new power plants built in Florida since the late 1990s are fueled by natural gas and underground pipelines. Pipelines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Without pipelines, Florida roadways would see thousands of semi-tanker trucks and train cars hauling an alternative energy supply. Increased traffic would bring reduced highway safety and long waits at intersections and railroad crossings.

Natural gas pipelines result in safer roads, cleaner air and a more economical energy choice for all of Florida.

While pipeline emergencies are rare, it is important to know how to recognize signs of a natural gas leak if one should occur in your area.

Look

Visual clues that could indicate a pipeline emergency include:

• Dirt being thrown into the air
  
• Water bubbling or being blown into the air at a puddle, pond, creek or river
  
• Fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above the ground
  
• Dead or dying vegetation on or near the roadway or easement in an otherwise green area
  
• Dry spot in a moist otherwise green location.

Listen

Roaring, blowing or hissing may signal a pipeline emergency:

Smell

Natural gas is odorless. For safety, a foul-smelling agent is added to detect a leak. If you smell a rotten-egg smell, report a leak immediately.

How to report an emergency
Call 1-877 TECO PGS (1-877-832-6747); or call 911.