Important Notice from the Town of Melville, LA: Please read the following gas system safety information. It is provided to promote public awareness and damage prevention awareness.
The Town of Melville owns and operates a natural gas distribution system. The gas system consists of an underground network of pipelines throughout the Town and in areas adjacent to the Town limits. The purpose of the gas system is to provide a reliable and safe economical source of energy for heating purposes to the homes and businesses adjacent to the underground gas pipelines. The pipeline system has the capacity to reliably deliver natural gas to the customers.
The hazards of natural gas are that it is: odorless, colorless, tasteless, lighter than air and can ignite and/or explode with tremendous force when mixed with the right amount of air.
Prevention measures taken include:
_ Adding odorant to the gas to give it that distinctive smell, similar to rotten eggs, to warn us of its presence
_ Testing the odorant level each calendar quarter _ Performing annual gas leakage surveys
_ Conducting periodic pipeline patrols The following are signs that may indicate a gas leak:
_ A hissing or roaring sound (caused by escaping gas) _ A patch of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green setting along a pipeline route
_ Blowing dirt, grass or leaves near a pipeline _ Continuous bubbling in wet, flooded areas
_ A gas smell, similar to rotten eggs
Safety Procedure:
Anyone who may smell this odor in the Town of Melville or notice any unusual conditions on or near gas mains, vents, service lines, meter sets, or especially inside of a building should call the Town immediately. If you smell a strong gas odor inside a building, notify everyone in the building to leave. Do not operate any switches or use the phone. Go a safe distance away upwind of the gas smell and call the Town. With any gas leak protect life first then property, then notify the Town.
Excavator Procedure:
Pipeline markers are maintained to inform the public of the gas line location. State and federal laws require excavators to notify LA One-Call two (2) full working days before digging. If any excavation is planned, you must notify LA One-Call which will notify the City to locate the gas lines. The Town of Melville maintains membership in the LA One-Call program.
Emergency Contact Information:
To obtain additional information or report a gas-related issue call the Town of Melville M-F 8:30am4pm, Friday 8am-12pm at 337-623-4226 or call 911. The LA One-Call Center phone number is 811. Customers should report gas leaks or other gas related information to Town of Melville.
Notice: This information and the pipeline signs are provided as public awareness and damage prevention awareness notices. – Mayor Caretta Robertson, Town of Melville, LA
