SEMCO ENERGY utilizes an extensive network
of underground pipelines to deliver natural gas to its customers.
The purpose of these pipelines is to transport the natural
gas from pipeline supply points to residential, commercial
and industrial customer meters. SEMCO ENERGY
is committed to ensuring these pipelines are operated safely
and reliably in accordance with Federal and State laws.
Natural
Gas Safety Facts
As part of our ongoing customer education efforts, SEMCO
ENERGY GAS COMPANY offers these facts about Gas Company
service and Natural Gas Safety:
Natural gas is colorless and tasteless. To help you to
recognize the presence of natural gas, SEMCO ENERGY
adds an odor similar to rotten eggs.
Natural gas is lighter than air, rises quickly and spreads
out harmlessly in open areas. However, in an enclosed
area, natural gas displaces air at ceiling level and fills
the room from the ceiling down.
Natural gas is not Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Liquefied
petroleum gases, such as propane, are heavier than air
and, unlike natural gas, will collect in low places.
Natural gas is not toxic or poisonous. However, as natural
gas fills an enclosed space, it displaces air and suffocation
can occur.
Natural gas cannot burn without oxygen. For natural
gas to burn, it must be mixed with air and must have an
ignition source, such as a pilot light or electric arc
from a light switch, electric motor, doorbell or telephone.
Burning natural gas will not explode. In many cases
it is better to let the natural gas burn than to extinguish
the fire. If the fire is extinguished prior to stopping
the flow of gas, the gas has the potential to build-up
to an explosive level.
If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave
the building or area immediately and call SEMCO ENERGY
from another location. Report natural gas leaks and related
emergencies to the SEMCO ENERGY Gas Leak/Emergency
line - 1-888-GAS-1-GAS (1-888-427-1427) - 24-hours a day,
seven days a week.
For Information About
Other Pipelines In Your Area
For a listing of pipelines in your area, please visit the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s
National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) website at https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov.
This website enables the user to view the National Pipeline
Mapping System (NPMS) data one county at a time. NPMS data
is for reference purposes only. It should never be used
as a substitute for contacting a one-call center prior to
excavation activities. Please call 811 before any digging
occurs. Data cannot be downloaded from the Public Viewer.
Transmission Integrity
Management Plan
In accordance with the Federal Pipeline Safety Act of 2002,
SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY (SEMCO) has developed
and implemented its Transmission Integrity Management
Plan (IMP) for the Transmission Pipelines we currently
operate in the State of Michigan. The integrity management
regulations within the Pipeline Safety Act of 2002 were designed
to address the monitoring and maintenance of high pressure
natural gas transmission pipelines in areas where a leak or
other failure could have a serious effect on populations or
the environment. SEMCO’s IMP has been designed to continue
to provide low cost natural gas to its customers while ensuring
industry safety standards for operations.
SEMCO’s IMP also illustrates and describes how new
programs, processes and procedures are integrated with established
Company programs, processes and procedures to support, administer
and conduct the IMP. A copy of SEMCO’s Transmission
Integrity Management Plan is available upon request.
HANDS OFF FOR
SAFETY
Don't Tamper With Gas Company Equipment
SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY
reminds its customers not to attempt to service any natural
gas equipment between their main and the meter - no matter
how simple the procedure may seem.
All equipment from the service main up to
and including your gas meter is considered Gas Company property
and should be serviced and maintained only by SEMCO
ENERGY Service Technicians or by a certified private
contactor. Customer-owned gas lines and connections between
your meter and your home should be serviced by a certified
private contractor.
If you need to have the gas to your home temporarily
turned off for any reason, please contact SEMCO
ENERGY GAS COMPANY at 1-800-624-2019 to schedule
an appointment for a SEMCO ENERGY Service Technician to
turn off the gas. A Service Technician also will restore
gas service to your home.
Turning the valve leading to your gas meter on or off, or
operating any SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY equipment
yourself, could result in a serious safety hazard. Adjusting
any Gas Company equipment also can result in legal action
by SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY.
Remember, natural gas is a safe, efficient and economical
fuel when connected and maintained by trained professionals,
such as SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY Service
Technicians or certified private contractors.
CALL 811 BEFORE
YOU DIG
It's now easier than ever to contact MISS DIG.
Michigan residents - whether Do-It-Yourselfers or professional
excavators - can now just call 811 to have all utility lines
located before beginning any digging or excavation project.
811 is the new toll-free nationwide "Call Before You
Dig" number. Just dial 811 and your call will be routed
to the local "Call Before You Dig" system. That's
MISS DIG in Michigan. A call to 811 in Michigan will quickly
begin the process of getting underground utility lines marked.
MISS DIG System, Inc. will notify affected member utility
companies to send crews to mark underground lines for free.
The existing MISS DIG number for Michigan
- 1-800-482-7171 - still can be used to contact the state
program. 811 is an additional, easy-to-remember access number
for MISS DIG.
The 811 number can be called from any phone - land line, cell
or cable phone.
Michigan law requires property owners to contact MISS
DIGthree (3) business days before
beginning any project involving digging. This helps avoid
possible injuries or damage to natural gas and oil lines,
electric, telephone, TV cable and water and sewer facilities.
Failure to call MISS DIG could leave you facing costly repair
bills for damaged utility-owned lines.
Also be aware that, if you have any "customer-owned"
pipes or lines in a project area, you are responsible for
locating and marking them before your project begins.
Customer-owned pipes and lines are between the meter and
your appliance. These include connections to yard lights,
pool and spa heaters, garages, workshops and similar areas.
Natural gas pipelines are usually underground,
which is why it is so important to contact Miss Dig before
beginning any project involving digging.
In some situations, SEMCO ENERGY GAS
COMPANY is required to identify its pipeline locations.
The pipeline markers typically used by SEMCO
ENERGY GAS COMPANY (as shown) include a number
for Miss Dig (1-800-482-7171). Miss Dig must be contacted
three (3) business days before beginning any project involving
digging so that all utility lines - including natural gas
pipelines - can be marked. This is not only for your safety,
but you can be held liable for damage to unmarked lines.
SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY
gas line markers also list a 24-hour emergency number:1-888-GAS-1-GAS
(1-888-427-1427). This number should be used ONLY to report
emergencies.
If you have questions about this information,
contact SEMCO ENERGY GAS COMPANY at 1-800-624-2019.
For a listing of pipelines in your area,
please visit the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s
National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) website
at https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov.
This website enables the user to view the National Pipeline
Mapping System (NPMS) data one county at a time. NPMS data
is for reference purposes only. It should never be used
as a substitute for contacting a one-call center prior to
excavation activities. Please call 811 before any digging
occurs. Data cannot be downloaded from the Public Viewer.
