Pipeline Safety - Merrion Oil & Gas

Call 911 for a local emergency & contact our emergency dispatch 24 hours a day @ 505-324-5300 ext. 1

Merrion Oil & Gas operates a natural gas pipeline, and we make every effort to maintain its safe operation. We recognize the sensitive nature of our environment and are committed to its protection. On-site personnel conduct visual checks for gas leaks on a constant basis. In addition, we perform gas leak detection tests at regular intervals.

Despite our best efforts, pipeline leaks can occur. Pipelines are generally not visible because they are buried underground for safety reasons. Because of this, most accidents are caused by digging without first determining if there is a pipeline in the area.

Always call 811 Before You Dig. It’s fast, free and it’s the law.

Call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging and your call will automatically be routed to your local one-call center.

You’ll give the operator information about how to contact you, where you are planning to dig, and what type of work you will be doing.

Utility companies who have potential facilities in the area of your dig site will be notified about your intent to dig.

Each affected utility company will send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground utilities. This typically occurs within 2-3 working days.

A pipeline leak can be dangerous.

Escaping natural gas warrants cautious, immediate action when discovered. Possible hazards include explosion, fire, poisoning, and carbon monoxide exposure.

In the event of a natural gas leak, sight, sound, and smell are helpful in detection.

Sight

A spot of dead or discolored vegetation in a right-of-way may indicate a small leak. Blowing dust might also indicate a leak.

Sound

A leak may be identified by a hissing or roaring sound, the loudness of which would vary depending on the size of the leak.

Smell

Materials carried in pipelines have a characteristic odor. Any strange or unusual odor in the area of a pipeline may indicate a leak.

How To Identify Our Pipeline

To identify our pipelines, just look for the bright yellow markers which show its location. We have installed these markers at public roads, river crossings, and along the right-of-way to identifies the pipeline’s approximate path.