St. James Parish Public Utilities Public Awareness Notices

Pipe Safety Public Awareness Notice

Please read the following gas system safety information.

This message and pipeline markers are provided to promote public awareness and 
damage prevention awareness.

St. James Parish Public Utilities owns and operates a natural gas distribution system. The gas system consists of an underground network of pipelines throughout the Parish and in areas adjacent to the Parish 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 Parish or notice any unusual conditions on or near gas mains, vents, service lines, meter sets, or especially inside of a building should call the St. James Parish Public Utilities 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 St. James Parish Public Utilities.  With any gas leak, protect life first then property, then notify the St. James Parish Public Utilities.

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. St. James Parish Public Utilities maintains membership in the LA One-Call program.

Emergency Contact Information:

To obtain additional information or to report a gas-related issue, call the St. James Parish Public Utilities. The St. James Parish Public Utilities phone number is 225-562-2500 during working hours, and 225-562-2200 after working hours. The LA One-Call Center phone number is 811.

Pipe Safety Public Awareness Notice

 St. James Parish Government – Utilities Division, has an ongoing public awareness series, helping alert residents to important information on pipeline safety. 

It’s easy to be confused on which portion of the natural gas lines are owned by the Parish, and which are owned by the property owner. A service line is the pipe that connects the main natural gas line under your street or highway to your natural gas meter. Everything beyond the meter—extending to your home or business—is considered customer-owned piping. In St. James Parish, property owners are responsible for maintaining the natural gas piping that runs from the gas meter to their home or business. St. James Parish Utilities does not maintain customer-owned gas lines beyond the meter.

For safety reasons, periodically inspect your gas piping for leaks or signs of corrosion. If left unchecked, underground piping is susceptible to damage over time. A licensed plumber or qualified contractor can help you locate, inspect, and maintain these lines. If any issues are found, prompt repair is strongly recommended.

If your natural gas piping beyond the meter includes steel pipe, cathodic protection is recommended to help prevent gas leaks due to corrosion. Cathodic protections inspections should be inspected on a yearly basis to ensure continued safety and performance.

If you have any questions or would like more information about your natural gas service or responsibilities as a customer, please don’t hesitate to contact St. James Parish Utilities at 225-562-2500. We’re happy to assist.

Gas Line Public Awareness Notice

St. James Parish Government – Utilities Division, has an ongoing public awareness series, helping alert residents to important information on pipeline safety. Residents of St. James Parish have the option to install an important safety resource to their natural gas lines, which can help stop or reduce gas leaks. 

A recent federal regulation regarding gas pipeline safety requires natural gas utilities to notify customers that they have the option to request the installation of an Excess Flow Valve (EFV). An EFV is a safety device installed by St. James Parish Utilities inside a gas service line, as close as is practical to the gas main. EFVs are designed to automatically shut off, or significantly reduce, the flow of gas if the service line is damaged or broken between the EFV and the meter. Please note: An EFV does not detect or stop gas leaks in your home’s piping or appliances.

Many customers already have an EFV installed. However, due to certain technical limitations, not all service lines are eligible for EFV installation.

If you are interested in having an EFV installed and your service line qualifies, you may request one for a fee. St. James Parish Utilities will provide you with an estimated cost and timeframe for installation upon request.

 Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Excess Flow Valve (EFV)?

An EFV is a safety device installed in a gas service line as close as possible to the gas main, usually located off the street or highway. While not required for the normal, safe operation of your gas service, it may help reduce the risk of uncontrolled gas flow if the service line is severed.

Will an EFV stop or reduce the flow of gas to my house?

Only in the event of a break in the service line outside your home. An EFV will not protect against leaks on customer-owned piping or appliances inside your home.

If you smell gas or suspect a leak inside, leave immediately, then call 911 and St. James Parish Utilities at 225-562-2500.

Who pays for and installs the EFV?

If your service line qualifies and you choose to have one installed, St. James Parish Utilities will coordinate the installation with you. The cost of installation is the customer’s responsibility.

How long does an EFV last and is there any maintenance required?

An EFV is designed to last the lifetime of the gas distribution system. St. James Parish Utilities is responsible for maintaining the EFV after installation, and you will not be charged for any future maintenance or replacement costs.