b'PIPELINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDELINESSection Video PRODUCTS AND FACILITIES Natural Gas (DOT ERG 115)Natural gas is the predominant product found in gas distribution pipelines, https://vimeo.com/428841393 and with few exceptions, is transported via pipelines in its gaseous form. Like crude oil, it is a naturally occurring resource formed millions of years ago as a result of heat and pressure acting on decayed organic material. It isextractedfromwellsandtransportedthrough gatheringpipelinestoprocessingfacilities.From these facilities it is transported through transmis-sion pipelines to distribution centers (or distribu-tionpipelinesystems).Themainingredientin naturalgasismethane(94percent).Naturalgas is odorless, colorless, tasteless and nontoxic in its natural state. When transported via transmission pipelines, natural gas typically does not have odor-ant added. An odorant is added when it is deliv-ered to a distribution system. At ambient tempera-tures it remains a lighter than air gas; however, it can be compressed (CNG) under high pressure to makeitconvenientforuseinotherapplications or liquefied (LNG) under extremely cold tempera-tures (-260 F) to facilitate transportation. Indications of a LeakAn odor like rotten eggs or a burnt match (odorized natural gas only)A loud roaring sound like a jet engineA hissing or whistling noiseFire coming out of or on top of the groundDirt blowing from a hole in the groundAn area of frozen ground in the summerAn unusual area of melted snow in the winterAn area of dead vegetationBubbling in pools of water Hazards of a ReleaseHighly flammable and easily ignited by heat or sparksWill displace oxygen and can cause asphyxiationFire may produce irritating and/or toxic gasesVapors may form an explosive mixture with airVapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warningIs lighter than air can migrate underground and into enclosed spaces8 2023 by Pipeline Association for Public Awareness'