Safety

Bay City Gas Company is part of an industry that stands behind an Outstanding Record of Safety and Performance. This is a direct result of decades of safety efforts and the creation of a safety culture within the industry. Pipelines safely transport oil, gas, fuels and chemicals across the US and Texas every day. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) and the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) both publish the safety records of all pipeline operators on their websites.

Bay City Gas Company periodically inspects ALL of our system – main lines, meter risers, crossings, etc; these ‘leak surveys’ are required by state and federal statute and in addition we are audited annually by the Railroad Commission of Texas. Our above ground facilities are marked with signs which include warnings and our phone number.

Emergency Response: Bay City Gas Company has an emergency response plan which is regularly reviewed and updated, and shared with all other First Responders in Bay City and Matagorda County. Our priority in any emergency is to first protect life, then public safety, the environment and property.

Report any damage or suspected damage, or any suspicious activity near a pipeline by CALLING US, or 911

Report LEAKS! We odorize the gas to make it recognizable, so that leaks can be detected. Call us at 245-two three one one, or 911, so that we can investigate.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! toll free 811. Call at least 48 hours prior to planned digging activities! IT’S THE LAW !Newly enacted Railroad Commission rules state that ALL damage to underground pipelines must be reported IMMEDIATELY to both the OPERATOR (Bay City Gas) and the Railroad Commission online (see Texas Administrative Code, Title 16, CHAPTER 18 “Underground Pipeline Damage Prevention” Rule). YOU can help us keep our system safe ! View some great videos about safe digging at www.safeexcavator.com/meet-the-experts

SO,  CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!  811.

For Your Safety:

If you detect a STRONG SMELL OF GAS (ROTTEN EGGS / sulphur) in your home or business, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and call (979)245-two three one one. DO NOT LIGHT  MATCH OR OPERATE ANY SWITCHES (APPLIANCES, LIGHTS, ETC) OR YOUR TELEPHONE. Use a neighbor’s phone or cell phone after you have left the premises to call us at (979)245-two three one one. We have Technicians Available 24 Hours Per Day, 365 Days Per Year to Respond Immediately to Suspected Leaks.

Service Lines – the line from your meter into your residence or business is owned by YOU, and you are responsible for periodically testing it for leaks (Bay City Gas Company does NOT maintain your line). Potential damage to the line including corrosion may cause leaks. Therefore, your service line should be periodically inspected and leak tested, and repaired if necessary. Any licensed plumber can perform these tasks. PLEASE be certain of the line location BEFORE digging, and dig only with hand tools. Please partner with us in maintaining a safe, leak-free system by periodically having your service line tested.

Excess Flow Valves – in compliance with State and Federal requirements, we offer the installation of Excess Flow Valves. These valves are designed to stop the gas flow should the service line to your residence or meter loop be severely damaged. Our lines are rugged, flexible and buried, but these valves do offer another layer of protection. These valves are installed and maintained at customer expense. Installation is a flat $500 for residential services up to a ‘415’ meter. Larger meter services may exceed $500 for original installation. If it becomes necessary to maintain or replace your EFV, that cost would not exceed an additional $500. We will install an Excess Flow Valve upon request and payment,  for ANY service line if: (1) the service line operates above 10 psi year-round; (2)we have NOT experienced contaminants within the gas stream that could interfere with the operation of the EFV or cause a loss of service to you; (3)the EFV will not hamper our maintenance and normal operations; (4) we have commercial access to the EFV needed for your application; (5) your gas load does not exceed 1,000 scfh.  If you would like additional information, please contact our office at 245-2327.

note: all new service lines installed to single-family residences in Bay City since Spring of 2007 have had Excess Flow Valves installed already; and beginning in 2017, all NEW customers (residential, multi-family and businesses) with meters up to 1,000 cu.ft./hr will have excess flow valves installed during construction

CSST Piping – corrugated stainless steel tubing, used for gas piping in homes and businesses since the 1990’s and typically “yellow” (yellow) in color, must be properly bonded/grounded; if your home or business has such piping, have a qualified electrician check to make sure that it is properly bonded/grounded. 

REMEMBER – keep combustible sources, such as gasoline cans, lawnmowers, edgers, chain saws, paint thinners, etc. AWAY FROM YOUR GAS WATER HEATER or other gas appliances

Safety Facts:

Natural gas is odorless, but a chemical (mercaptan) is added to give the gas a distinct “rotten eggs” smell so that it can be detected. This odor serves to warn that natural gas is present.

Natural gas is non-toxic. However, it does displace oxygen and can create an oxygen deficient environment unless properly ventilated.

Natural gas is an extremely clean burning fuel provided there is enough oxygen present to complete the combustion process. Otherwise, carbon monoxide* can be produced which is poisonous. Make sure vents for all gas appliances are kept clean and clear away clutter which may interfere with proper air flow.

Natural gas appliances should operate with a blue (not yellow) flame to indicate proper functioning.

Cooking with natural gas? As with all indoor cooking, whether on electric or gas, proper ventilation is key to reducing unwanted airborne cooking byproducts. Bay City Gas offers REBATES for gas range ventilation hoods!

Natural gas is supplied to your home or business through buried pipelines. Bay City Gas Company is responsible for upkeep and repairs on lines up to your meter; the customer is responsible for the line from the meter into the residence or business. This line from your meter into your residence should be periodically pressure tested. A licensed plumber can perform this test for you.

*CARBON MONOXIDE is odorless, colorless gas formed from incomplete combustion of fuels including natural gas. Symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide are headaches, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Keep your natural gas appliances in good working order and well ventilated. Have them inspected annually by a trained technician.

*Carbon monoxide detectors are available FREE to senior citizens during the winter heating season (while supply lasts). Carbon monoxide alarms can be purchased at local hardware stores for about $20 (or a combination carbon monoxide / smoke alarm for around $40), and we offer REBATES on these alarms (see REBATES information on Customer Services page)

Hurricane Information:
Underground natural gas distribution systems are extremely reliable and not normally affected by severe weather. Your gas service will remain completely reliable in all but the most severe natural disasters.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

DO I NEED TO TURN OFF MY GAS IF A STORM IS APPROACHING?

The natural gas system is almost entirely underground and not in immediate danger from hurricanes or tropical storms. It is not recommended that you turn the gas off.

DO I NEED TO TURN OFF MY GAS IF I EVACUATE?

If you are going to leave your home we do not recommend that you turn your gas off; however, if you do choose to turn off your gas, PLEASE be aware that it may be a day or more after the storm passes before a service technician will be available to turn your gas service back on

WILL I STILL HAVE GAS SERVICE IF WE LOSE ELECTRIC POWER?

The natural gas system continues to function and deliver gas even during electric power outages

WILL MY GAS APPLIANCES STILL WORK IF I LOSE ELECTRIC POWER?

If your appliances operate with a pilot light (typically your gas water heater), yes they will continue to operate;

If your appliances are ‘pilotless’ (electronic ignition), they will probably not work. Tankless gas water heaters, electronic ignition stoves and ovens, and of course clothes dryers will not work without electricity

WHAT IF MY HOUSE SUSTAINS DAMAGE?

If your home is damaged during the storm, check immediately for signs of a gas leak (gas odor, hissing sound). If you find signs of a leak call Bay City Gas at 245-2311. This phone number, 245-2311, is answered 24 hours per day 365 days per year, and leak calls receive PRIORITY. After checking for gas leaks, it is a good idea to have the gas turned off at the meter while you assess other damages. Any shifting of the gas meter, appliances or their associated piping can result in a leak. If you suspect any such damage, call Bay City Gas to have the gas turned off at the meter and then call a plumber to schedule repairs.

If you have questions or concerns, please call us at (979) 245-2327.

SEE YOUR MONTHLY BILL FOR IMPORTANT SEASONAL SAFETY REMINDERS!