Southern University New Orleans owns and operates a master meter natural gas distribution system on the school campus. The gas system consists of an underground network of pipelines. The purpose of the gas system is to provide a reliable and safe economical source of energy for heating purposes. The pipeline system has the capacity to reliably deliver natural gas. The hazards of natural gas are: 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 presencе. • Testing the odorant level each calendar quarter, • Performing annual gas leakage surveys, and • Conducting periodic pipeline patrols. The following are signs that may indicate a gas leak: Ahissing 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 small" similar to rotten eggs.
