What to do in a pipeline emergency
If you damage a pipeline, or if you observe or suspect a leak, take these steps.
Recognizing a leak
ENGLISH | FRANÇAIS
Because of Enbridge's thorough maintenance, testing, monitoring, training and safety programs, a leak from a pipeline or facility is unlikely. However, should an incident occur, it’s important for our neighbors to know how to recognize the signs of a leak.
Please call the toll-free, 24-hour Enbridge emergency number in your area, or an emergency number that you see on a pipeline marker, if you believe a pipeline leak is in progress.
You might see:
- a moist patch or pool of black liquid . . . it may be crude oil
- a moist patch or pool of light brown or yellow liquid . . . it may be synthetic crude or condensate
- a steam-like cloud, or a frost-like appearance on the ground . . . it may be a natural gas liquid
- water bubbling or being blown into the air; continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas
- oily sheen on water surfaces . . . it may be crude oil
- dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise green area
- dirt being blown or appearing to be thrown into the air
- a white vapor stream or mist-like cloud over the pipeline
- unexpected frost or ice on the ground
- discolored snow or vegetation
- a dry area in a wet field . . . it may be natural gas
- fire or flames coming from the ground or appearing to burn above ground a cloud of steam or mist caused by condensation and freezing moisture . . . it might be a natural gas liquid
- ice buildup on exposed pipe, and frozen ground around an underground pipe . . . it might be a natural gas liquid
- yellow-stained snow . . . it might be an indication of a natural gas liquid accumulating under the snow
You might hear:
- an unusual hissing, blowing, or roaring noise coming from the pipeline right-of-way, or a connecting facility . . . it could be a pipeline leak
You might smell:
- an odor similar to gasoline or diesel fuel . . . it may be a refined oil product
- an odor similar to gasoline, but much stronger and less pleasant . . . it may be a natural gas liquid
- a slight petroleum or hydrocarbon smell
- an unusual sulfur or rotten egg odor. Sour gas smells like rotten eggs. In some instances, exposure to sour gas can diminish a person’s sense of smell, so it’s important to know that smell cannot always be trusted to warn of sour gas
