Natural Gas Information

Jump To…

• Pipeline Safety
• How to Detect a Gas Leak
• Call Before You Dig
• Gas Meter Safety
• Carbon Monoxide
• Buried Pipe Customer Notice

Pipeline Safety

Pipelines are the only practical means of transporting Natural Gas. Walden operated about 115 miles of gas transportation and distribution pipelines. These are part of a 1.5-million-mile national underground pipeline network. Most Americans are unaware of this transportation network that delivers about 25% of the energy that drives our economy. Look for yellow Pipeline Markers along roads and cleared corridors with no powerlines. Lines are shown on the National Pipeline Mapping System at https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/.

All gas companies are subject to regulation by the USDOT U.S. Department of Transportation and state agencies. Our operations are regularly inspected for DOT by the Colorado and Wyoming utilities commission. DOT requires all pipeline companies to monitor and continually improve the safety and integrity of pipelines. Each company has programs to qualify it’s workers and keep them substance free, to increase public awareness about pipeline safety, and to avoid hazards through damage prevention. Because of DOT oversight, gas pipelines are the safest transportation system in the U.S..

How to Recognize a Pipeline Leak

• Look for fire near pipeline, a white cloud or fog, dying plants in a pattern amid healthy ones, unusual blowing of dirt or persistent bubbles in water.
• Listen for hissing or roaring sound.
• Smell for pungent odor, like sulfur or rotten eggs.

Similarly, if you suspect any unusual odors or noises around your house (other than a soft whoosh-whoosh near your meter), call us immediately.

If you recognize or suspect a leak around your house or a pipeline:

• Leave the area immediately, on foot, and travel upwind avoiding vapors.
• Alert others in the area to leave.
• Do not turn on a light or electrical switch; Do Not use your home telephone.
• Do not light a match, start a car or an engine. Abandon any running equipment.
• Call 970-723-4662 or 970-723-4344 or dial 911 from a distant house or mobile phone outside the leak area.
• Give us your location and stay nearby and give us the facts

Call Before You Dig, Even In Your Own Yard!

The majority of pipeline damage is caused by digging near buried pipelines. State laws require anyone planning to dig or excavate to get information on type, location and depth of all undergound facilities in the area.

• All locate requests must go to “811”.
• Locate requests must be made at least 48 hours or 2 business days before digging.
• DON’T fax or email a locate request to us.
• We cannot respond to requests made directly to our local office.

Gas Meter Safety

The gas meter must be protected from damage and obstructions.

• The index must be visible to a meter reader.
• The pressure regulator has a vent which must not be blocked.
• Be careful to keep snow and ice from the roof, driveways and walks, and off the meter and regulator.
• Most meters are installed in a location out of harm’s way. Contact us if you believe the meter is subject to damage by ice falling off roofs, or vehicle traffic.

Protects your vents. Most natural gas appliances are vented to the outside, and some of them have intakes for outside combustion air. Make sure that vents and intake parts on the roof and walls are not blocked by ice or snow or physical barriers.

Meter Facts and Information

• Make sure your meter is protected. If it is damaged, you will be responsible for the replacement.

• Fall is a good time to make sure that your meter is protected for the winter.

• Your outdoor natural gas meter and equipment are designed to withstand winter weather conditions, but, heavy or hard-packed snow and ice or water dripping from your roof and freezing on your meter may present a safety hazard. To avoid problems, customers are urged to follow basic tips:

  • Make sure your meter is visible at all times and accessible for maintenance and emergency responders.
  • Keep your meter clear of snow and ice!!
  • Never let snow completely cover your meter.
  • Water dripping from your roof, or freezing rain, may create an icy build-up on your gas meter and connections.
  • Never kick or hit the gas meter or its piping to break away built-up snow or ice. Keep your roof gutters clear.

Why is it so important to keep your meter clear?

• Accumulated snow places stress on your meter piping and damage to the piping may cause a gas leak.
• Blocked regulator vents may result in abnormal pressure, affect appliance operation and interrupt service.
• In case of an emergency response crews need clear access to your meter.
• Every meter set has a regulator, which in turn has a pressure relief vent. It is important to keep this vent clear of snow and debris.
• Walden Gas usally does meter maintenance in May and June. Your meter may be turned off for up to one and a half hour to complete this maintenance if your meter is turned off, a door hanger with instructions on how to turn your gas back on will be left for you.
• If you have any questions, please call the Walden Gas Utility Office at 970-723-4662.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide or “CO” is a very poisonous gas that is invisible, odorless and tasteless.

CO is produced by incomplete combustion of a carbon-based fuel (natural gas, propane, motor fuels, wood, coal). Many appliances and machines can produce CO, including gas appliance with blocked or leaking vents or not enough fresh combustion air.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

• Dizziness, headaches, fatigue, sleepiness.
• Sudden flu-like illness, nausea, vomiting.
• Fluttering or throbbing heartbeat, cherry-red lips, skin pallor.
• Unconsciousness, brain or heart damage.
• Death

If you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

• Move all occupants into fresh air outdoors.
• Call 911 for emergency help.
• Provide first aid, as required.
• Open the windows and ventilate the building.
• Shut off suspected appliance and call us.

“Smelling gas” is not usually CO- install a CO Detector to be safe, on each level of the house.

Do you have Buried Gas Piping?

The gas utility is required by pipeline safety regulations [49 CFR Part 192.16] to periodically notify our customers that we do not maintain customer-owned buried piping. We are generally not respobsible for maintaining anything downstream of the gas meter. If you have underground gas lines after the meter, you should have them periodically checked for leaks or corrosion. Any problems you find should be promptly repaired. The gas utility cannot do this work. We will refer you to local contractors who can assist in locating, inspecting and repairing you buried piping and other gas facilities.

The Town of Walden has about 900 gas utility customers in Colorado and Wyoming, spread along Highway 125-127-230 between Laramie and Walden. Online bill pay is available for your convenience https://townofwalden.co/ Please make sure you have your correct account number.

Walden Gas does meter maintenance in May and June. Your meter may be turned off for up to one-half hour to complete this maintenance. If your meter is turned off, a door hanger with instructions on how to turn your gas back on will be left for you.

Our pipeline system is operated under contract by Pinedale Natural Gas. The Town sends and collects all gas bills. This and more information can be found on our website.

Walden Gas 24-Hours: 970-723-4662

Call Before You Dig: 811 at your location

Emergency: 911 at your location