IF YOU SMELL GAS AFTER BUSINESS HOURS, LEAVE THE PREMISES AND CALL 911!

 Natural Gas: Clean and affordable

Natural gas is popular for use by homeowners, schools, businesses, and factories because it is efficient, clean, reliable, and a relative bargain compared to alternative energy sources.

In our community, the City of Social Circle provides natural gas to more than 1,100 customers through a network of underground distribution lines. Main gas lines, typically 2-inch in diameter, branch into household service lines which are typically a half-inch to a three-quarter-inch in diameter and buried 12- to 18-inches below the surface.

Call Georgia 811 BEFORE you dig!

Any time you dig or move earth in any way, you are required to "Call Before You Dig" 48 hours before digging. When you call Georgia 811, they will contact utility owners who will locate all buried utility lines on your property, so you can safely dig and prevent a potentially hazardous condition. Failure to use the 811 system is a known cause of pipeline accidents.

Signs of a gas leak 

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless gas; however, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs is added to help detect a possible leak. Some of the signs of a gas leak include seeing bubbling water, hearing a hissing or blowing sound from a pipeline or appliance, dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area, or dirt or dust blowing from the ground, or the smell of rotten eggs.

What do I do if I smell gas? 

If you smell gas leave the area immediately and call 911 from a neighboring home or business. You can call City Hall at 770-464-2380 during business hours which are from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Never turn on or off switches or use a flashlight or phone in the presence of the gas smell, because an electric spark could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.

If you have gas service, EFVs can help prevent hazards

If you do have gas service and are concerned about any mishaps, call 770-464-2380 to inquire about having an excess flow valve installed. EFVs are mechanical shut-off devices that can be installed in the natural gas pipe running to the gas meter at your property (the “service line”). An EFV is designed to shut off most of the flow of natural gas automatically if the service line breaks such as when there is an excavation accident. Stopping the flow of gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury, or property damage.

What are the steps to get an EFV installed?

If you notify the Gas Department that you want an EFV they will research your specific situation and determine the cost of installation and maintenance.

EFVs cannot be installed on your service lines if:

• The service line does not operate at a pressure of 10 psig or greater throughout the year;
• The EFV could interfere with proper operation or cause loss of service;
• An EFV could interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities; or
• The capacity of the meter on the service line exceeds 1,000 cubic feet per hour

If you request an EFV we will inform you if your service line cannot accommodate an EFV.

If an EFV can be installed on your service line and you choose to have this done, we will set up a mutually agreeable date when we will install an EFV on your service line.

What is the cost for an EFV?

You will be billed $275 to cover the cost of installing the EFV. If it becomes necessary to maintain or replace the EFV on your service line you will be billed $275. Call City Hall at (770) 464-2380 and ask for the Utilities Department.

Excess Flow Valve Notice

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