This is a public service announcement (PSA), by the University of New Hampshire's (UNH) Energy and Utilities Department.
Members of the campus community at University of New Hampshire may not always notice it, but underground natural gas systems help support heating and energy production across campus.
Natural gas pipelines safely deliver energy to homes, businesses, and institutions throughout the United States. At UNH, similar systems operate underground to serve campus buildings and energy facilities.
One of these systems is ECOLine™, the university’s landfill gas-to-energy project. The system transports processed landfill gas through a 12-inch underground pipeline that runs approximately 12.6 miles from the Waste Management Turnkey Landfill in Rochester to the Central Heating Plant on Library Way, where the gas helps fuel campus turbines.
In addition, a network of smaller underground natural gas lines distributes gas to residence halls, dining facilities, academic buildings, and other campus facilities.
Campus Safety Reminder
If you notice the smell of gas, move to a safe location and contact emergency services.
Because natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless, a compound called mercaptan is added to give it a distinctive sulfur or “rotten egg” smell. This odor helps people recognize when gas may be present.
Possible signs that gas may be escaping include a strong sulfur odor, a hissing sound near piping or the ground, blowing dust, or bubbling in standing water. If these signs are noticed, individuals should move away from the area and contact 911 from a safe location.
Campus guidance also recommends avoiding smoking, electrical switches, or anything that could create sparks near a suspected gas leak.
University officials also remind community members to call Dig Safe (1-888-DIGSAFE) before starting any digging project. Accidental damage during excavation is the most common cause of pipeline incidents, and state law requires underground utilities to be marked before digging begins.
Quick Safety Tips
- Smell gas? Move to a safe location and call 911.
- Avoid sparks: Do not smoke or operate electrical switches near a suspected leak.
- Call before you dig: Contact Dig Safe (1-888-DIGSAFE) before any excavation project.
Being familiar with these simple precautions helps support a safe environment for students,
faculty, staff, and visitors across the UNH community.
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