Gas Safety Information

Natural gas is one of the safest fuels. Composed mostly of methane, it is naturally colorless and odorless. For safety’s sake, a chemical that smells like ‘rotten eggs’ or sulfur – is added so you can easily detect it. When natural gas leaks it will mix with air and can cause a fire if there is a source of ignition (or explosion if it accumulates in a confined space). Natural gas is not poisonous but can cause unconsciousness in high concentrations when it displaces air.

Report a natural gas leak right away call 509-962-7124 or 911.

  1. Utilities and Transportation Commission
  2. U.S. Dept. of Transportation

The City of Ellensburg is committed to safety and has won the APGA Safety Award five years in a row.

Natural Gas Safety Ad

Call Before You Dig

Hand tools can damage unmarked gas lines and it can be costly to have them repaired. To have underground utilities located, please call 811 two business days before you begin digging or visit digsafewa.com. This will alert your utility providers to come out and mark their buried lines for free. If a pipeline is exposed during excavation, we ask that you notify us for a quick inspection. Hardcopy Washington State Dig Law and Industry Best Practices booklets are available at City Hall.

Learn More About Safe Digging

  1. Washington 811 
  2. WS Dig Law RCW 
  3. April National Safe Digging Month (proclamation) 
How to take care of your meter in spring
Customer Piping Check Your Natural Gas Piping Illustration

Care of Your Gas Meter

To ensure your meter’s accuracy, accessibility, and safety keep your meter clear of debris or equipment. Please don’t attach anything to it or enclose it in any building or deck. In the winter keep it free from snow and ice buildup.  

Customer Owned Piping

Please remember all gas customers are responsible for gas line maintenance of piping past the meter. This includes all piping after the gas meter servicing the business, residence and/or additional buildings associated with each property.

Excess Flow Valve

Excess Flow Valve (EFV)

The Gas Division is offering customers the option to install an EFV on the gas line serving their property. The purpose of an EFV is to stop the flow of natural gas in the event of a broken service line.
 

carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Have your gas appliances checked periodically to ensure they are functioning properly. Improper combustion of any fuel can produce carbon monoxide. Be sure to have a functioning CO detector installed in your home.

Natural Gas Training

Training

The Gas Division also offers free training in natural gas safety. Please contact us by email or by phone at (509) 962-7124, if you or your company would like to arrange a training seminar. Learn more by watching the gas safety video.

Contact Us

  1. Heather Forgey

    Gas Engineering Specialist and Kittitas Utility Coordinating Council
    Email Gas Engineering Specialist
    Phone: (509) 925-8603