Utilities

History

The Gaff family (of Hillforest), as part owners of the Aurora Gas & Coke Company, pioneered the use of manufactured gas for home and business lighting in 1860. Street lighting was added in 1874, before Aurora had a water system, and gas was manufactured at the site of the current Aurora Utilities office at 110 Main Street. Natural gas came into use in 1950 by a connection from Lawrenceburg along US 50, that in turn was connected to the Texas Gas Pipeline. While not used for lighting, natural gas now serves as a primary heating source for homes, businesses, and manufacturing. With the deployment of plastic pipe in the 1970’s the city was able to build a safe and secure gas system in 1987.

Gas Safety

Knowing About Gas Leaks

Smelling – Hearing – Seeing

Natural gas, mostly methane, is odorless. Odorant is added to give a recognizable smell of rotten eggs or sulfur, to readily detect a gas leak. A hissing or roaring sound can also alert you of a gas leak, as the pressure escapes the pipe. Outside locations can have blowing dirt, bubbling of water, or dead vegetation that occurs with gas leaks or ruptured buried pipes.

If you think you have a gas leak and cannot determine the source, leave the area immediately. Warn others, and avoid using any potential ignition source, such as a car, telephone, doorbell, or electric switches. When cleared of the area, call the following “911” or Aurora Utility 812.296.2745. Don’t take chances! Report the area of the problem, and advise others to maintain a safe distance.

In a leak, natural gas will normally rise away from the surface and dissipate. Trouble occurs when gas migrates under the ground and into buildings, sewers, and conduits for other utility lines. Remain in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive.

Gas Appliance Safety

Natural gas appliances should be installed and maintained by qualified service personnel according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Older appliances many have pilot lights that are continuous burning, while newer models have electric igniters. Keep combustible items away from appliances, and keep the area clean and filters changed.

You should know about what you’re using, and the location of shut off valves, or have contact with landlord/custodian with that knowledge.

Carbon Monoxide

The potential for carbon monoxide occurs with incomplete combustion when burning natural gas in an appliance or heater. As you can’t see, smell or hear it you might think you have the flu. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Gas Meters

Gas meters are the property of the Utility, and should never be tampered with. Please report anyone observed doing so immediately. The piping attached to the meter that continues inside, is the customer’s responsibility.

Customers can read their own meter similar a car odometer; it will keep rolling forward.

While some landscaping is possible, it is important to NOT block or hide the meter for emergency access.

Meters are painted periodically, and upon request a homeowner’s paint can be used.

Markers

Markers are placed in strategic locations to identify pipeline awareness, but not the exact location, depth of a pipeline, or how many. They do show the name and contact information of the pipeline owner, and what type of material.

811

Before any digging or earth moving, whether by a homeowner or a professional excavator or contractor, state law requires calling 8-1-1 to notify the local One-Call center at least 48 hours or two full business days prior to the scheduled excavation in order to have underground utilities located and marked free of charge.

Provide the 811 operator with the following information:

• County, city or township
• Digging location (street address and nearest cross street)
• Type and extent of work
• Digging start date and time

After calling 811:

• The One Call Center will contact the appropriate utility companies, and a trained technician will mark the location of underground facilities with colored flags, stakes or paint at no cost to you.
• Red – Electric
• Yellow – Gas, oil or steam
• Blue – Water
• Orange – Telephone – CATV
• Green – Sewer
• Purple – Reclaimed water
• Pink – Temporary survey markings
• White – Proposed construction
• Wait two full business days before beginning the digging.
• Do not remove the flags, stakes or paint marks until you have finished digging.
• Once the property is marked, dig responsibly and respect the marks. Regardless of depth, always hand dig within 24 inches on either side of a marked utility line.

Excess Flow Valve (EFV)

Excess Flow Valves are added as an extra safety measure on gas service lines. Effective April 14th, 2017, at the direction of the Indiana Pipeline Safety Division, EFV’s will now be installed on all new single family service lines with loads not exceeding 1,000 SCFH. The purpose of an EFV is to automatically shut down the flow of gas, if the service line is ruptured between the main and the meter! Existing Aurora customers, were given an “option” of installing an EFV on their lines, at a cost of $275, prior to the effective date. EFV’s will not protect the customer for leaks after the gas meter. Further information can be supplied by calling the Utility office at 812-926-2745, and asking for the Gas personnel.

In the event a gas line is struck or ruptured, LEAVE the area immediately; do not try to move equipment or tools. Go to a safe area and call 911 to report the event. Followed by a call to Aurora Utility 812.926.2745 or 811 and they will dispatch the Utility.