Signs of a Product Release

The safety and protection of the public, employees, contractors, the environment and our assets are top priorities for PMC. The company is focused on ensuring all risks/hazards are identified, and that employees and management are capable of responding quickly and safely to an unplanned event.

As a company that provides transportation, gathering, marketing, storage, and terminal services for crude oil and NGL, it is important for those working on or living near our operations to understand the signs of an NGL and an oil pipeline release.

Signs of a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Release

Natural gas odour has been compared to the smell of rotten eggs. If you do not smell gas, there are also several visual and audible cues that will alert you to an NGL release. These include, but are not limited to:

  • pot holes in the soil along the pipeline right of way
  • frosted soil along the pipeline right of way
  • brownish fluid, similar in colour to ginger ale
  • a vapour cloud
  • obvious visible damage to pipeline riser
  • a roaring or hissing sound coming from the area around the pipeline

Note: High-concentration vapours may cause dizziness, irritation, or asphyxiation. Contact with the skin may cause burns and/or frostbite. If ignited, the fire may produce irritating or toxic gases.

Signs of an Oil Pipeline Release

You may smell an unusual petroleum or “rotten egg” odour. If you do not smell anything, there are several visual and audible cues that will alert you to an oil pipeline release. These include, but are not limited to:

  • liquid pooled on the ground above a pipeline
  • liquid spraying over the pipeline
  • a rainbow sheen on a water source
  • discoloured vegetation on or near a pipeline
  • stained or melted snow or ice over pipeline areas
  • a roaring or hissing sound coming from the area around the pipeline

Call PMC's 24-hour Emergency Response at 1-866-875-2554 if you suspect a problem related to our pipelines or facilities.