Important Information for the Citizens of Stonington

NATURAL GAS ODORANT WARNING INFORMATION

Boil Order

What you can do in case of a Natural Gas Leak

CCR_2008.doc

2008 Consumer Confidence Report

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                                                    !    WARNING   ! NATURAL GAS ODORANT WARNING INFORMATION CAUTION:  ABSENCE OF ODOR MUST NOT BE TAKEN TO MEAN THE ABSENCE OF NATURAL GAS, NOR SHOULD A JUDGMENT OF THE CONCENTRATION OF NATURAL GAS BE MADE BY THE INTENSITY OF THE ODOR Natural gas odorants are highly odorous sulfur-containing hydrocarbons that are added to the natural gas stream to provide a warning of a gas leak. No one odorant or no one rate of odorization will be 100% effective in warning of the presence of natural gas.  Basic knowledge of the properties and characteristics of natural gas and odorants used for natural gas can be extremely helpful for those involved in the gas odorization process.  Loss or diminished odor intensity can be caused by chemical reactions including oxidation; adsorption and/or absorption; and masking by other components in pipes and distribution systems carrying odorized natural gas. Chemical Oxidation:  Contact with rust or other oxidation agents can, under certain conditions, cause the odorant to convert to its corresponding disulfide that has a weaker odor than the original odorant. Adsorption:  The odorant can adhere to the surfaces of solid structures or liquids with which it is in contact thus reducing the amount of odorant remaining in the gas system. Absorption:  The odorant can dissolve into liquids with which it is in contact thus reducing the amount of odorant remaining in the gas stream. In an underground leak of odorized natural gas, the odorant may be adsorbed by the soil while the natural gas is not as greatly adsorbed and, therefore, there is a possibility that in the event of a natural gas leak a reduced amount of odorant or no odorant will remain in the leaked natural gas.  Some tests indicate that masonry surfaces can adsorb LP-Gas odorant in greater concentrations than LP-Gas.  These tests indicate the same could be true for natural gas. I f masonry surfaces adsorb odorant in such a manner, then other surfaces – such as cloth in draperies and furniture and the relatively porous surfaces of wood – might also adsorb and/or absorb odorant in greater concentrations than natural gas. Extremely cold weather can affect the amount of odorant in natural gas and, thus, may reduce odorant effectiveness. The physical condition and state of mind of an individual as well as the surroundings and the individual’s attentiveness can have an effect upon the ability to detect odors, including, but not limited to, natural gas odorants (i.e., natural gas odorants and of an individual sulfur compound). • Some people have no sense of smell and can detect no odors. • Some people have an impaired sense of smell that results in reduced sensitivity to all odors or, alternatively, results in no sense for only certain odors (i.e., natural gas odorants and other sulfur compounds). • Common colds, allergies, and smoking can also decrease and individual’s ability to smell. • Other odorants in the areas, such as a musty basement, may mask or cover the natural gas odor. • In some cases, the natural gas odor is not detected simply because people are concentrating on something else and their minds are distracted from detecting the odor. • Olfactory adaptation to the odorant can occur if an individual does not quickly and immediately respond to the presence of the natural gas odorant. • Sleeping persons may not be awakened by, and therefore may not detect the odor of escaped odorized natural gas Since loss of the distinctive odor of odorized natural gas can occur under some conditions, periodic testing by all persons handling natural gas, before sale to the ultimate customer, is advisable to determine that the rate of odorization is adequate to comply with all regulatory requirements and safety considerations.

Don’t- • Operate anything electrical or light a flame. • Turn on or off the lights. • Use the Telephone • Turn on or off the television or radio. • Turn on or off a flashlight. • Turn on the gas range or other gas appliance. • Strike a match. • Open an automatic garage door. Do- • Exit the building immediately. • Leave the door open on the way out. • Leave the area immediately if you are outside. • Go to another place and call the fire department or gas company to report the leak. • Stay away until someone from the fire department, Gas Company or emergency agency says it safe to return.

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