Leakage from a pipeline may be manifested by the unexplained appearance of a number of signs. The larger a leak the more marked the changes. A very small leak may go unnoticed.
Factors determining the manifestations:
(1) size of the leak
(2) pressurization on the pipeline
(3) nature of the pipeline material
Signs of a pipeline leak may include:
(1) sounds of gas escaping (hissing, roaring, explosive)
(2) flames from ground or water
(3) vapor cloud, fog or mist
(4) material blowing out of the ground (“blow”)
(5) liquids bubbling up from the ground
(6) bubbling in water
(7) bad odor (rotten eggs, skunk, petroleum, other)
(8) discolored or dead vegetation, especially if a linear array
(9) discolored ground or ground coverings (snow, etc)
(10) oil slick or sheen on water
Additional findings may include:
(1) unexplained loss of pipeline contents
(2) unexplained drop in pipeline pressure
(3) dead animals or birds
