The Iroquois Gas Transmission System is warning residents that they should expect to hear loud pipeline noise and also smell the odor of gas on Saturday, September 17, when the natural gas company performs pipeline maintenance at three natural gas equipment stations in Newtown and one in Monroe.iroquois.com/iroquois-gas-safety.asp.

Starting at about 9 am on that day, company technicians will conduct a controlled release of gas from the pipeline, known as venting, to clear the pipeline of gas so that maintenance work can be performed safely, according to a statement from the company.

The gas venting will occur simultaneously at four locations to reduce the duration of that venting. The locations are the three Iroquois gas facilities in Sandy Hook (near the intersection of Church Hill Road and Walnut Tree Hill Road, on Canterbury Road, and Stone Bridge Trail) and also Whispering Pine Road in Monroe.

The odor of natural gas (which smells of sulphur or rotten eggs) may be detected near the gas venting locations. The venting is expected to last about one hour. The pipeline maintenance work will continue through the day.

The planned work will not affect local natural gas service, according to Iroquois.

The venting this weekend will mark the beginning of a planned maintenance project by Iroquois. The company will be installing launcher and receiver facilities on its 1.5 mile loop line that parallels its mainline between Stone Bridge Trail and Canterbury Road in Newtown.

These facilities, to be installed at existing valve sites at the end of Canterbury Road and the end of Stone Bridge Trail, will allow Iroquois to internally inspect this line using a sophisticated tool known in the industry as a "smart pig."

Such inspections are done periodically to detect metal loss, dents or deformation from outside sources, allowing remedial action to be taken when and if necessary.

The project is expected to be completed by November 23. Work will included related activities such as mobilization of equipment at both sites, site preparation, excavation, installation, and restoration.

Prior to beginning certain activities, the line(s) must be cleared so that no natural gas is present while the work is being done. This will be accomplished through the controlled release scheduled for September 17.

The vent will be done at high pressure in order to clear the line quickly and safely. Natural gas is naturally lighter than air and odorless. It will quickly rise and dissipate into the atmosphere.

When the various stages of work have been completed, the line(s) will be purged of air and restored to service. For safety reasons, the work planned for September 17 at the Canterbury Road facility must be completed prior to workers leaving the site.

While it is not anticipated, if it becomes necessary to extend work activities into the nighttime hours, notice will be posted on the Iroquois website.

For additional information regarding the planned work call Iroquois' non-emergency hotline at 1-800-253-5152.

If you have a safety concern during the vent activities, call Iroquois' Gas Control Center at 1-800-888-3982.

Details on the project are available on the internet at