Carson and Carson Valley natural gas transmission maintenance taking place

The Paiute Pipeline Company will be performing maintenance on its natural gas transmission pipeline today through Friday in Carson Valley.

The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Southwest Gas Corporation, will perform a controlled release of nitrogen between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the intersection of US 395 and Plymouth Drive. This is a routine maintenance operation.

Though natural gas may never be removed from the pipeline, people in the area may smell a natural gas odor and hear loud noises, similar to a jet engine.

The procedure is designed to be safe, but the smell and noise may be unpleasant and the company apologizes for that, said a spokesperson for Paiute Pipeline.

There is also expected to be a number of construction vehicles performing work associated with this maintenance at the intersection of 5th and Fairview Drive in Carson City, however, no traffic impacts are expected.

All emergency services have been advised of the controlled release. Southwest Gas, the local distribution company, will be responding to all emergency calls. Anyone who suspects a natural gas leak in their area should always call 1-877-860-6020 and 911 from a safe location.