• Introduction
• County Policies
• Safety Recommendations
• Safety Concerns
• Legal Issue Relating to Gas Taps
• Emergency Contacts
• Non-Emergency Contacts

Introduction

La Plata County is located in the northern end of the San Juan Basin – one of the nation’s largest deposits of natural gas. Some landowners in the county have agreements with the oil and gas industry that allow for a direct supply of natural gas. This is commonly referred to as a "gas tap."

While there are national, state and county codes requiring landowners to properly install piping and connections for natural gas use, those codes are sometimes overlooked and safety becomes a life and death issue. Improper piping installation and connections have caused serious accidents resulting in loss of property and life here in La Plata County. If not connected properly, the danger of a natural gas explosion is very real therefore, it is the landowners responsibility to follow proper codes and procedures for gas taps.

This page was prepared to alert La Plata County citizens about policies regarding codes, permits and inspections. It provides a reference guide to some sources of information about proper installation and safety recommendations regarding gas taps. This page also discusses the legal issues related to gas taps. Finally, at the bottom of this page, there is a list of La Plata County emergency and information phone numbers.

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County Policies

La Plata County Building code requires a permit and inspections for gas taps. The inspection includes a rough-in piping inspection and a final inspection of connections, appliance hookups and ventilation.

La Plata County has adopted the 1991 Uniform Mechanical Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code as minimum standards for all gas installations. The National Fuel Gas Code is a state standard also used by the county. Copies of these codes are available at the La Plata County Building Department. Additional copies can be found at the Durango Public Library. The La Plata County Building Department is willing to assist residents in understanding how these codes should be used for the installation of gas tap piping and connections.

These codes provide details on pipe sizes and capacity, type of pipe material to be used, pipe installation and systems, installation and connections, odorization and more. The information provided by the codes is too extensive and detailed to reproduce on this page.

La Plata County's first goal is public safety and it encourages residents to contact them regarding modifications to or testing of existing gas taps to bring them into safe compliance. If gas taps are a threat to public safety, the county can take legal action to shutoff the gas and seek penalties for offenses including lack of permit.

County Building Department and Safety contacts are listed at the bottom of this page.

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Safety Recommendations

Qualified Work

The strongest recommendation regarding gas taps is to have the installation, testing and replacement of gas piping, gas equipment, appliances or accessories and repair and servicing of equipment performed only by a qualified individual or company. The National Fire Protection Association (authors of the National Fuel Gas Code) believe that fuel gas is potentially dangerous if not handled properly. Many states, counties and cities permit only licensed plumbers or gas fitters to install and maintain gas distribution systems and equipment. La Plata County highly recommends the use of a licensed plumber or gas fitter. La Plata County Building Department can provide assistance in determining qualified contractors in the area.

Periodic Testing

It is strongly recommended to have a gas tap and piping system tested periodically for gas leaks. Leak detection is best done by a qualified individual or company with the appropriate equipment. Please contact La Plata County Building Department or Fire Departments for information on testing.

Marking Gas Taps and Connections

In the event of an emergency, it is helpful for the Fire Department to know the location of gas connections and shutoff valves. The international color code for gas is yellow. Painting valves and connections yellow will help emergency personnel locate and, if necessary, shutoff fuel supplies.

Odorization

Natural gas has no smell until it is treated with an added "odor" (sometimes referred to as "stink" or mercaptan). Odorized gas creates unpleasant side effects in humans such as headaches or nausea. Until treated, natural gas does not cause any side effects. Gas tap fuel is not odorized since it has not been through a treatment facility. It is strongly recommended that gas tap fuel be "odorized" by the landowner prior to residential connection.

Odorization is not a foolproof method of leak detection since the mercaptan supply depletes over time and some people are insensitive to the odor. However, it is a good safety practice and should be part of any gas system.

A list of odorization supplies and systems is available from the La Plata County Building Department.

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Safety Concerns

Natural gas is sometimes referred to as methane. Methane is a flammable gas, which under certain conditions can be explosive. If contained, methane can reach concentrations, which will cause the gas to burn or explode. Proper gas connections reduce the risk of leaking gas and good ventilation reduces the risk of contained gas. For more information about methane safety La Plata County distributes a brochure entitled "What You Need to Know About Methane Health & Safety." The brochure is available at the County Courthouse.

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Legal Issue Relating to Gas Taps

The majority of agreements with oil and gas companies for private gas taps stipulate that the gas tap is for the "principal dwelling house" only. Gas used for other dwellings, outbuildings, commercial, agricultural (irrigation), industrial or any other use is considered theft and can result in termination of the right to receive gas, recovery billing for gas consumed and possible criminal charges. Landowners with gas taps are also responsible for any unauthorized use by others.

Most important, any gas tap is connected and used at the sole risk and expense of the landowner securing the gas tap. The oil and gas companies are not liable for any damages that may result from the gas tap or its connection. It is extremely important for a landowner with a gas tap to have safe, permitted gas tap connections and systems. Finally the landowner should secure sufficient property and damage insurance to cover potential losses should an accident occur.

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Emergency Contacts

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Non-Emergency Contacts

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