Newton Gas Leaks

Grade 1 – leaks are potentially explosive. They must be repaired immediately. They are leaks in or near a contained space, such as a building or manhole.

Grade 2 – leaks are considered non-hazardous, but could become hazardous in the near future. They must be repaired within a year.

Grade 3 – leaks are considered non-hazardous and are expected to remain non-hazardous. Grade 3 leaks are required to be repaired or eliminated within 8 years.

Grade 3 SEI – leaks are greater than 2000 square feet and have significant environmental impact (SEI). SEIs are 7% of all leaks yet are responsible for approximately 50% of all methane emissions. They are required to be repaired in 1 – 3 years.

Note: These are underestimates. Only reported leaks are included. Independent researchers typically find 1.5 to 3 times as many leaks as utilities report.

HEET, a Cambridge-based nonprofit working to cut carbon emissions, generates gas leaks maps using data reported by gas utility companies. They have maps of every town in Massachusetts. Check it out here.

Utility companies keep track of their work underground by spray-painting marks on the street. Take a walk around your neighborhood. Decode the yellow street markings and find the gas valve turn-off caps.

Check out the Read Our Streets Activity.

Discover clues to the hidden network of old leaky pipes under our streets! We have created a bingo game that families and educators can use to learn more about our gas system.

Download a Bingo Card!

• Bingo Card #1
• Bingo Card #2
• Bingo Card #3
• Bingo Card #4

Walk your neighborhood, and look for sick or dead street trees. Use our Tree Log to record what you see.

Look for the signs!

• Are there bare branches when other trees are blooming and full of leaves?
• Are there mushrooms feeding on dying wood?
• Do you smell gas (rotten eggs)?

Check the Newton Gas Leak Map, and find out if gas leaks are sickening trees in your neighborhood.

Print Your Tree Log