The District began providing Propane Enterprise services on July 22, 2011 as a result of acquiring the existing propane gas and electric systems of Mountain Utilities, which was owned and operated as a subsidiary of Mountain Springs Kirkwood, LLC.
The District’s propane assets include approximately five miles of underground distribution lines ranging in diameter from 2-6 inches, which are located throughout the Kirkwood Valley, together with two storage tanks (one 20,000 gallon and one 30,000 capacity), a vacuum trailer, propane meters and numerous other miscellaneous tools and equipment required to operate the Propane Enterprise and to transport propane to customers.
Propane is delivered via truck and the two storage tanks are filled two to three times weekly in the winter, and two to three times monthly in the summer. The liquid propane is then vaporized and distributed to customers via the underground distribution lines.
Propane Leaks:
If you think you smell propane during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30 pm), call the KMPUD at 209-258-4444 or after business hours, please call 209-296-8668.
Odor: Propane is colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-toxic. An additive (Mercaptan) in the propane gives it a distinctive odor (similar to rotting eggs or sulfur).
Vegetation: Propane leaking from an underground pipeline can destroy vegetation by starving the roots of air and water. An unusual dry patch of vegetation, within an otherwise green area, could indicate a below ground propane leak.
Sound: A blowing or hissing sound could indicate the presence of a propane leak.
Fungus-like growth: Propane leaks in valve boxes, manholes, etc., may develop a fungus-like growth that is white in color.
Do not light items such as matches or cigarettes, or use any device that may generate a spark such as electrical switches, telephones (cell and land line phones), doorbells, automobiles or other engines, etc. Extinguish all flames, evacuate the building to a safe distance, and turn off propane if feasible. To report a propane leak during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30 pm), call the KMPUD at 209-258-4444 or after business hours, please call 209-296-8668 and inform appropriate qualified personnel of the situation and the location of the leak. Do not make the phone call from the area where the propane leak is present.
Design Standards for Propane Meter Enclosure