Given the realities of the post-9/11 world, South Dakota-based NorthWestern Energy Corp. Monday elevated routine annual natural gas pipeline inspections to another level, publicly announcing that its utility personnel in Montana will be checking its gas pipeline infrastructure throughout the state — southwest, northwest, east and south/north central.

Property owners having specific areas of the pipeline system they want inspected more closely were encouraged in the NorthWestern announcement to call a toll-free number (1-888-467-2669), or to speak to company representatives in the field doing the inspection work.

“Gas transmission lines are inspected annually to maintain safe and reliable services,” said Marc Mullowney, the utility’s engineering/construction manager. “During our annual patrol, it’s important to let people know we’ll be in the neighborhood.”

Noting that the utility employees would be checking for everything from leaks to “anything out of the ordinary,” NorthWestern listed all of the specific areas and major cities and towns in which the monitoring would be taking place. The work, which is done on foot and in four-wheel-drive vehicles, will continue through the end of June, the company said.

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