What does dead vegetation near gas infrastructure often suggest?

Dead vegetation near gas infrastructure can indicate potential gas leakage due to the way that gas, particularly natural gas, affects plant life. When gas escapes into the soil or atmosphere, it can displace oxygen, leading to conditions that are harmful to plant roots and can prevent photosynthesis, which is essential for plant health. This can cause plants to wilt, die, or not grow as robustly as they would in healthy conditions. Therefore, the presence of dead or distressed vegetation along gas lines is often taken as a sign that there may be an issue with gas integrity, prompting further investigation or monitoring to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.