BURTON, S.C. () — The issue originates below the ground, but the main worry is the potential impact above. This is what local fire officials are concerned about following a recent increase in gas leaks.
“It can be very explosive,” said Dan Byrne with the Burton Fire District.
That’s the worry for Burton Fire, as so far this year, they have responded to six gas leaks.
Five of those happened in the last month and a half, and two resulted in people having to be evacuated from their homes and the surrounding area.
“It could be hazardous just a few feet away, or it might be risky even 50 yards down the road. It really depends on the size of the leak,” said Byrne.
Byrne said four of the leaks involved contractors and residents digging in their yard and cutting a gas line.
“With the current weather conditions, people will be working outside, and contractors will be eager to complete their tasks,” said Byrne. “I believe it’s crucial for everyone to pay attention to gas line safety and understand what they need to do to ensure safety.”
Burton Fire officials said the leaks were relatively small and handled quickly, but the concern is still there, as a simple undetected cut could leak the dangerous chemical into the air.
“Natural gas is lighter than air. So, it’s going to float wherever it’s going to float. So, it just has to find that area where there’s a right mixture of oxygen and natural gas. It depends on the wind. It depends on, you know, where it’s accumulating. There’s a lot a lot of things in there in terms of where it becomes dangerous,” said Byrne. “It could be someone turning ignition on a vehicle or flipping a light switch. And if that right, gas, oxygen mixes, we’re going to have an explosion.”
Paul Fischer, a Dominion Energy spokesperson, said gas line depths vary depending on the size and type of line, but many in residential areas are buried 2-4 feet beneath the ground, depending on certain factors.
Fischer said third parties, like citizens or contractors, cutting through the lines is the number one threat to Dominion’s gas line systems, and the most common issue they see.
According to Dominions website, lines can be cut from simple tasks like installing a mailbox, planting a tree or building a deck.
Fischer with Dominion Energy released in a statement:
“Safety is our top priority. We work year-round to educate the public about the importance of safe digging practices when it comes to protecting our underground infrastructure.
South Carolina law requires contractors and property owners to contact 811 at least three full business days before excavation work begins to have underground utility lines properly marked, preventing injuries, service outages and traffic disruptions.
Contacting SC811 before beginning any project is important and required by South Carolina law. The steps are as follows:
- Call or contact. Call 811 or visit SC811.com to submit a request.
- Wait. Professional locators will mark utility lines with flags or paint at no charge within three full business days after your request.
- Dig. Once all utility lines have been marked, careful digging around the marks can begin.
To learn more about the importance of safe digging and 811, visit DominionEnergy.com/safety/call-before-you-dig.
