Second gas leak in less than a month prompts call for safe digging
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A construction crew struck a natural gas line along Castle Hayne Road in Wilmington on Thursday, prompting an emergency response and temporarily affecting several nearby businesses.
The incident was the second gas leak reported in the area in less than a month.
Piedmont Natural Gas officials say an increase in construction activity — including new businesses, roads and homes — is contributing to more incidents involving underground utility lines.
Many of those incidents are considered “third-party dig-ins,” which occur when construction crews or others excavating underground accidentally strike a utility line.
Jason Wheatley with Piedmont Natural Gas says the best way to prevent those incidents is to call 811 before beginning any digging project.
“These third-party damages are the leading cause of damages to our system, to our underground system, and really the best way to combat that is to call 811 at least 3 business days before you’re doing any construction project or any digging project; whether you’re a construction crew, construction company, a developer, a builder, or just someone who’s working at your home,” said Wheatley.
Wheatley says crews responding to an 811 request will mark underground utility lines, including natural gas, water, sewer, electric, and cable lines.
He also stresses that people should continue digging carefully and respect the markings once the lines have been identified.
Wheatley says Piedmont Natural Gas investigates incidents involving damaged gas lines, and those responsible could face penalties.
“Having to repay the cost, or reimburse the cost of the repairs, depending on how things go, there could be further legal action, but we do investigate; there are penalties, you know, damaging these underground lines it can be unsafe and it can be costly, both time and money,” said Wheatley.
Wheatley recommends anyone planning to dig call 811 first. More information about safe digging and preventing damage to underground utilities is available through Piedmont Natural Gas’ website.
