On April 4, Safety engineers from the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division – part of the Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) – responded late Thursday morning to reports that a construction crew had struck a natural gas line near the intersection of Chocolate Avenue and North Ridge Road in Hershey, Derry Township, Dauphin County.

The incident reportedly involves damage to a 4-inch natural gas line operated by UGI Utilities.

As part of the initial response, natural gas service and electric service was shut off around the incident site and a 300-foot evacuation zone was established around the site. While the evacuation was lifted by mid-afternoon, utility crews will continue to coordinate with local emergency responders concerning safety and traffic detours in the area.

Crews from UGI are monitoring gas levels around the site and will begin repair work when it is safe to proceed. When repairs are completed, UGI crews will work with the approximately 250 customers who have been impacted by the incident, to safely restore their natural gas service.

Engineers from the Pipeline Safety Division will continue to monitor the repair work and the circumstances surrounding this incident will be investigated by both the Pipeline Safety Division and Damage Prevention Committee.

The Pipeline Safety Division appreciates the cooperation of local emergency responders and emergency management officials, utilities and the residents and businesses impacted by this incident.

Reporting Pipeline Safety Incidents

The Pipeline Safety Division encourages residents and businesses located near pipelines to understand how to recognize and report unusual incidents involving those lines – including the sounds, smells and sights of possible leaks.

Pipeline operators are required to regularly provide safety and awareness information to property owners along their routes, along with emergency contact information.

If you suspect a leak, call 9-1-1 or local emergency responders and the pipeline operator from a safe location.

Call Before You Dig

Anyone doing a construction project involving excavation should contact PA One Call prior to starting construction to locate underground utilities-- gas, water, sewer, electric and cable.

NewsClips:

Hershey Residents Allowed To Return To Homes, Businesses After Gas Leak

Hurdle: Sunoco Agrees To Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leak Settlement

Maykuth: Sunoco Proposes $200K Fine, Remaining Life Study Of Leaky Mariner East 1 Pipeline

Litvak: Sunoco, PUC Reach Deal Over Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leak, Corrosion

Sunoco/Energy Transfer To Pay $200,000 Fine For Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leak

Related Stories:

Rep. Quinn Introduces Bipartisan Package Of Pipeline Bills To Regulate Routes, Emergency Plans And More

$200,000 Penalty Proposed In PUC Settlement Of 2017 Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leak Case

House Committee To Hold Hearing On Public Safety Of Natural Gas Pipeline Systems May 30

[Posted: April 4, 2019]

4/8/2019