PECO: No gas service at Pottstown explosion site
POTTSTOWN — The question which hangs over the tragic explosion at two homes on Hale Street Thursday continues to be top of mind: “What caused it?”
Social media posts have been relentless at speculating about the cause. We have at least been able to disprove the theory that it was caused by a plane crashing into the home, which got some early traction as facts were still being gathered.
But given the size and power of the explosion, and the presence of so many PECO workers Thursday night into Friday, many have begun to ask aloud whether it could have been caused by natural gas.
Many area residents told journalists over the past two days there have been many occasions during which they smelled gas and called to report it.
During a press conference Friday, borough officials could not answer questions about the frequency of gas odor reports. However, PECO issued a statement about 7 p.m. Friday.
“The events that occurred on Hale Street in Pottstown are tragic and it has been a sad and difficult day for the families of those that have been injured, residents of the community, and all of those who are responding to the scene of the incident. We offer our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives,” the statement begins.
What follows is PECO’s complete statement about its involvement in the incident and what it knows so far:
“There has been speculation about the cause of this explosion; however, this investigation is still ongoing. The following details confirm PECO’s involvement and support in the ongoing investigation of this incident:
Initial Response:
“Shortly after 8 p.m. on May 26, PECO was notified by the Fire Department of a reported explosion on Hale Street in Pottstown. PECO crews responded and worked to shut off natural gas and electric service to secure the area and ensure the safety of first responders and residents. Currently, 10 customers remain without electric service.
Additional Key Facts:
• No Natural Gas Service at the Impacted Properties: There is no record of natural gas service at the affected addresses of 453/455 Hale Street, which sustained significant damage in the event. To clarify, these properties were not PECO natural gas customers. The Pottstown Fire Department reported that a propane tank was present at one of the impacted properties. Both propane and natural gas utilize odorants to help people identify a potential leak.
• Nearby Natural Gas Mains: While these properties were not served by PECO natural gas, there are natural gas mains in the vicinity of the home and natural gas service is provided to nearby customers.
• PECO’s Current Investigation Work: PECO crews are currently on-site supporting the investigation. This work includes inspections of natural gas mains, service lines leading to properties and natural gas meters. Customer-owned appliances and piping may also be investigated. Area inspections will encompass homes and natural gas equipment in a wide area to ensure there is no additional damage.
“In addition, PECO is reviewing records for this area, including any reported gas odors, recent inspection results, and repairs. We are working with the Fire Department and the regulatory agencies to ensure continued safety and to aid in its investigation.
• Natural Gas Odor Calls: Every time PECO is alerted to a potential natural gas odor, we respond within one hour to investigate, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. PECO did not receive any emergency calls in the immediate vicinity of 453/455 Hale Street for at least three days before the incident. We continue to review our records for any calls prior to that time.
• Natural Gas Inspection Work: PECO manages more than 13,000 miles of natural gas transmission, distribution, and services lines and follows all industry standards as part of our efforts to ensure safe and reliable service.
“We adhere to a series of processes and procedures associated with the inspection and maintenance of our natural gas transmission lines to ensure our system is operating safely and reliably, that meet or exceed the requirements of state and federal codes.
“When natural gas leaks are detected, we immediately and thoroughly investigate all leaks to determine the severity level and take the necessary actions to ensure the safety of our customers. There has been no evidence at this time of a leak hazardous to the structure. Our investigation is ongoing.”
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