Decatur Utilities will begin its annual natural gas leak survey tomorrow, Tuesday, August 13th.
Decatur Utilities is conducting a quality control survey of the natural gas system to ensure public safety and the proper operation of the gas lines and meters. This survey is required by the Federal Department of Transportation-Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) and The Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC).
The survey will be checking for leaks in natural gas mains maintained by Decatur Utilities and will be checking for leaks in service lines around homes and businesses in selected areas in Decatur. Gas mains and business districts are surveyed annually and customer services are surveyed once every five years.
This year's residential area to be surveyed includes:
SW Decatur: North of 4th St SW; East of Memorial Dr SW;
NW Decatur: East of Memorial Dr NW;
NE Decatur: All;
SE Decatur: North of 4th St SE & Tower St SE
This project involves the entire Decatur Utilities natural gas system and will involve a slow moving vehicle (approximately 5 MPH) in streets, alleys and highways. A portion of the work may be conducted at night when traffic is lighter. Some parts of the gas system are only accessible by foot by a technician using handheld gas detection instruments.
The survey work will be conducted by Heath Consultants Inc. of Houston, Texas, a specialist in gas leak detection. Vehicles operated by Heath Consultants Inc. will have signs on the vehicle identifying the company and identifying them as a Decatur Utilities contractor. In order to check for service line leaks, the Heath Consultants employee will require access to customer property and the gas meter. Heath Consultants employees will have identification and will explain their purpose for being on private property.
During this survey, gas leaks found on Decatur Utilities equipment will be repaired and gas service restored. If gas leaks found are not on Decatur Utilities equipment, the homeowner or business will be notified and gas service will be disconnected until repairs are completed by the homeowner or business.
It is anticipated this work will be completed by December 13, 2019. For additional information, please contact Jerry Parker, Measurement and Compliance Supervisor, by e-mail at jparker@decaturutilities.com or by phone at (256) 552-1404.
Heath Consultant Logo:
For more information contact:
Joe Holmes, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator
Telephone: (256) 552-1444