Gas Release Planned For Newton, Wellesley

NEWTON, MA — If you smell gas on Tuesday near the Route-128 interchange, officials say, they're aware. Algonquin Gas Transmission will be releasing natural gas as part of preventative maintenance work at its Valve Site near Walnut Street in Wellesley and Quinobequin Road in Newton near the Washington Street, Route 128 interchange.

The release is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Tuesday and will last for about 12 hours, according to the city. There will be a second release before the middle of the month. This isn't the first set of gas releases for maintenance. In August there were a couple releases, but neither lasted as long.

It will be smelly. And it will be loud, according to officials.

"This is a normal part of the process," city officials said. "Police, fire and public health officials in Newton have been notified as well as nearby residents. Local first responders will be notified shortly before and at the conclusion of the controlled release of natural gas so that they can respond to any calls which they might receive."

The company has to empty the pipeline in order to do maintenance on the pipe.

The company will have portable deodorizing equipment and monitors to measure the levels of natural gas and ensure it's safe, according to the city.

According to the city the Algonquin representatives will first depressurize the gas line, by reducing the amount of gas running through the pipe, and then let out the rest of the gas. Once the pipeline is empty, their maintenance work can begin.

The company emphasized to the Newton Fire officials and city officials that there will be no danger to anyone during the process.

The Algonquin Gas Transmission is a 1,100 mile pipeline system, which delivers natural gas to New England. It is connected to the Texas Eastern Pipeline and the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline. The pipes transport about 20 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year. The Algonquin Gas Transmission is owned by Enbridge.

It's not without controversy, either. In New York there's an effort to stop any expansion of the pipeline. And the Union of Concerned Scientists offers this on the impacts of Natural Gas on Climate Change.

Along the highway, you might see protesters here, too:

If you have any concerns, the city said you should call Algonquin/Enbridge’s operations office in Westwood at 781-329-3750 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Calls may also be directed to the Enbridge Gas Control 24 hour call line at 1-800-726-8383.

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Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).