State: Utility May Be Violating Gas Disaster Compliance Plan

ANDOVER, MA — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts may not be complying with a restoration plan that was part of an agreement with the state and the three communities impacted by last year's gas explosions, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities said Thursday. The regulator said the utility had not begun inspecting service lines that were abandoned after the Sept. 13 gas explosions, which killed one and damaged or destroyed more than 130 buildings in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence.

In Andover, where there may be abandoned lines on as many as 173 properties that have not been inspected, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said he had mobilized the town's emergency management team.

"Despite no immediate threat to public safety, the town has approached this situation with an abundance of caution and is prepared to respond to any and all utility emergencies," Flanagan said in a statement. "We will be monitoring the progress Columbia Gas makes with their compliance checks over the next several weeks and we encourage residents who have concerns to reach out directly to Columbia Gas."

North Andover also mobilized its emergency management team on Thursday. In North Andover, there may be as many as 110 properties with abandoned lines that have not been inspected.

"While we understand that there is no danger to the public, as always I would like to reiterate that residents should always call 911 first if they smell gas, and that they should call Columbia Gas directly with any questions regarding their home gas service," Acting Town Manager Denise Y. Casey said.

Columbia Gas said the inspections were being conducted "out of an abundance of caution" and will not interfere with gas service. They also will not affect the new gas lines installed last fall. Mark Kempic, president and chief operating officer of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, said in a statement that the utility does not believe any of the abandoned lines are connected to active gas lines.

"We are conducting these compliance checks out of an abundance of caution," Kempic said. "Our commitment to providing customers with safe and reliable gas service is at the forefront of the decision to conduct this review."

Affected residents should expect a call directly from Columbia Gas. Residents can also call Columbia Gas at (866) 388-3239 with any questions. Andover posted a list of the affected properties Thursday afternoon. The list of affected properties in North Andover is also available online.

"We are grateful for the state's continued vigilance in holding Columbia Gas accountable and ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities to the communities of Andover, North Andover and Lawrence," Flanagan said.