3 gas leaks fixed following gas explosion that destroyed house

Source: The Cincinnati Post Publication date: Feb 19, 2000

Cincinnati Gas & Electric Co. has found and repaired three more leaks in natural gas lines in the Belfast Avenue area of Sycamore Township since a leak apparently caused the explosion that destroyed a house there Saturday.

Neighbors said they had smelled gas in the area before the explosion, in which no one was hurt. Cinergy had found and repaired two hairline breaks in the main in front of the home. Since then, three additional small leaks have been found in service lines in front of three homes. These are the lines leading from the house to the main gas line in the street.

Spokeswoman Kathy Meinke said CG&E would continue monitoring the area and responding to individual calls from home owners who smell gas or believe a problem exists.

Ms. Meinke said some of the problem may be weather-related, with cracks in lines occuring as the ground freezes and thaws. The Belfast Avenue area is an older development "and various things can have an impact. Age can make a difference, so can the soil in which the pipes are situated. Moisture in the soil can also make leaks more difficult to detect."

The company will be reviewing and evaluating whether a large section of pipe needs to be replaced, although there no current plans to do so, Ms. Meinke said.

She urged residents who smell gas or have other complaints to notify CG&E immediately. If residents perceive an immediate emergency, residents can call the local fire department first, since firefighters can disconnect gas lines if necessary, she said.

Publication date: Feb 19, 2000 ) 2000, NewsReal, Inc.

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-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), February 20, 2000

Answers

Perhaps 25 years ago now a home about 200 feet from my own exploded due to a gas leak. No one killed, no one was home. But the devastation and the "shock" of the blast will not soon be forgotten!

-- Charles H. Burk (cburk@arlington.com), February 20, 2000.