By PAUL DELANEY
Staff Reporter
Construction crews replacing a water main on Cheney-Spangle Road just south of First Street in downtown Cheney struck a 2-inch gas line forcing an evacuation of buildings Thursday, July 22.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. with crews from Avista Utilities having the leak stopped by 10:30. In the meantime the leak closed off three blocks of downtown Cheney between D and G streets.
The hissing sound of the leak could be easily heard from across First Street. Emergency personnel kept bystanders across the street as a precaution. Periodically, the odor of gas was noticeable, but a consistent swirling wind helped disperse the vapor with the aroma of rotten eggs.
“We got the call about 9:30 a.m. and a gas crew responded immediately,” Avista Utilities' spokesperson Laurine Jue said in an e-mail.
According to the gas serviceman who worked on the repair, the contractor accidentally dug into the gas line. That resulted in the Cheney Fire Department being called and they subsequently evacuated buildings in the vicinity of the leak.
“I understand the contractor did call 811 for us to locate the gas lines,” Jue said. “The location of the underground utilities were clearly and accurately marked,” she added.
Jue also said that anytime someone accidentally digs into underground natural gas lines it's a good time to remind people about the 811 one-call line before a person digs.
Avista strongly suggests to call 811 at least two business days before any digging project. This allows time for someone to locate and mark any buried wires, cables or pipes. Whether installing a fence post, planting shrubs or digging for a mailbox post or deck footing, be sure to call before digging.
And it's not just a request according to Jue. “State law does require that you call 811 before you do any digging,” she said. “Failure to do so could result in fines to an individual or contractor. The amount would depend on the circumstances.”
“Most people don't realize that electric or natural gas lines can be buried less than two feet below the surface. Digging into one of these underground lines can be extremely dangerous for yourself and those around you.,” Jue explained “That's why we encourage people to always call 811 at least two business days before starting any project that involves digging. It's the law – and it's the best way to protect your own safety.”
Burlington Northern Railroad was alerted to the leak since dozens of trains travel the busy line each day. The leak did not affect any train traffic according to BN spokesman Gus Melonas in Seattle.
Paul Delaney can be reached at [email protected].
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