For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019

Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Statement by Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan Regarding Columbia Gas Work on Abandoned Gas Service Lines

ANDOVER — Town Manager Andrew Flanagan releases the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities concerning Columbia Gas work on abandoned gas service lines:

“Today we were made aware of a Department of Public Utilities finding that Columbia Gas may be out of compliance with part of the restoration plan laid out by the state and the three communities affected by last year’s gas disaster. The Department of Public Utilities found that as many as 173 properties in town may still have abandoned individual service lines that may require additional inspection to ensure compliance.

“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.  I mobilized our emergency management team this morning and have met with Columbia Gas’ compliance team.  As always, we are prepared and available to respond to increased call volume as a result of today’s announcement.  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.

“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.

“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.”

Residents with abandoned service lines should expect a direct phone call from Columbia Gas to schedule an appointment and ensure compliance with the gas company’s obligations.

Residents may reach out to Columbia Gas at (866) 388-3239 with any questions related to this situation. A list of addresses that may be affected can be found at the link below.

A list of residences that may require inspection to ensure compliance by Columbia Gas can be found at the link below.

***A list of addresses can be found here.***

Click here to read Columbia Gas’ press release regarding the abandoned service lines.

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