Andover Mass

UPDATE #36 Town of Andover Provides Latest Updates on Gas Emergency Recovery Process

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018

Media contact: John Guilfoil
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-993-0003

Town of Andover Provides Latest Updates on Gas Emergency Recovery Process

ANDOVER –The Town of Andover continuously seeks to provide residents and business owners with key updates regarding the ongoing recovery and restoration efforts following last month’s Merrimack Valley Gas Emergency.

Columbia Gas has today launched an interactive map that tracks the progress of the restoration effort. The map will give residents and business owners a real-time look at the local recovery process in their individual neighborhoods and help the gauge when crews will be on their streets to conduct assessments.

Also beginning today, Columbia Gas may, in some instances, begin installing replacement appliances during assessment appointments. Columbia Gas has received or ordered hundreds of water heaters, boilers, HVAC units, ranges and clothes dryers, which it will be installing free of charge.

Columbia Gas releases a comprehensive daily briefing with updates on the restoration and recovery process. Click here to read the Oct. 9 briefing.

Columbia Gas reports that 20 of the nearly 50 miles of affected pipe have been replaced as of today, and main line pipe replacements are ahead of schedule.  Columbia Gas reports a total of 8,447 total gas customers are affected in the three communities.

‘House Ready’ and Assessment Process Updates

All gas customers will need an assessment of their homes, including gas lines and appliances. Crews wearing identification continue to fan out across neighborhoods. More than 3,100 assessments have been completed across the three communities.

There were 56 construction crews scheduled to work today, tomorrow and Thursday in Andover.

Below is the planned schedule for the following 72 hours where our teams will begin work. In many cases, this process will take more than one day. Customers whose streets are listed must have someone over 18 years old at home that day for work to commence. If an adult cannot be home on that day, we will be back in your neighborhood in the following days. We will continue to try to make contact until we are able to complete your in-home work.

For additional information on this process, please visit: https://www.columbiagas.com/massachusetts/restoration

Wednesday, Oct. 10

  • 6-34 Foster Circle
  • 4-80 Carmel Rd
  • 11-98 Cheever Circle
  • 5-18 Lockway Rd
  • 8-96 Maple Ave
  • 1-84 Walnut Ave
  • 3-33 Wolcott Ave
  • 11-31 Barlett St
  • 10-16 Post Office Ave
  • 1-9 Punchard Ave
  • 304 High St
  • 42 Highland VW Ave
  • 2-4 Turnpike St
  • 3-8 Dumbarton St
  • 19 Fleming Ave
  • 4-21 Liberty St
  • 3-44 Sterling St
  • 4-27 Sutherland St
  • 12-45 Haverhill St

Friday, October 12

  • 4-24 Maple Ave
  • 26 Filterbred

Making a home “House-Ready” requires a number of steps, and Columbia Gas and its contract partner Gilbane Reconstruction Services (GRS) are seeking to minimize the disruption to homeowners by streamlining the process and limiting the number of visits needed to a home or business to restore natural gas service. The previously announced assessment phase will now be included as part of the installation process. This entire process includes assessments, repairs, appliance installations, and safety inspections.

What happens during the House Ready Process?

There will be a series of work teams entering homes during the House Ready process. The work teams will complete as many of the below steps as possible during their visit.

  • ASSESSMENT: Work teams will evaluate and inventory natural gas appliances including boilers, furnaces, water heaters, ranges and/or dryers. Photos will be taken to document which natural gas appliances have been impacted. (Note: Some customers have already received an assessment. If that is the case, the teams will verify the information.)

In many cases, the teams will need to test for the presence of hazardous materials. The top priority is safety. Work teams will follow applicable regulations and guidelines, and will mitigate hazardous materials with trained professionals. This could extend the timeframe of the installation work in homes.  

  • DISCONNECT/REMOVAL: Work teams will remove natural gas appliances including boilers, furnaces, water heaters, ranges and/or dryers. Any additional specialty natural gas appliances (i.e. fireplaces, pool heaters, gas grills, etc.) will be disconnected and disabled at this time. Specialty natural gas appliances will be subject to further repair or replacement by the property owner through the claims process at 1-800-590-5571.
  • RE-INSTALLATION AND RE-CONNECTION: Work teams will install new appliances and equipment in homes and reconnect them to the natural gas system. Work teams will also pressure test in-home natural gas piping to see if it is damaged. If a home or business passes the pressure test, Columbia Gas will install the natural gas furnace, or boiler, water heater, and standard range and dryer if applicable. If a home or business does not pass the pressure test, Columbia Gas will repair or replace the natural gas piping, and work teams may need to schedule a follow-up visit to complete this repair.
  • SAFETY INSPECTIONS: Once a home or business passes all necessary safety inspections, a green tag will be attached near the meter bar, indicating that the home or business is “House-Ready.”

In many cases, this process of repairs and safety inspections will take more than one day to complete. If the home owner does not select the standard offering of appliances, specialty orders will be installed when available and could be delayed by several weeks.

Even if customers choose to purchase and install their own appliances, work teams will still need to conduct the assessment, disconnect and remove damaged appliances, and repair in-home gas lines.

Click here to download a complete FAQ from Columbia Gas.

Click here to download a briefing packet on this process that was provided to the city and town governments from Columbia Gas.

Andover is deploying town resources each day to support the assessment effort and assist residents.

Free Parking Downtown

Due to the construction in the downtown area, the Town of Andover will not be collecting parking fees at municipal parking lots.  The Town encourages downtown visitors to park in the municipal parking lots. This includes Lot 1 (between Andover Village Square and Caffé Nero), Lot 2 (behind Old Town Hall) and Lot 3 (Park Street Village). This will be evaluated on a weekly basis.

Alternative Housing

A total of 367 Andover residents from 140 different families have been placed in Alternative housing funded by Columbia Gas as of the end of the day Sunday, according to the most recent numbers released by Columbia Gas.

The housing program, which includes hotel rooms, apartments, travel trailers, and combination warming centers and shelters, is being coordinated by Columbia Gas with support from local and state agencies and other partners. Impacted customers will be able to stay in alternative housing until service to their homes is restored.

Impacted Columbia Gas customers who choose to be placed in alternative housing should call Columbia Gas’ Claims line: 800-590-5571.

Transportation arrangements will be provided for residents staying in hotels and apartments who do not have their own means of transportation.

Housing needs will continue to be assessed throughout the recovery process and additional options will be coordinated as necessary.

For additional information and slides, see: Greater Lawrence Housing Options

Insurance Forum

The Division of Insurance will host a series of information sessions on Thursday, Oct. 11 in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence.

As recovery efforts continue, the Division is holding these sessions to provide consumers and businesses affected by the fires and gas explosions with information on how to file disaster- related insurance claims. Division officials will also summarize the efforts taken by the Division thus far and answer questions regarding how carriers should be responding to a homeowner or business filing an insurance claim. These sessions will also include input from insurance carriers and others providing assistance at claim centers.

Each information session will conclude with a Question and Answer period. Bilingual language assistance will be available. The session in Andover will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Andover Town Offices Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 36 Bartlet St.

Residents who cannot attend the morning session in Andover are also invited to attend the session at 6:30 p.m. at the Lawrence High School Performing Arts Center, 70-71 N Parish Rd, Lawrence.

Small Business Loan Program

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor and Andover Town Manager Flanagan late last week announced a $1 million emergency loan program for businesses impacted by the gas emergency.

The fund will offer emergency loans to eligible businesses with no payments and no interest for the first six months. For businesses that extend beyond a six month period, market rates will apply and loans will be able to be extended or restructured for multi-year term loans.

The fund opened Oct. 1, and has an expedited application and approval process, with the goal of getting all applications processed within 24 and 48 hours.

For more information visit: www.wearelawrence.org/lawrencegasresponsebusiness.

Relief Fund and Claims Center

In response to the overwhelming needs facing those impacted by the Gas Emergency, Andover, North Andover and Lawrence, Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Dan Rivera, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and Town Manager Andrew Maylor announced the establishment of the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance with short- and long-term shelter and sustenance needs. The Fund is being supported by donations from Columbia Gas and generous members of the community.

Resources from the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund (GLDRF) will support household units and businesses affected by the 7,500 Columbia Gas meters on the low-pressure lines in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover who have been without gas since Sept. 13.

  1. Online at www.GLDRF.org
  2. Over the phone by dialing 2-1-1, for those who cannot apply online
  3. In person for anyone in need of assistance at Andover’s drop-in center.

Columbia Gas Claims Center and GLDRF Hours Next Week:

Old Town Hall – 20 Main Street, Andover
Tuesday, Oct. 9 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 11 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 12 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

While residents and businesses are encouraged to apply online, they will be notified within 3-5 business days regarding the status of their application regardless of which method they use to apply for assistance.

Showers for Residents

The free showers remain available for residents at Pomps Pond through at least next Friday. The showers will be open Tuesday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 12 from 4-8 p.m.

Andover Elder Services Lunch Program

Andover Elder Services is continuing its lunch program. The lunch is available for those age 60 or older for a suggested donation of $2.50 or for those under age 60 for a cost of $4.50.

Elder Services is also offering the following FREE food programs this month:

  • Coffee, Tea and a Daily Snack: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Soup Nights, Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. (RSVP requested)

Regardless of age, anyone affected by the gas emergency is encouraged to reach out to Andover Elder Services at 978-623-8321 for assistance and free/discounted meals.

Programs take place at the Andover Senior Center, 30 Whittier Court.

Town officials will continue to provide regular updates as new information becomes available. 

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UPDATE #31 (4:30 p.m.) Town of Andover Provides Important Information on Gas Emergency Recovery Process

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, Oct. 5, 2018

Media contact: John Guilfoil
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-993-0003

Town of Andover Provides Update on Gas Emergency Recovery Process

Columbia Gas released an updated projected restoration timeline, and is still targeting Nov. 19 for full completion. (Courtesy Photo)

ANDOVER –The Town of Andover wishes to provide residents and business owners with several key updates regarding the town’s ongoing recovery and restoration efforts following last month’s Merrimack Valley Gas Emergency.

Columbia Gas released its “House Ready” plan, which further outlines the timeline for restoring gas service to homes and neighborhoods. Alternative housing is being made available to customers impacted by the Sept. 13 gas line incident who choose not to stay in their homes as the weather turns colder, and while crews continue to work daily to restore gas service to all affected customers.

Columbia Gas also provides a daily briefing that summarizes the restoration process. Click here to read today’s briefing.

Assessment and Construction Schedule

Nearly 13.5 miles of main line pipe have been replaced to date in the three impacted communities. Additionally, 549 service lines — including 335 that are “gas ready” — have been replaced in the affected area.

A total of 53 construction crews are working in Andover today, with 57 crews scheduled for Saturday.

A total of 2,038 gas meters are in the affected zone in Andover.

Columbia Gas today released its “house ready” plan for the area, which is in addition to the “gas ready” schedule it previously released.

To read the full announcement of the House Ready plan, click here.

Gas Ready Construction Plan 

Columbia Gas has released its “Gas Ready Construction Plan” detailing plans and offering schedules for the restoration of service to thousands of affected gas customers in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence. Click here to download the plan

​House Ready Plan

Columbia Gas has released its “House Ready Plan.”  Click here to download the plan

Full assessments of homes and businesses are continuing with expected completion by October 19. The installation process, driven by what’s learned during the full assessments, will align closely with the ‘Gas Ready’ construction plan scheduled to be complete by November 19.

Columbia Gas’ contract partners, Gilbane Reconstruction Services, will follow a block approach to assign crews in the field, based on experience developed in their response to Hurricane Sandy. Similar to a production line, they will follow streets and blocks in a neighborhood and deploy crews to disconnect and remove damaged appliances, repair or replace in-home gas lines, and connect new appliances to make the home ‘Gas Ready’.

With 63 projects across the 8 zones, there will be multiple blocks within each of the zones.

  • Customers will be notified by Columbia Gas when to expect installation crews to be in their block. A new interactive map will be available on Monday, October 8 at www.ColumbiaGasMA.com, which will enable customers to check the status of projects in their neighborhood.
  • Customers working through the claims process should continue to work with their claims adjuster. Additional information on claims is available on ColumbiaGasMA.com.

The path to service restoration includes three areas of work:
• Making Your Home or Business ‘Gas Ready:’ Construction crews will install the main gas line on your street that brings gas into the area. Service lines will connect your home or business to the main line.
• Making Your Home or Business ‘House Ready:’ Assessment teams will, if they have not already, visit your home or business to assess your natural gas appliances and piping, and review options with you. The installation process will complete repairs and connect new appliances.
• Natural Gas Service Relight: To restore natural gas service to your home or business, all work inside and outside your home or business must first be completed. Once your home or business is both ‘Gas Ready’ and ‘House Ready,’ a Columbia Gas representative will visit your home or business, perform additional safety checks and restore your natural gas service.

All gas customers will need an assessment of their homes, including gas lines and appliances. Crews wearing identification continue to fan out across neighborhoods. More than 2,100 assessments have been completed across the three communities, representing about one-third of the assessment work needed in Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence to date.

The following streets are scheduled for assessments today, Oct. 5:

  • Chickering Court
  • Flint Circle
  • Harding Street
  • Hartigan Court
  • Temple Place
  • Walnut Avenue

For the most up to date information from Columbia Gas on the streets where assessment teams will be deployed, click here.

The assessment will include the following steps:

  1. First, the assessors will evaluate and inventory gas-fueled appliances. Specifically, representatives will evaluate the furnace or boiler for repairs and inventory for replacement of gas water heaters and all other gas-fueled appliances. Photos will be taken so that Columbia Gas can replace gas-fueled appliances with like kind and quality appliances.
  2. Second, Columbia Gas will pressure test in-home gas piping to see if it is damaged.
  3. Finally, if a resident has not yet had a space heater assessment, an assessment of the electrical capacity of the home will be performed. If the home has the electrical capacity to safely support a space heater, the assessment teams will provide one during the visit. If needed, Columbia will install smoke alarms/CO detectors.

Click here to download the complete FAQ

Click here to download a briefing packet on this process that was provided to the city and town governments from Columbia Gas.

Andover is deploying town resources each day to support the assessment effort and assist residents.

Free Parking Downtown

Due to the construction in the downtown area, the Town of Andover will not be collecting parking fees at municipal parking lots.  The Town encourages downtown visitors to park in the municipal parking lots. This includes Lot 1 (between Andover Village Square and Caffé Nero), Lot 2 (behind Old Town Hall) and Lot 3 (Park Street Village). This will be evaluated on a weekly basis.

Alternative Housing

The housing program, which includes hotel rooms, apartments, travel trailers, and combination warming centers and shelters, is being coordinated by Columbia Gas with support from local and state agencies and other partners. Impacted customers will be able to stay in alternative housing until service to their homes is restored.

For customers calling today (Oct. 5), hotels and apartments are available. Travel trailer options will be available in the coming days, and the congregate shelter will be open on Monday, Oct. 8. Columbia Gas has announced that it aims to restore gas service, including heat and hot water, to all homes by Nov. 19. In addition to housing options, congregate shelter locations will be available for residents to use as an overnight option and for daytime use for hot showers and warming centers.

Impacted Columbia Gas customers who choose to be placed in alternative housing should call Columbia Gas’ Claims line: 1-800-590-5571.

A member of the Housing Assistance Team will gather information from the customer, including information about access and functional needs, size and family makeup, and individual and family needs. This information will be used to identify housing options for customers.

If qualified, approval of temporary housing will be provided during the call and the information will be passed to a housing assignment team who will call you with your placement.

Transportation arrangements will be provided for residents staying in hotels and apartments who do not have their own means of transportation, including Uber and Lyft rideshare services. Information will be provided to residents during the placement process.

Columbia’s Housing Assistance Claim Team will offer customers one of the available housing options:

  • Hotels–Over 3,000 hotel rooms have been reserved by Columbia Gas through mid-November for use by its customers. The participating hotels are all within approximately 30 miles of the three impacted communities. Transportation arrangements will be provided for residents who do not have their own means of transportation, including Uber and Lyft rideshare services.
  • Apartments – Over 150 one, two, and three bedroom apartments have been leased by Columbia Gas for use by customers. The apartments are within approximately 15 miles of the impacted communities. Transportation arrangements will be provided for residents who do not have their own means of transportation, including Uber and Lyft rideshare services.
  • Travel Trailers – 360 new travel trailers have been leased by Columbia Gas to be used as temporary housing for families, and will be located in each of the three communities. The trailers in Andover will be located at Recreation Park. The travel trailers are 30 feet in length and include kitchens, bathrooms with showers, and sleeping accommodations for up to 8 people. Each trailer site will have around the clock management, maintenance and security personnel. The trailer sites will be operational next week. Residents must contact Columbia Gas to coordinate housing placements, and will not be assigned to travel trailers on site.
  • Congregate Sheltering – a combination warming center and congregate shelter will be located at IndusPAD Mill, formerly Malden Mills, at 46 Stafford St. in Lawrence. Initially, the shelter will have an overnight capacity of 250 people, but it will scale up to 1,000 people if the demand increases due to cold weather. Columbia Gas customers can also visit the shelter during the daytime for hot showers, and to use as a warming center. The overnight shelter will be used to meet short-term demand due to cold weather.

Housing needs will continue to be assessed throughout the recovery process and additional options will be coordinated as necessary.

For additional information and slides, see: Greater Lawrence Housing Options

These housing alternatives, and other recovery programs, are in response to the Sept. 13 incident that impacted Columbia Gas customers in Lawrence, North Andover, and Andover, and left approximately 10,000 households without heat and hot water. The housing assistance program, which will remain in place until gas service is restored for residences, is being paid for by Columbia Gas.

Insurance Forum

The Division of Insurance will host a series of information sessions on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence.

As recovery efforts continue, the Division is holding these sessions to provide consumers and businesses affected by the fires and gas explosions with information on how to file disaster- related insurance claims. Division officials will also summarize the efforts taken by the Division thus far and answer questions regarding how carriers should be responding to a homeowner or business filing an insurance claim. These sessions will also include input from insurance carriers and others providing assistance at claim centers.

Each information session will conclude with a Question and Answer period. Bilingual language assistance will be available. The session in Andover will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Andover Town Offices Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Room, 36 Bartlet St.

Small Business Loan Program

Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor and Andover Town Manager Flanagan late last week announced a $1 million emergency loan program for businesses impacted by the gas emergency.

The fund will offer emergency loans to eligible businesses with no payments and no interest for the first six months. For businesses that extend beyond a six month period, market rates will apply and loans will be able to be extended or restructured for multi-year term loans.

The fund opened Oct. 1, and has an expedited application and approval process, with the goal of getting all applications processed within 24 and 48 hours.

For more information visit: www.wearelawrence.org/lawrencegasresponsebusiness.

Relief Fund and Claims Center

In response to the overwhelming needs facing those impacted by the Sept. 13 over-pressurization of the low pressure gas pipeline in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence, Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Dan Rivera, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan, and Town Manager Andrew Maylor announced the establishment of the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance with short- and long-term shelter and sustenance needs. The Fund is being supported by donations from Columbia Gas and generous members of the community.

Resources from the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund (GLDRF) will support household units and businesses affected by the 7,500 Columbia Gas meters on the low-pressure lines in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover who have been without gas since Sept. 13.

  1. Online at www.GLDRF.org (link will be live October 3, this is the fastest and easiest way to apply)
  2. Over the phone by dialing 2-1-1, for those who cannot apply online
  3. In person for anyone in need of assistance at Andover’s drop-in center.

Columbia Gas Claims Center and GLDRF Hours Next Week:

Old Town Hall – 20 Main Street, Andover
Tuesday, Oct. 9 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 11 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 12 – Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

While residents and businesses are encouraged to apply online, they will be notified within 3-5 business days regarding the status of their application regardless of which method they use to apply for assistance.

Resources from the Fund will support the short and long-term shelter and sustenance needs of the more than 10,000 household units and businesses affected by the 7,500 Columbia Gas meters on the low-pressure lines in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. Thousands of residents and businesses in these communities have been without gas since Sept. 13, when gas fires and explosions from over-pressurized gas lines destroyed homes and neighborhoods.

Resources from the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund will support household units and businesses affected by the 7,500 Columbia Gas meters on the low-pressure lines in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover who have been without gas since Sept. 13.

Only those who have no gas, and will continue to be without service during the restoration process are eligible for assistance through the GLDRF.

If you are one of the 7,500 metered household units or businesses affected, you are invited to apply for funding by completing the form below for financial support from the Fund.

Only one application per household unit will be awarded the stipend check. The head of the household should apply. The head of household is considered the person whose name appears on the deed, mortgage, lease/rental receipts, or utility and other household bills.

Only one application per business address will be awarded the stipend check.

The Fund will provide a $550 stipend check per household unit or business to those who are eligible.

Volunteers are needed to support this application process and the Drop-In locations.

To find out more about volunteer roles needed: Andover, North Andover or South Lawrence sites: visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/GLDRFVolunteer

 

For more information about the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund and the process to apply for financial resources, please visit www.eccf.org/GLDisasterReliefFund.

Showers for Residents

Free showers remain available for residents at Pomps Pond through at least next Friday. The showers will be open along the following schedule:

  • Saturday, Oct. 6: Noon to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 7: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 8 (Columbus Day): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 9 through Friday, Oct. 12: 4-8 p.m.

Attorney General Hotline

Attorney General Maura Healey’s office has established a hotline for those with questions and concerns. Residents and business owners may contact the Attorney General’s new hotline at 617-573-5370 in order to connect with specialists in the office who are able to handle questions about legal representation, home improvement scams, and insurance claims from homeowners, renters, and local businesses.

Andover Elder Services Lunch Program

Andover Elder Services is continuing its lunch program. The lunch is available for those age 60 or older for a suggested donation of $2.50 or for those under age 60 for a cost of $4.50.

Elder Services is also offering the following FREE food programs this month:

  • Coffee, Tea and a Daily Snack: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Soup Nights, Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. (RSVP requested)

Regardless of age, anyone affected by the gas emergency is encouraged to reach out to Andover Elder Services at 978-623-8321 for assistance and free/discounted meals.

Programs take place at the Andover Senior Center, 30 Whittier Court.

Town officials will continue to provide regular updates as they’re made available. 

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UPDATE #20 (5 p.m.) Town of Andover Provides Update on Gas Emergency

⋅ City/Town News, Client News, EMS News, Fire News, Police News ⋅ , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018

Media contact: John Guilfoil
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-993-0003

Town of Andover Provides Update on Gas Emergency

ANDOVER — Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan, Police Chief Patrick Keefe, Fire Chief Michael B. Mansfield, and Andover’s town government department heads seek to continuously update residents on the status of restoration efforts in the aftermath of the Merrimack Valley gas emergency.

Gas Purging

Columbia Gas has postponed the purging of remnant gas from the system in the affected zone, which was initially scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. today, due to weather. Purging will begin at noon tomorrow, Sept. 26.

When the purging does begin, there is the chance that some residents may smell gas. Additional Columbia crews will be on-hand and Andover Fire Rescue has assigned a special task force, including a deputy chief to monitor the purging. If any resident smells gas, indoors or outside, they should dial 911 immediately.

Columbia Gas will notify the Town of Andover if additional days are required, and it will be communicated to the public.

State Tax Penalties Waived

The state Department of Revenue has announced it is taking steps to address the concerns of taxpayers in Andover, Lawrence and North Andover who have been affected by the recent gas explosions.

The DOR recognizes that taxpayers may be unable to comply with state tax filing or payment due dates that occurred on or after the date of the explosions, and would like to assist those taxpayers as much as possible.

The department will waive any penalties associated with any late-filed return or payment that was due on or after Sept. 12, and before Oct. 1. Penalties will be waived for one month, and the DOR will later revisit whether any further extensions should be granted.

If any taxpayer in the affected areas receives notice of a penalty for this period they should reach out to the Department of Revenue at 617-887-6367.

Hot Plate Distribution 

Town officials have handed out more than 1,000 free hot plates in Andover since Saturday. The hot plates are meant to temporarily assist residents in the affected area with cooking meals as the vital work of replacing gas lines and affected appliances is undertaken. The town has given out all the hot plates it was supplied with but has requested more from Columbia Gas.

Residents who have not yet collected a hot plate are asked to call Columbia Gas’ parent company, NiSource, to schedule a delivery. The number is 855-218-8816.

The Town of Andover expects to receive additional hot plates tomorrow, and they will be distributed to residents at Old Town Hall, 20 Main St., from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Hot Plate Safety

Chief Mansfield and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services strongly encourage the safe use of hot plates. Residents are urged to review the following guidelines:

  • Only use hot plates and electric skillets on the countertop.
  • Keep a 1-foot circle of safety around it; clear of anything that can catch fire.
  • Turn off when not in use.
  • Be mindful that hot plates stay hotter for longer than gas cooking surfaces.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking; stand by your pan.
  • Teach children to keep 3 giant steps from any cooking (the stove, a grill, or a hot plate).
  • Have a pot cover nearby to “put a lid” on a fire. Then unplug the hot plate if it is safe to do so.
  • Plug hot plates and electric skillets directly into the wall; do not use extension cords or power strips.
  • If the device trips the breaker or blows a fuse, stop using it right away and call an electrician or ask the landlord to so.
  • Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Chief Mansfield emphasizes that hot plates should be treated like any kitchen appliance. Do not use power strips or extension cords — always plug them directly into the wall.

Temporary Heating 

Beginning yesterday, residents began receiving automated phone calls from Columbia Gas regarding temporary electric heating sources. There is no charge for temporary heating.

Crews from Columbia Gas will conduct assessments to ensure that space heaters can be used safely inside homes.

Residents who need temporary heating solutions and miss the automated phone call can call 855-218-8816 to schedule an appointment for an electrical inspection and space heater delivery.

Individual Gas Customer Assessments/Repairs

A total of 2,038 gas meters are in the affected zone in Andover.

Phone calls from Columbia Gas to residential and business gas customers have begun to notify them that teams will deploy for damage assessments. At 4 p.m. today, an automated call will be placed to the same households that received one yesterday to notify them of damage assessments scheduled for Wednesday through Friday.

Crews consisting of a plumber, electrician and building assessor will go to all of the homes and businesses in the impacted area, where they will conduct assessments to make sure those buildings are ready for gas restoration and identify any appliances that will need to be replaced.

These assessments may take several hours, and a resident or business key-holder must be present.

Columbia Gas has made a commitment to the Town of Andover that it will provide residents and business owners 72 hours notice prior to arriving for an assessment.

Andover municipal employees will be deployed to neighborhoods during each phase of the restoration effort so that residents’ and business owners’ questions can be answered. The town will provide daily updates as the community continues its recovery.

Employees and contractors will all carry identification. Contractors will carry a white badge stating that they are an “Authorized Visitor for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts.”

These workers will NOT ask for any money, payment, or credit card/banking information. If you have any concerns please contact the Andover Police Department at 978-475-0411.

Claims Update

After meeting with Town Manager Flanagan, Governor Baker’s office and other municipal officials, Columbia Gas agreed to compensate all of its customers for all losses related to the Merrimack Valley gas emergency.

This includes:

  • Bodily injury
  • Damage to property
  • Disruption of businesses
  • Inconvenience and disruption of everyday activities caused by loss of use of gas service
  • Efforts to limit or mitigate the loss, such as switching from gas hot water heaters to electric or temporary solutions to heat, hot water and cooking

For more extensive information on the process for switching systems, please click here.

Residents are advised to call the 24-hour claims hotline at 800-590-5571 to initiate the process.

Click here to download Columbia’s outline of the claims process.

More than 1,800 residents visited the Columbia Gas claims center in Andover over the past week to initiate the claims process.

Gas Line Repair Work

Initial gas line repair work began yesterday with 20 construction crews conducting preliminary work in Andover. The number of crews working in Andover will rise to 40 by Friday.

Construction work will begin on Thursday, Sept. 27 on High Street, Haverhill Street, Stirling Street, Carlisle Street and Corbett Street. Additional streets where repair work will be taking place are expected to be announced tomorrow. The construction schedule is subject to change, and the Town of Andover will provide updates as they become available.

Columbia Gas has announced that approximately 49 miles of below-ground gas pipe needs to be replaced in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence. So far, approximately 412 feet of 301,334 feet of pipe has already been replaced.

Daily, over the next several weeks, the Town of Andover will announce specific streets or areas that will have road and gas line construction.

Areas under construction will be announced via the news media, town website and social media every day. The town will also issue a CodeRED alert to residents within an approximately 1/4 mile radius of any construction.

Road detours will also be broadcast daily, if necessary.

Full restoration is expected to be completed by approximately Nov. 19.

Showers for Residents

The hot showers available at Pomp’s Pond (147 Abbot St.) will remain open Monday through at least Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m.

A total of 25 showers are available for residents who have been without hot water for more than a week.

Residents need to bring their own shower supplies including towels, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. There will be a limited number of showers designated for family use.

There is also an accessible shower for those with mobility impairments located at the Andover Senior Center (30 Whittier Court). Those are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays for as long as they are needed. Anyone who needs accessible shower must call the Senior Center at 978-623-8320 for an appointment time.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are assisting in staffing the trailers.

Fire Rescue Update

Andover Fire Rescue responded yesterday evening to a cooking fire at a home on North Main Street. The fire started when oil in a pan that was left on a hot plate ignited, causing smoke to spread through the home.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire, and an on-scene investigation indicated that the hot plate did not malfunction.

Propane

Chief Mansfield has heard from a number of residents seeking to use Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG), commonly referred to as propane, as a temporary substitute for natural gas.

Andover Fire Rescue prohibits the use of propane for household purposes where piped natural gas is available from a public utility. However, propane will be permitted when natural gas is unavailable.

A permit is required, and there are specific safety regulations that must be followed by contractors and homeowners.

Click here for information on permits and a checklist for propane installations. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Chief Mansfield urges residents to replace the batteries in their smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. A limited quantity of 9-volt batteries are available to residents in need. Call 978-475-1281 for more information.

Unaffected Area Updates

Columbia Gas informed the Town of Andover that it has restored service to virtually all natural gas customers in the unaffected area. Customers are reminded to call Columbia Gas at 866-388-3239 if they are in the unaffected area and still have not had gas service restored or have not been home to allow a tech inside. If you are in the unaffected area and do not have gas service, you must call this number.

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Update #16 Town of Andover Provides Update on Restoration Plans Following Gas Emergency

⋅ City/Town News, Client News ⋅ , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, Sept. 21, 2018

Media contact: John Guilfoil
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-993-0003

Town of Andover Provides Update on Restoration Plans Following Gas Emergency

ANDOVER — Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan, Police Chief Patrick Keefe, Fire Chief Michael B. Mansfield, and Andover’s town government department heads seek to continuously update residents on the status of restoration efforts in the aftermath of the Merrimack Valley gas emergency.

For an in-depth breakdown of the restoration schedule, including information about the distribution of space heaters and hot plates for residents in the affected area, click here.

Gas Service Restoration

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 26, crews consisting of a plumber, electrician, building inspector and a member of the national guard will go to all of the homes and businesses in the impacted area, where they will conduct assessments to make sure those buildings are ready for gas restoration and identify any appliances that will need to be replaced.

Columbia Gas has made a commitment to the Town of Andover that it will provide residents and business owners at least 48 hours notice prior to arriving for an assessment.

“I have continued to stress the importance of letting community members know in advance of their assessment so they can plan ahead, and so that the restoration process can move as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Town Manager Flanagan. “I’m confident that the plan we have in place is the most prudent way to help our residents and business owners get back to normal, and the Town of Andover is deeply committed to seeing this process through to a successful conclusion.”

Municipal resources will be deployed to neighborhoods during each phase of the restoration effort so that residents’ and business owners’ questions can be answered. The town will provide daily updates as the community continues its recovery.

Employees and contractors will all carry identification. Contractors will carry a white badge stating that they are an “Authorized Visitor for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts”. If you have any concerns please contact the Andover Police Department at (978) 475-0411

Hot Water Heaters 

Residents and business owners who choose to convert their gas hot water heaters to electric ones may do so on their own via a licensed electrician. The Town of Andover is waiving the conversion fee for this process, and Town Manager Flanagan is actively working to ensure that Columbia Gas reimburses anyone who chooses to make such a conversion.

Gas Line Repair Work

Starting Monday, Sept. 24, 20 construction crews will begin working in Andover to restore gas service to the affected area. The number of crews working in Andover will rise to 65 on Monday, Oct. 1.

Daily, over the next several weeks, the Town of Andover will announce specific streets or areas that will have road and gas line construction.

Areas under construction will be announced via the news media, town website, and social media every day. The town will also issue a CodeRED alert to residents within an approximately 1/4 mile radius of any construction.

Road detours will also be broadcast daily, if necessary.

Full restoration is expected to be completed by approximately Nov. 19.

Lawrence Regional Recovery Resource Center

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced updated information for the Recovery Resource Center (RRC). The RRC will continue to provide services and programs to meet the needs of residents of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover through at least the end of the week.

Schedule: Friday, Sept. 21: noon to 7 p.m. 

Address: Elks Lodge, 652 Andover Street, Lawrence

The Recovery Resource Center will be staffed by representatives of municipal and state agencies as well as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army and disaster relief organizations affiliated with Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). State agencies on-hand include the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Registry of Motor Vehicles, and Division of Insurance (DOI).

The RRC is open to residents and the business community from Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover. This is separate from the Columbia Gas claims center that has been opened in Andover.

Columbia Gas Claims Center Update

On Tuesday, Columbia Gas has opened a claims center at the Old Town Hall, 20 Main St.  More than1,000 residents and members of the business community have initiated the claims process on-site so far.

The Andover claims center is open noon to 8 p.m. through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Next week, the claims center will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Claims can also be initiated by phone at 800-590-5571.

Town leaders wish to express their gratitude to those who have come to the claims center, as the residents, business owners, and workers have been calm, orderly, and polite despite the disarray this incident has brought into their lives and livelihoods.

The Department of Revenue has approved a plan, which Town Manager Flanagan has consistently advocated for, that will allow businesses impacted by the gas emergency to file their meals tax payments one month late without penalty. The Department of Revenue will evaluate a further extension of tax deadlines at a later date.

Columbia Gas has committed to pay for the replacement of any appliances that were damaged.

Space Heaters and Hot Plates

On Saturday, Sept. 22, hot plates will be available for pickup in the driveway in front of the Town Offices, 36 Bartlet St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Portable space heaters will be made available to residents who request them, and will be delivered to by electricians who will evaluate homes to ensure they can be used safely. Those in need of a portable space heater should arrange this through a representative at the claims center.

Showers for Residents

The Town of Andover has placed shower trailers at Pomps Pond (147 Abbot St.) equipped with hot water. A total of 25 showers will be available for residents who have been without hot water for a full week.

The showers are open from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and will continue as needed. Residents need to bring their own shower supplies including towels, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. There will be a limited number of showers designated for family use.

There is also an accessible shower for those with mobility impairments located at the Andover Senior Center (30 Whittier Court). Those are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays for as long as they are needed. Anyone who needs accessible shower must call the Senior Center at 978-623-8620 for an appointment time.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are assisting in staffing the trailers.

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