WASHINGTON — Washington Gas has responded to at least 4,000 leaks since 2016, but neighborhood and environmental groups say they aren't doing enough to let residents know when there are problems.
The groups gave their testimony to DC Public Service Commission, which is investigating the issue.
"I'm calling for full disclosure from Washington Gas," says Georgetown resident Edward Segal.
Segal points to the intersection of Dumbarton St. NW and 28th St. NW where there have been at least 140 leaks in a five block area since 2016 as evidence that the situation is out of control.
"The gas company simply does not tell the public what the problem is, how many gas leaks there are and how serious they are, or the status of the repairs," Segal complains. He's launched a website to pressure Washington Gas.
The concerns from Segal and organizations like the Sierra Club and the Office of the People's Counsel have been the subject of two DC Public Service Commission hearings in 2019.
At one hearing May 15th, Washington Gas officials claimed progress.
- The company now informs the public in real time about gas emergencies by sharing the information with AlertDC, an app used by the city's Department of Homeland Security.
- Washington Gas now canvasses neighborhoods around leak sites with door tags to inform nearby residents about leaks and repair work.
- The company is researching how it might duplicate a state-of-the-art online mapping system now used by New York utility Con Edison so that the public can see gas leak locations and repair work in progress.
"Safety is our top priority," said Washington Gas spokesman Brian Edwards.
Edwards says people should always call 911 if they smell gas.
When the company determines there may be an immediate danger they notify first responders who are then responsible for evacuating an area and keeping the public safe.
Edwards added that 30% of gas emergencies are caused by excavation accidents.
Any job involving digging should include a call to 811 beforehand to have utilities marked.
