09/12/13 On Tuesday September 10th just after noon the LaPaz Fire Department was dispatched to 13292 5D Road for a gas leak.
Arriving on scene firefighters were met by a NIPSCO representative that stated a well drilling contractor struck a gas line. The home had quickly filled with natural gas and the initial readings at the front door of the home reviled concentrations of 25%. NIPSCO’s safe range is less than 1.4%.
Due to the possibility of an explosion, residences within a 500 foot radius of the gas leak were asked to leave their homes while the situation was being handled.
Emergency crews entered the house and open up the windows or doors to help vacate the built up gas.
At 6:12 pm it was determined that the gas leak was controlled and that home was free from residual gas.
This incident makes the third natural gas call LaPaz Fire Department has responded on this week, as a reminder, Indiana’s “Call Before You Dig” law requires everyone who digs to contact Indiana 811 at least two full working days before starting their project.
In 2003, the Indiana General Assembly revised the “Call before You Dig” law and made it a requirement that all owners and operators of underground facilities become a member of Indiana 811. This law was then amended in 2009 to add penalties for certain infractions.
Pursuant to the statute, civil penalties may include:
1. A warning letter for homeowners/tenants who are first-time offenders regarding a violation in which no one was personally injured;
2. A civil penalty up to a maximum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00);
3. Required participation of employees in a mandatory education and training program sponsored by the Commission; and/or
4. Required development of a plan to avoid future violations, which must receive approval.
For more information on Indiana’s call before you dig law visit www.indiana811.org
