Residents in the Stoney Creek area have been calling the North Royalton Fire Department about a natural gas smell for some time. Some have questioned whether it poses a flammable danger.
North Royalton Fire Chief Bob Chegan noted that the leak in question is in the process of being addressed by Columbia Gas and that there is no danger with this particular leak. Chegan said that the North Royalton Fire Department has gas meters that show if the leak is in the flammable range. They have a working relationship with Columbia Gas, which grades each leak and communicates with the Fire Department, assessing them of the leak and the potential solution. Chegan added, “For example, we worked with the gas company when we had a gas leak in the area of Edgerton Road. We couldn’t find the leak, but could smell it. They then put it on their schedule to have it replaced.” He also mentioned that there was a leak reported near Christopher Drive, which was placed on the list for repair next year. The Stoney Creek leak was also on that same time frame, but was pushed up and is scheduled to be repaired this month. It is not known how long the repair will take, as the extent of the work varies.
“This isn’t new for us. We usually get a call, then we are able to ensure that the house and roadway is safe. I still urge people to call, in case it is not known already,” said Chegan. He also noted that anything from the street to the house is the resident’s responsibility.
According to Columbia Gas officials, “If you smell a sulfur or rotten-egg-like odor, you could have a gas leak. Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless. We add an odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive smell. In some cases, you can also identify natural gas by sight or sound. If you see blowing dirt, bubbling water or dead vegetation, or hear a hissing or roaring sound, that could be caused by natural gas.”
If you detect a gas leak, Columbia Gas notes to take the following steps: “Stop what you’re doing. Don’t smoke or light a match. Don’t open the windows. Don’t use anything that could cause a spark, like a phone, light switch, appliance or flashlight. Don’t start your car or use your garage door to leave. Leave the area immediately. If you’re inside, get out immediately. If you’re outside, leave the area quickly. Call 911 and us. From a safe location, away from the building, call 911 and our emergency number at 1-800-344-4077 (24/7) and wait for crews to arrive.”
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer
