KUB details Farragut gas leak situation April 2; tips given on digging, reacting to smell
The following is a press release by Knoxville Utilities Board concerning gas-line damage, causing a leak, which necessitated closure of a section of Kingston Pike in Farragut late Tuesday afternoon, April 2:
“On Tuesday, April 2, KUB received a report that a contractor had damaged a KUB gas line, causing a natural gas leak at 13001 Kingston Pike.
“KUB responded immediately to stop the gas leak. Rural Metro worked with KUB to temporarily close Kingston Pike in both directions while KUB responded.
“No evacuations were needed as part of this response, and no customers lost gas service. KUB scheduled and completed additional repairs on (Thursday), April 4, which required no road closures.”
Tips on what to do to avoid breaks; if smelling natural gas
“It’s important customers familiarize themselves with how to recognize a potential gas leak and how to respond:”
• Recognize: You can recognize a natural gas leak by sound when the gas makes a hissing sound as it leaves the pipe. You might also see brown or dead vegetation (without obvious explanation) in an area where a natural gas pipeline is buried. Or, you might smell the natural gas, which is the most common way a natural gas leak is detected. KUB adds a harmless chemical called mercaptan to its natural gas supply so it smells similar to rotten eggs.
• React: You should react by immediately leaving the area. Go to a location where you can no longer smell or hear the natural gas leak. Alert those in the area as you go, and take them with you as you leave. Don’t stop to turn off lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Simply leave.
• KUB Responds: When you have reacted and reached your safe area, call KUB at 865-524-2911. KUB will respond quickly and free of charge to investigate the natural gas leak and provide you with further guidance.
“Before starting any digging project, it’s important to call 811 to have underground utility lines marked. The process is simple and free. For more information about safe digging, visit www.kub.org/811.”
