News

Actions

Landscapers hit gas line at Lake Kilby Water Treatment Plant in Suffolk

Posted at 12:40 PM, Nov 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-10 12:40:02-05
lakekilby

Courtesy: City of Suffolk

SUFFOLK, Va. – Suffolk Fire & Rescue crews responded to a hazardous materials incident at the Lake Kilby Water Treatment Plant on Thursday.

Emergency dispatchers were notified at 10:55 a.m. that a natural gas line had been damaged at the plant. Units arrived on scene at 10:58 a.m.

Authorities were told that a lawn service contractor had struck a gas line with a mower near a monitoring and storage warehouse at the facility.

The facility is owned and operated by the City of Portsmouth.  Employees were evacuated from the area and employees in other locations at the complex were advised to shelter in place.

Virginia Natural Gas responded and secured the valve at the street at approximately 11:56 a.m.

Dominion Virginia Power also responded due to the high concentration of natural gas from the supply line that was flowing onto an outdoor electrical power pedestal.

No one was injured. Power and water service at the facility was not interrupted.