Sept. 4, 2020 12:00 p.m. – Lincoln, Neb. – After receiving reports of a natural gas odor from a nearby business, Black Hills Energy has completed a thorough leak investigation in the area of 33rd and O Street in central Lincoln. Technicians determined repairs needed to be made to a gas main on the south side of the street near 34th & O Street. Due to the nature of the repairs and the size of the steel natural gas main, traffic in both the east and west lanes from 33rd to 35th streets will be closed for the foreseeable future. While the investigation was being completed, five businesses in the area were evacuated but they have now been allowed to return. No customers have lost service as a result of these repairs.
To complete repairs safely, technicians will perform a normal, safe procedure releasing the natural gas from the main. Residents in the area will smell natural gas and hear a loud noise similar to a jet engine while the procedure is occurring.
Sept.4, 2020 7:00 a.m. - Our leak investigation is complete but the area will still be closed to traffic in both directions while our crews continue to work on the gas main. The five businesses in the area that were evacuated may now access their buildings from alternate routes
Sept. 3, 2020 – Black Hills Energy is investigating reports of a natural gas leak in the area of N. 33rd and O Streets in Lincoln. Traffic In both the east and west lanes from 33rd to 35th streets will be closed while a thorough investigation is being completed and any necessary repairs can be made. “Our highly trained technicians are working cooperatively with first responders to assess the situation,” stated Brandy Johnson, regional community affairs manager for Black Hills Energy . “The safety of our customers, employees and communities is our highest priority and we are committed to restoring traffic flow in the area as soon as safely possible.”
Please remember the following natural gas safety tips
- Natural gas originally has no odor; and it’s invisible. For safety, we add a harmless, stinky odorant called mercaptan. It smells like rotten eggs so you can easily detect a gas leak.
If you think you smell natural gas:
- Get everyone out of the building immediately – leave the door open as you exit.
- Once outside, call 911 or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554
- As you leave, don’t turn on our off light switches, electrical appliances, use phones or open or close doors and windows. A spark of electricity could ignite a leak.
- Wait well away from the building for emergency personnel.