Midwest Energy and contract crews from Southern Cross will be in backyards and alleys throughout Hays in the coming weeks, conducting their annual yard line natural gas leak survey. Hays residents should keep yards accessible during the day, and outdoor animals restrained, to allow crews to conduct their inspection.
“The survey procedure takes just a few minutes,” said Roger Mettlen, Midwest Energy’s Gas Operations Manager for the Hays area. “Using a device that detects gas in the air, they will walk the line in the yard and the area around the meter. If an area tests positive for a concentration of gas, crews will conduct additional tests to find the source of a leak, and determine the best way to repair it.”
Crews are completing surveys of downtown areas this week, followed by residential areas South of the Union Pacific tracks. Residential areas East of Vine are next, followed by residential areas West of Vine. The entire survey can take months, depending on weather and wind.
Residents with questions about the survey, or who have concerns about crews accessing their property, can call (800) 222-3121.