Seabrook Gas Line Stopped After Leak

SEABROOK, Texas - A gas leak along Nasa Road 1 in Seabrook could be fully repaired before rush hour Wednesday. Centerpoint Energy spokeswoman Alicia Dixon says crews have determined the extent of the problem and have begun making repairs.

Centerpoint Energy crews have worked around the clock making an emergency repair on a 6-inch steel gas pipeline. It was accidentally ruptured by a construction crew early Tuesday afternoon. Initially, the leak triggered a shelter in place order for a two-square mile area of Seabrook. That order was lifted early Wednesday morning after Centerpoint Energy shut off the gas pipeline to stop the leak.

The issue for some residents Wednesday became an interruption in gas service. Dixon said an apartment complex, a hotel, and five homes were affected by the gas line being shut off. She said their gas would not be turned on again until the repair was complete, and a Centerpoint Energy worker visited the property to reignite the pilot light.

Until the repair is finalized, people living in the area around the Centerpoint Energy construction site in Seabrook might still be able to smell some natural gas. Dixon says there is an intentional release of gas, several yards east of the construction site, necessary to clear the pipeline for repairs.

Area road closures also affected five Clear Creek Independent School District bus routes. Children were allowed to be picked up from Clear Falls, Bay Elementary, Ed White Elementary and Seabrook Intermediate schools.
 

FOX 26 web producer Alexander Supgul contributed to this report.