More than 5,200 customers in the Fennville, Saugatuck, Douglas area are still without gas after a construction crew hit the major trans-Canadian pipeline while digging Wednesday, says Fennville City Administrator Katie Beemer.
“There was a minor explosion when he hit it. However, our fire department was able to get the scene under control really quickly and we're really grateful that the construction workers weren't hurt.”
Michigan Gas Utilities shut down the line and has brought in hundreds of workers from Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, working around the clock to repair the line and restore service, but the process may take several days more.
“We have crews from all over the Midwest, who are shutting everyone off at their meters. When we shut people off at their meters that's an important step in order to make sure that the system can re- pressurize when we are able to turn it back on.”
Once the line is repaired, crews will return to each home and business to restore service.
“A lot of people are worried about you know if they don't have gas to light their stoves or gas for their hot water heaters. We're grateful to the many area restaurants who are opening their doors. There's a few that have electric so are able to still provide food and as far as showers go, we're really grateful to the Holland Aquatic Center who has opened up their locker rooms for showers for all affected residents for free.”
Allegan County Emergency Management and the Red Cross have also opened a shelter at Third Coast Community Church on Blue Star Highway.
Residents using space heaters as an alternative source of heat are reminded to plug directly into an outlet and avoid using power strips or extension cords for fire safety.
Updates on the restoration and community support are being posted on the Fennville city website.
